Frequently Asked Questions
If you are interested in becoming a CPSD client, many common questions about getting started are answered here. (If you are a current client with questions, please visit the Current Clients page.)
How do I get an appointment?
Because we are a training clinic with a limited number of therapists, we require an application for services before booking you for an appointment. Call us at (804) 828-8069 if you need help with our online applications.
Why do I have to complete an application?
We want to make sure that we’re the right place to meet your needs. There may be individuals whose circumstances require a therapeutic approach or level of care that cannot be provided by a training clinic.
A phone pre-screening is required prior to being placed in our pool of applicants waiting for services. During this pre-screening process, if we determine that our clinic is not the best fit for you, we will offer you a referral.
In addition, we receive applications from far more people than we can serve. If we cannot meet your needs or you would prefer to be seen sooner than our schedule allows, we will provide you with a list of community resources at your request.
If we do have an opening, an assistant director will call you to discuss details.
What can I expect during my therapy appointments?
During your first visit, you will talk with your therapist about what’s bringing you in. Your therapist will discuss what you can expect from treatment and answer any questions. In early sessions, you and your therapist will work together to identify your goals for therapy.
In ongoing therapy, your progress will be monitored and your therapist may suggest changes to treatment based on that information. Your therapist may ask you to fill out forms about your symptoms or, with your permission, others who know you well might be asked about how they see you.
It is hard to predict how long therapy will last, but most of our clients are seen from between three to six months. How long you’ll stay in treatment depends on a lot of factors, including what you want to achieve. To learn more about therapy, please review How Does Therapy Work?
Do you accept my insurance?
Since we are a training clinic staffed by pre-licensed graduate students, we are not able to bill any insurance companies. All of our services are billed directly to the client. Check with your insurance provider about out-of-network coverage to see if you might be eligible to receive reimbursements for your services.
Though we never communicate directly with insurance companies, we are happy to provide you with the documentation needed for you to seek reimbursement.
How much do CPSD services cost?
We offer a generous sliding scale based on family income. If we have an opening for you, an assistant director will discuss fees during the first phone call. However, you can call us at (804) 828-1183 to ask about fees. More information is available on our Fees and Payments page.
Do I need to complete an assessment before beginning therapy?
The short answer is no. Assessment and therapy address different needs. Assessments involve an interview and one or two testing appointments. This process helps us efficiently gather a large amount of information to determine a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. A meeting to discuss the results is usually the end of your contact with the clinician.
Therapy, on the other hand, is treatment over a longer period of time. You do not need to complete an assessment before beginning therapy. Sometimes we may suggest this as a first step to help us better understand your strengths and needs or to clarify appropriate treatment goals.
Learn more on our Services page.
Where can I park?
Learn about our location and parking options on the Contact and Location page.
Can I get a prescription for medication from CPSD?
No. Since we do not have medical providers on staff, we cannot prescribe medication.