Patient information
No surprises — just answers
Insurance, payment, and what to expect from your first visit.
New patients: start with a short form
Four steps, about two minutes. You share your contact details, how you want to meet, and your insurance company name. Susan uses it to contact you and set up your first appointment.
Insurance
North Shore Counseling accepts most major insurance plans.
Insurance plans and provider networks change from time to time. Before your first appointment, please call your insurance company using the member services number on the back of your card to confirm your coverage. You can also call us at (347) 356-3943 and we will help you verify your coverage.
3 questions to ask your insurance company
- 1Is Susan Stallone-Schmid, LCSW, CASAC in-network for my plan?
- 2What is my copay or deductible for outpatient mental health visits?
- 3Is there a limit on the number of sessions covered per year?
The phone number for member services is on the back of your insurance card.
Paying without insurance
You may also choose to pay for sessions without using insurance. If you are uninsured or choose not to use your insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges before your care begins.
Intake forms
Please call the office at (347) 356-3943 with any questions about paperwork before your first visit.
Your right to a Good Faith Estimate
Under the No Surprises Act, you can get a written estimate of your expected costs before your first session — so there are never billing surprises.
Common questions
- What happens at the first session?
- The first session is a conversation. Susan will ask about what brings you in, listen to what is going on in your life, and answer any questions you have. Together you will decide what you want to work on. There is nothing to prepare — just come as you are.
- Is what I share confidential?
- Yes. What you discuss in counseling is confidential, with a few legal exceptions that Susan will explain clearly at your first session — for example, if there is a risk of serious harm to you or someone else.
- Do you see teenagers?
- Yes. Susan has extensive experience working with both adolescents and adults.
- How long are sessions, and how often will we meet?
- Session length and frequency depend on your needs and schedule. Susan will discuss this with you at your first appointment, and you can adjust together as you go.