Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we do.  At this time, Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates takes Aetna insurance, Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance, OPTUM/United Healthcare/United Behavioral Health and most OPTUM affiliates.  We are also an Out-Of-Network Provider for those who are on a PPO health plan for some other insurance company than Blue Cross.  For those without this insurance plan, or for those who prefer not to involve their insurance company for sessions, we provide the option for private pay. For more insurance information, check out our Guide to Checking Your Benefits and Understanding Your Deductible.

Each therapy session typically lasts 53 minutes.

Your first session is all about getting to know you and helping you feel comfortable. It’s a time for you to share what’s been on your mind and what brought you to therapy. Your therapist will ask questions to better understand your goals, challenges, and what you hope to achieve. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions, share any concerns, and discuss what therapy might look like moving forward. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood as we begin this journey together. For more information about what to expect in your first therapy appointment, check out our guide.

Scheduling an appointment with us is simple! You can either fill out the contact form on our website or give us a call at (978) 482-7351. Our friendly team is here to help and will guide you through selecting a time that works best for you. Whether you’re exploring in-person sessions at our Andover office or telehealth options, we’re happy to assist you in taking the first step toward your wellness journey.

The number of sessions varies based on each person’s unique needs and goals. For some individuals, acute concerns may be addressed within 6-8 sessions, which aligns with the national average. Others with chronic or ongoing challenges may benefit from 14 or more sessions. Additionally, many of our clients choose to continue therapy long-term as a form of self-care or to maintain their well-being. Whether you’re seeking short-term support or a longer journey, we’re here to tailor the experience to your preferences and needs.

We’re happy to offer both options to suit your needs! You can visit us in person at our Andover office or, if it’s more convenient for you, we also offer online telehealth services, so you can connect with your therapist from the comfort of your own home. Whether in-person or online, our goal is to make counseling accessible for you.

We understand that everyone has a different financial situation that may limit their flexibility to pay for these sessions, and are sympathetic to this issue. As a practice, we firmly believe that therapy should be accessible to everyone who wants or needs it. As such, we are always open to arranging a payment plan with all of our clients in order to spread the cost of your treatment over a period longer than the course of your treatment. If this is a concern of yours, please do not hesitate to contact us about this matter.

Our private pay rates vary depending on the type of therapy and the clinician you choose. For detailed information about our rates, including individual, couples, and family therapy, please visit our Counseling Fees page.

We provide a wide range of therapy services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients, including:

• Counseling for Adolescents
• Counseling for Addiction & Recovery
• Counseling for Anger and Self-Injury
• Counseling for Anxiety
• Counseling for Children
• Counseling for College-Age Adults
• Counseling for Couples
• Counseling for Depression
• Counseling for Eating Disorders
• Counseling for Families
• Counseling for Grief and Loss
• Counseling for Learning Disabilities
• Counseling for the LGBTQI+ Community
• Counseling for Stress Management

We want you to feel as comfortable as possible, so you’re welcome to select a specific clinician on our contact form if you have someone in mind. You can also request a male or female therapist, or let us know if you have no preference—whatever feels right for you! If you’re unsure, our team will carefully match you with a therapist who best suits your needs, ensuring you receive the support and care that aligns with your goals.

Our team is made up of highly trained and experienced mental health professionals with diverse qualifications to provide the best care possible. Our clinicians include:

• Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
• Doctoral-Level Psychologists (Psy.D)
• Mental Health Counselors with a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling

Each therapist brings specialized expertise in areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, couples counseling, and more, ensuring you receive personalized and professional support. For more details about our team, visit our Meet Our Clinicians page.

Why would someone choose to pay for their therapy sessions out-of-pocket?  There are numerous reasons one might consider not using their insurance to cover the expenses of therapy, but the most common one is that by taking private insurance, your privacy can be limited.  If a medical practitioner accepts insurance, the managed care companies require that a diagnosis immediately be made after the initial visit. The insurance companies then determine if the diagnosis is sufficiently severe enough for them to agree to pay for future visits, and for how many visits they will allow. This puts the client and the therapist in a difficult position, as this could mean that someone is unable to receive the treatment they need. Furthermore, the managed care companies then also have access and permission to view any of your therapy notes as they see fit.  These diagnoses can then become part of your long-term medical record which are subject to review by others in a number of different situations where the individual may not wish others to have this information.  Using your insurance to pay for your sessions may be the right option for you, but it is necessary that you are informed of the limits of your confidentiality when doing so.

Sometimes unavoidable situations happen and you may need to cancel your therapy appointment.  This is a normal part of life, and we completely understand.  However, we request that you notify us of your need to reschedule as soon as possible, so that we may offer the time to someone else who might benefit from it.  By notifying me 24 hours in advance of a missed or cancelled appointment, you can avoid the $175 missed appointment fee.

Yes, we are! If you are a licensed professional who is eager to help individuals, families, and couples lead happier and healthier lives, we would love to hear from you. Visit our Careers page to learn more about our culture and the benefits of working with Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates. Apply today!