Who can I speak with regarding services you offer?
Please call our main number (321) 436-8445 for the Referrals Coordinator. If you reach someone other than the Referrals Coordinator, it is okay. Any staff member can answer your questions about our services.
Who can send in a referral for services?
We accept referrals from several sources. You can refer yourself or be referred by a parent, a school counselor, a physician, the Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Children and Families, Community Based Care of Central Florida, Children’s Medical Services, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, or Case Management Organizations.
How do I set up an appointment?
An Assessor/Case Manager will contact you within 48 hours to schedule an appointment, after the case has been assigned to a field staff. If this is an emergency please contact 911 or your local mental health hospital.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
Once the referral is processed and assigned to an Assessor and Case Manager, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment. Our staff offers flexible times such as evenings and weekend appointments.
What happens at the first appointment?
During the first appointment the assessor/therapist conducts an assessment. The purpose of this is to gather information, identify the presenting problem(s) and establish goals of treatment.
How long does treatment last?
Treatment length varies case by case depending on the severity of the presenting problems, and level of client/family participation. Treatment length is also contingent upon how many sessions the insurance company approves.
Do I have to pay for anything?
All services will be billed to your insurance company. In the event we cannot bill your insurance for any reason, you may be held liable for all charges.
Am I able to get counseling at home?
Sessions are held at either the client’s home, school/day care, or at any of our Central Florida office locations.
Can I receive more than one service?
Yes, however some services cannot be provided on the same day due to guidelines established by each insurance company/Medicaid funding source.
If a referral is made for substance abuse, can I still get mental health services?
Yes, you can receive both Substance Abuse and Mental Health services at the same time. However some services cannot be provided on the same day due to guidelines established by each insurance company/Medicaid funding source.
Does it make me a bad parent if I cannot handle my child?
The goal of services is not to identify if you are a bad parent or not. The goal is to determine the need and develop a plan of action that will eliminate the problem and build upon client strengths while developing skills that will allow the client and family to maintain stability and daily functioning.
Can I just see the psychiatrist for medication or do I also have to get therapy?
Research shows that therapy in conjunction with medication is more effective than therapy alone when necessary. Our Psychiatrist firmly supports this and will only prescribe medication in conjunction with therapeutic services when necessary.
What is the difference between Florida Medicaid and Florida Medicaid Developmental Disabilities Waiver?
Florida Medicaid covers medical and mental health services, where as, Florida Medicaid Developmental Disabilities Waiver covers services for people with developmental disabilities.
How can someone apply for the Florida Medicaid Waiver program for developmental disabilities?
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities is the agency that handles the Florida Medicaid Developmental Disabilities Waiver applications. You can reach district 7 (Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties) area office by calling (321) 436-8445. A representative will assist you with the application process.
Does Florida Medicaid pay for Autism therapy?
Florida Medicaid does not pay for Autism therapy.
However, Florida Medicaid Developmental Disabilities Waiver program covers services for individuals with Autism. Unlike Medicaid, this waiver program is not based on your income but is based on the developmental disabilities covered under the Florida States 393. “Developmental Disability” is a broad term that refers to a variety of conditions that interfere with a person’s ability to function in everyday activities. Chapter 393, Florida Statutes, defines developmental disabilities as Spina bifida, autism, cerebral palsy, Prader-Willi syndrome and mental retardation.
What is the Autisms insurance reform Law (aka Steven A Geller Autism Coverage Act)?
The autism insurance reform law provides that a health insurance plan issued or renewed on or after April 1, 2009 must provide coverage to an eligible individual for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. The law covers Autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, and Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified as defined in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association.
The autism insurance reform law specifically covers treatment of autism through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and applied behavior analysis (ABA). Certified behavior analysts, psychologists, clinical social workers, and others can provide ABA. Providers must be certified under s. 393. 17 (behavior analysts) or licensed under chapter 490 (psychological services) or chapter 491 (clinical, counseling, or psychotherapy services).
The law benefits children under 18 years of age or in high school who have been diagnosed as having a developmental disability at eight years of age or younger.
The autism insurance reform law does not apply to contracts provided to small employers (having 50 or fewer employees).
I have private insurance, why doesn’t my insurance cover Autism therapy?
The insurance that you purchase through your employer may not have the mandatory 50 people employed at your place of employment or when you chose the insurance plan for your family you may have chosen a plan that excluded Autism therapy. At your next open enrollment check with your Human Resources person or insurance agent for which policy covers Autism therapy that is available to you.
