Information for Clients | Mental Health Advocates

Client Resources

The mission of Mental Health Advocates, LLC is to deliver compassionate, high quality mental health services to the State of Virginia through the cooperative efforts of our therapists and staff. Additionally, we strive to strive to support the profession of mental health by providing quality training and experience for masters level interns and masters level graduates working towards licensure.

Who is MHA?

The staff at Mental Health Advocates are a team of psychotherapists with diverse training and background that can offer a wide range of specialties and treatment modalities to support a person-centered approach to mental and behavioral healing.
What happens after I book an appointment?

Once an appointment is scheduled, and the psychotherapist confirms the appointment, you will receive an email confirmation and link to complete all consents and forms online (they will take about 30 minutes to complete). It could take up to one day to have the appointment confirmed because while our clinicians are working, they cannot look at their calendar. The forms must be completed at least 24 hours prior to your confirmed session, or the session will be automatically cancelled. These forms contain the consent forms required by law, as well as information about your needs. We do have reminders turned on, so you should get an email or text reminder at least 2 days prior to appointment. As a note, you do have to authorize text reminders and appointment reminders. Please look for those options when setting up your appointment.
How much time do I have to cancel an appointment without being charged a fee?

You can cancel an appointment up to 24 hours in advance without incurring a fee. If you cancel less than 24 hours prior to your confirmed appointment or do not show, you will be automatically charged a fee. This fee will be charged automatically to your credit card. If payment does not go through, you will have to settle your account prior to scheduling your next appointment.
Can I contact my clinician in between sessions?

Yes, there is a secure messaging option in the client portal. Please remember, when the clinicians are working with clients, they are not checking their calendars or messaging. Additionally, they cannot see the messages after their working hours. The messaging is also not used for "therapy" but rather as a quick way to contact your clinician for admin information or brief exchanges.
What if I have an emergency?

MHA is an outpatient group practice and not set up for emergency services. We have no staff or clinicians monitoring calls or messages after hours. If you need emergency services please go to a local emergency room or call Crisis Services: Henrico 804-727-8484 ; Hanover 804-365-4252 ; Richmond 804-819-4100; Chesterfield 804-748-6356
Is my psychotherapist available after hours?

No, like many people in helping professions, they set their schedule to match their needs. Some of them work with MHA part time and have second jobs or additional schooling.
Will MHA bill my insurance company for me?

Yes, if MHA has a contract with the payor, we will bill automatically after the session is complete. You can see a list of contracted payors to the right.
How long will it take to get things settled with the insurance company?

Typically billing takes 14 - 30 days to process the claim. Once the insurance processes the claim, they will notify MHA within a week, and make payment directly.
Can I get services if you do not accept my insurance?

Absolutely. You will be considered self-pay. You will make payment at the time of service and a "superbill" will be provided with all codes necessary for the insurance company. You can then direct the bill to your insurance company. We cannot guarantee reimbursement because we don't have access to your policy requirements for copay or deductibles.
What forms of payment do you accept?

You can pay with debit, credit, or HSA/FSA cards. We do not accept cash or traveler's checks.
What if I cannot afford to pay at the time of appointment?

If you cannot afford to pay at the time of service, your appointment will need to be rescheduled. Fees, including self-pay, copays, deductibles or coinsurance fees, must be paid at time of service. If you are attending groups, your account must be up to date.
Can you tell me how much I will pay prior to services?

Yes. Our self-pay rates are to the right. If you have insurance, once you schedule your appointment, we will verify any copay, coinsurance, or deductibles that might be due. You can also call member services and verify your benefits. Your insurance company will need to know our NPI: 1629804315 Your insurance company will need to know a couple of CPT codes: 90791 and 90837
Is there a late cancellation or no-show fee if I have Medicaid or Virginia Premier?

No, but MHA's policy is that if you cancel late or are a no show 3 times, then you are automatically discharged from our programs.

Health plans accepted:

Approved Payors - Feel free to call your member services to confirm. Our NPI is 1629804315.

Aetna

Medicare

Medicaid

PENDING

- Elevance / Anthem / Blue Cross ... pending

- Cigna .... pending

- Optum / United Healthcare .... pending-

- Molina Medicaid .... pending

- Optum Health Medicaid... pending

.... we are pending approvals.... (hopefully by May 2025)

(updated 4.5.2025)

Fees for Service

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Mental Health Counseling - work with a Licensed Counselor

$135 (Clinical Assessment)

$135 (Follow up sessions, 55 minutes)

Mental Health Counseling - work with our

Pre-Licensed Counselor(s)

$50 (Clinical Assessment)

$50 (Follow up sessions, 55 minutes)

ADHD Testing (2 appts required) - work with any counselor, self-pay, no insurance billed.

$135 (Clinical Interview/Testing, 50 minutes)

$135 (Follow up/Education, 30 minutes)

Solution Focused Marriage Counseling - work with any counselor

$135 (Clinical Interview/Testing, 55 minutes)

$135 (Follow up/Education, 55 minutes)

LPC - Resident in Counseling Supervision

Work with Jennifer as your supervisor - $75 per hour

6 week - Executive Dysfunction Group

$30 per group (each week) - self-pay

** Starting April 3, 6pm 1.5 hrs

We are just waiting to get at least 4 people registered.

Marriage Workshop - 8 hours

$100 per couple.

March... final date pending