Frequently Asked Questions

Length of Sessions
Fees
Insurance
No-Show and Cancellation Policy
Confidentiality Policy
Everything discussed in our sessions is strictly confidential. Information may be released without your written consent in the following circumstances:
Contacting Benta
I monitor my voicemail several times a day on weekdays, and also on weekends and holidays. If you need to contact me between sessions, please leave me a confidential voicemail message and I will respond as quickly as possible. You may also communicate with me via email; however, please note that I use email communication for appointment scheduling and not for longer therapeutic discussions.
Emergencies
If you experience a mental health emergency, please call 911, or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. You may leave me a voicemail message informing me that you are doing this if you wish. Do not use email to inform me of an emergency. In the event of a planned extended absence (e.g., vacation), I may arrange backup clinical coverage.
ACA's Code of Ethics mandates that all clinicians maintaining a website must list their state licensure board's website to protect consumer rights: www.dhp.virginia.gov/counseling
- Our counseling sessions will generally last for 55-60 minutes unless otherwise arranged. I also offer 90-minute sessions for couples and when using EMDR for trauma processing.
Fees
- While there is not a charge for check-in by phone, there is a charge for extended telephone consultations at my discretion.
- Payment will be collected at the end of each session, and you may pay by cash, check, or credit card (MasterCard & Visa).
- Checks should be made payable to Benta A. Sims, LPC. Receipts will be provided upon request.
Insurance
- As an "out-of-network" provder, I do not work directly with health insurance companies. If your health insurance carrier allows you to choose an out-of-network provider, as most PPO plans do, I can provide you with a statement of services to enable you to seek reimbursement from your carrier.
- Some questions that you can ask your health insurance carrier to clarify your coverage for out-of-network providers:
- Do I have mental health benefits?
- How much does my particular health insurance plan cover if I see an out-of-network provider?
- What is my deductible and has it been met?
- How many mental health counseling sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
- Is pre-certification required?
- How do I file my claims for reimbursement?
- If you wish, I will provide you with a monthly statement of services and fees paid, which you may then submit to your health insurance plan for possible reimbursement.
No-Show and Cancellation Policy
- Your appointment is reserved exclusively for you. Please notify me as soon as possible if you do not expect to attend your appointment. I require a 24-hour notice of cancellation.
- Appointments missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged the full session fee.
- Appointments cancelled prior to the 24-hour period will be rescheduled if possible, without penalty.
Confidentiality Policy
Everything discussed in our sessions is strictly confidential. Information may be released without your written consent in the following circumstances:
- You indicate that there is a serious danger of hurting yourself or others.
- There is a suspicion of child abuse or neglect, or abuse or neglect of an elderly or disabled adult.
- You are under the age of 16 and have been sexually or physically abused, raped, or the victim of another crime.
- The information is ordered by a court subpoena or parole officer.
- You require hospitalization.
Contacting Benta
I monitor my voicemail several times a day on weekdays, and also on weekends and holidays. If you need to contact me between sessions, please leave me a confidential voicemail message and I will respond as quickly as possible. You may also communicate with me via email; however, please note that I use email communication for appointment scheduling and not for longer therapeutic discussions.
Emergencies
If you experience a mental health emergency, please call 911, or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. You may leave me a voicemail message informing me that you are doing this if you wish. Do not use email to inform me of an emergency. In the event of a planned extended absence (e.g., vacation), I may arrange backup clinical coverage.
ACA's Code of Ethics mandates that all clinicians maintaining a website must list their state licensure board's website to protect consumer rights: www.dhp.virginia.gov/counseling