Frequently asked questions.

Below, you will find a list of some of our most commonly asked questions! Can’t find the information that you’re looking for? No problem, shoot us a quick email and we will get right back to you!

How do I get started?

Yay, for taking the first step towards feeling better! We are glad that you have decided to explore how therapy/counseling can help you. To get started, simply fill out our Appointment Request Form and we will keep you updated of the status of your request, every step of the way!

What are the session fees?

Effective July 2022 our fee schedule is as follows:

Comprehensive Clinical Assessment- $175.00

53-60 minute Individual Counseling Session- $165.00

45 minute Individual Counseling Session- $125.00

30 minute Individual Counseling Session- $100.00

53-60 minute Family Therapy Session- $165.00

What are the addresses to your office locations?

Apex Office- 800 W. Williams Street, Ste 280 Apex, NC 27502 (located on the second floor of the Peakway Market Square- access to the second floor can be found to the left of Sola Salon. Free parking can be accessed in the front or rear of the building!

Sanford Office- 2515 Watson Avenue, Ste 111 Sanford, NC 27332 (located on the corner of Watson Avenue & Trade Street)- our entrance is located on the Trade Street side! Free parking is available in the Public Parking diagonal from Watson Avenue or street parking is also allowed on Trade Street.

How can I get in contact with someone at the practice?

General Contact Information

Email- support@peakprofessionalgroup.com

Phone/Text- 919-800-8114

Fax- 919-355-5694

Mailing Address: 800 W. Williams Street, Ste 280 Apex, NC 27502

Practice Administrator (billing questions, general administrative questions):

Calina Childs- calina@peakprofessionalgroup.com 919-800-8114 (Call or Text)

Intake Coordinator (questions about getting started):

Hannah Daugherty- hannah@peakprofessionalgroup.com 984-

Clinical Supervisor (clinical concerns)-

Pendy Payne, LCSW- pendy@peakprofessionalgroup.com

School-based Therapy Program Supervisor (questions regarding our school-based counseling services in Chatham & Wake Counties)

Laurie MacDonald, LCSW- laurie.m@peakprofessionalgroup.com

Practice Owner (all things related to Peak Professional Group, PLLC)

Samantha Mahon, LCMHCS- sam@peakprofessionalgroup.com 919-412-5685

Do you accept Insurance?

We are happy to report that we are in-network providers for the following insurance plans:

  • Alliance Health Plan (Medicaid)

  • Aetna (including EAPs)

  • Amerihealth Caritas (Medicaid)

  • BCBS (we are Clear Pricing Providers for the State Health Plan too!)

  • Carolina Complete Health (Medicaid)

  • Cigna (including EAPs)

  • Friday Health Plan

  • Healthy Blue (Medicaid)

  • Humana Military (Tricare)

  • Optum/United Healthcare/UMR (including EAPs)

  • Oscar Health

  • Wellcare (Medicaid)

  • Vaya Health (Medicaid)

How do I find out what my insurance covers?

The easiest way to find out what your insurance covers for behavioral health benefits is to contact your insurance company directly to ask them. You can reference the following CPT (treatment) codes to get an idea of what your insurance company will pay.

90791- Assessment

90837- 53-60 min individual psychotherapy session

90834- 45 min individual psychotherapy session

90832- 30 min individual psychotherapy session

90847- Family session with client (also known as couples or family therapy)

90846- Family session without client

99404- EAP code for some insurance plans

*while we do our best to verify a potential client’s benefits and coverage, it is ultimately the responsibility of the identified client (or guardian) to verify this information. If you have questions about your coverage, you can email us at support@peakprofessionalgroup.com

What payment options do I have?

We are dedicated to helping make counseling/therapy affordable for everyone. We accept the following forms of payment (using our secure online portal): all major credit cards including HSA accounts, checks (made payable to Peak Professional Group) and even Venmo (@P27502). We offer convenient payment arrangements for those who need it as well! Feel free to reach out to our billing department with any concerns or questions that you may have!

How should I prepare for my initial appointment?

The initial session is called an Assessment (Comprehensive Clinical Assessment) and during this time, you and your provider will be assessing your current situation or challenge. While many expect “therapy” to begin at that time, it is best to know that this first session is about getting to know each other, making sure everyone is a good fit and identifying what the underlying problems are. We will ask you a series of questions as a way to uncover what is going on and we encourage each client to be open to this process!

What if my therapist and I aren’t a great fit?

If you find that you and your provider are not a good “therapeutic match” for whatever reason, it is recommended to first discuss this with your provider who may be ablet to adjust the way they are working with you. In the event that you are not comfortable with this, we suggest that you reach out to our practice administrator who can help you determine the next best course of action. You can also contact our clinical supervisor and/or practice owner to discuss this (see contact list above)

What is your policy regarding late cancellations and No Shows?

Once an appointment is scheduled, that time is reserved exclusively for you. If you are unable to keep the appointment, please provide at least 24-hour notice so that you will not be charged the $70.00 cancellation fee (excluding Medicaid) and that time can be made available to someone else. We will waive that fee in the case of emergencies (e.g.) death in the family, contagious illness, unsafe driving conditions).

Please note that we will not make exceptions for situations such as lack of babysitter, forgotten appointment or a sudden business meeting or time conflict.

Do you offer reduced rates or probono counseling?

For potential clients who find themselves under-insured or without insurance, we offer an adjusted fee schedule to accommodate those needs. Our reduced rates (for those who qualify) are as follows:

Assessment- $85.00

60 min individual session- $70.00

45 min individual session- $55.00

30 min individual session- $45.00

We offer probono counseling and highly reduced fees through our clinical internship program. Clinical interns are Master’s Level practitioners who are completing this internship as part of their University’s requirements for graduation. Each clinical intern is supervised by an identified clinician within the practice! To learn more about this program- fill out our Appointment Request Form to get started!

Do you offer medication management services?

At this time, we do NOT offer medication management services. If this is a service that you are interested in exploring, ask your provider and they may be able to offer you information on identifying the best fit for you!

What services do you currently offer?

We currently offer individual, couples & family counseling/psychotherapy services, school-based counseling in Chatham County & Wake County, Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) and Clinical Hypnosis. We offer in-person services and online (telehealth) services as well (depending on availability). Click here to get started!

Will I get a mental health diagnosis if I use my insurance?

In order to file a claim with your insurance company, they will need a diagnostic code that meets medical criteria for the services rendered. This mental health diagnosis becomes part of your permanent medical record. We will discuss and inform you of any relevant or applicable diagnosis. Please consider this information when determining whether private pay, or filing with your insurance, is the desired payment option for you. A diagnosis can also be provided, upon request, for clients participating in private pay sessions.

How long will treatment last?

Treatment length varies and depends largely on your therapeutic goals. You may prefer brief, solution-focused methods and can enjoy "results" in 4-6 weeks. Practicing & learning new skills are likely to bring results even after your first session. You may also utilize these visits as a way to explore and brainstorm ideas, thoughts, and beliefs or face larger, more complex issues while utilizing therapeutic benefits for a longer period of time.

We often lightheartedly say to our clients, "Our best day is when you come in and fire us." This means that you have courageously engaged in treatment and have found whatever it is you were seeking. In accomplishing what you were striving for, you can now enjoy a life of freedom and balance. The achievement of this state of healing will vary for each person. For each individual, the amount of time it takes to find that place of peace is different.

Do you offer court appearances and/or legal testimony?

We know that life can get complicated and there are times when our clients are called into court. Yes, we will make court appearances & provide testimonies under subpoena in Wake County at the rate of $350.00/hour.. Appearances outside of Wake County will incur additional fees. If we are providing treatment, we do not make custody determinations as this often impedes the therapeutic process.