Getting Started
Everything you need to know before your first appointment, all in one place.
What Happens After You Book
When you book online, you will get a confirmation with everything you need for your first visit. Before your first session, we will send you intake paperwork you can complete from home. Then you show up, however you are that day, and we take it from there. Our job is to make this an easy process for you.
Coverage and Payment for Services
We believe cost should never be the reason someone goes without support. Here is exactly how coverage works with us.
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Orlando Counseling Services, LLC accepts medicaid insurance for Greene, Allegheny, and Beaver Counties. We accept Washington county medicaid with prior authorization.
Insurance List:
Community Care BHO (CCBH)
UPMC for You
Highmark Wholecare
Amerihealth Caritas
PA Health Choices
Carelon (w/prior authorization)
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Orlando Counseling Services, LLC accepts commercial insurance for the following insurance providers:
Highmark / Blue-Cross Blue Shield
UPMC (commercial)
Aetna
Peak
United Health
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Do I need a physician referral?
In most cases, no. Under Pennsylvania HealthChoices and most commercial insurance plans, outpatient mental health services do not require a physician referral. Some commercial plans may require prior authorization — we will check your benefits and handle that process on your behalf before your first appointment.
What if I do not have insurance?
We offer self-pay rates for clients without insurance coverage. If cost is a barrier, contact us — we are committed to finding a path to care for every person who reaches out. You also have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected costs before your first appointment.
When will I be billed?
For insured clients, OCS submits claims directly to your insurance provider one to two days after each session. You are responsible for any applicable copay, coinsurance, or deductible as determined by your plan at the time of service. For self-pay clients, payment is due at the time of service. We will discuss your financial responsibility with you before your first appointment so there are no surprises.
Accepted Insurances
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For clients without insurance or who are paying out of pocket, our current rates are as follows:
Psychotherapy Services
• Intake Appointment — $275
• Individual Session (30 min) — $60
• Individual Session (45 min) — $80
• Individual Session (60 min) — $120
•Family/Couples Session (60 min) — $150
• Group Therapy (per 60 min) — $50
RISE Peer Support Services
• 15-minute meeting — $25
• 30-minute meeting — $50
• 45-minute meeting — $75
• 60-minute meeting — $100
• Psychoeducational Group (per 15 min) — $15
All self-pay clients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected costs before their first appointment.
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What if I can't afford these rates?
We will not turn someone away from care because of cost. If self-pay rates present a financial hardship, contact us directly and we will work with you on an income-based payment arrangement.
These arrangements are handled privately, individually, and without judgment. Reaching out is the first step — call us at (724) 618-4063 or email info@ocstherapy.com.
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Can I choose to pay out of pocket instead of using my insurance?
It depends on your insurance type.
If you have commercial insurance (such as Highmark, UPMC Health Plan, Aetna, or Cigna), yes — you may elect to pay self-pay rates rather than use your benefits. This requires a signed election form at the start of services. Some clients prefer this option for reasons of privacy or to avoid a mental health diagnosis being reported to their insurer. We will walk you through the process.
If you have Pennsylvania Medicaid (Medical Assistance), no — federal law prohibits Medicaid-enrolled providers from accepting self-pay from Medicaid beneficiaries for any service covered under your plan. If you have questions about what your Medicaid plan covers, we are happy to help you verify your benefits before your first appointment.
Will my rates ever change?
Our rates are reviewed periodically. If a rate change affects your services, we will notify you in writing no less than 30 days before the change takes effect. You will never be surprised by a rate increase without advance notice.