Frequently Asked Questions

There are several ways to request an appointment. You can text or call (412) 935-8068, you can email surthriving@surthrvingpsychological.com, or you can request an appointment online by using the "Schedule an appointment" buttons found throughout the website, including at the bottom of this page. 

Click below for the map of the 43 states in which Dr. Angela is licensed to practice:

PSYPACTMap - Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) 

We offer standard therapy sessions Monday through Friday 7am - 2pm, with limited afternoon and evening appointments available by request. For individuals with higher access/care needs, we offer concierge therapy memberships at varying levels; see Insurance & Pricing section for details. All therapy appointment times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST). Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

At Surthriving Psychological, we can usually offer an initial appointment within 7 days, depending on your schedule. For ongoing appointments, your therapist will work with you to identify the best option based on your unique circumstances, ranging from once per week to once per month. 

Psychological testing is available for ADHD, Autism, personality disorders/features, and for general diagnostic purposes. All psychological testing fees include a clinical interview; test administration; evaluation report with results, diagnosis, and recommendations; and feedback session. Scoring, interpretation, and report writing will take approximately 6-8 weeks to complete. All psychological assessments are provided by licensed psychologists.

Fees for testing services are available in the Insurance & Pricing section of the website. We can submit the claim for testing services to your insurance company, but please be aware that you will be responsible for the remainder of the fee that is not covered, up to and including the full amount. Please confirm with your insurance carrier how much they will cover prior to testing. Cancellations with less than 72 hours' notice and/or no-shows will result in a fee equal to 75% of the testing fee and will be automatically charged to your payment card on file.

Please arrange to be available for a minimum 6 hours for the clinical interview and test administration. Unless otherwise asked by staff, please do not bring anyone with you to the office for the testing. Water, coffee, tea, and snacks are available in the office, but feel to bring any non-alcoholic beverages and/or food that you wish to have during the testing. 

PLEASE NOTE: Surthriving Psychological does not provide assessments for mandated/court-ordered testing; adoption/reunification testing; fitness for duty; forensic purposes; legal purposes; dementia/Alzheimer's; cognitive disorders; or for anyone under 18 years of age.

Yes, Surthriving Psychological is an LGBTQIA+ friendly practice. We provide a safe and welcoming environment for individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations. 

At Surthriving Psychological Services, we take your privacy seriously. All information shared in therapy sessions is confidential and will not be shared with anyone without your explicit consent, with a few exceptions: 1.) If you are in danger of hurting yourself or others; 2.) If abuse of a vulnerable individual is suspected (*vulnerable individuals include minors under the age of 18 years, persons living with a disability, and elderly individuals); and 3.) If we receive a court order or subpoena. Whenever possible, we will discuss the disclosure of information with you prior to the disclosure.

We use HIPAA-compliant technology to communicate with our clients through email and secure messaging. We use a HPAA-compliant electronic health record, Simple Practice, in which we store your private health information and meet for telehealth appointments.

Noise machines and soundproofing are in use in every office to provide further privacy while in session.

We are considered in-network for Highmark, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UPMC, Cigna, Aetna, Geisinger, and United/Optum. 

For any other insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, we can supply you with a superbill (an invoice with a list of services provided) that you may submit to your insurance plan for reimbursement of out-of-network expenses.

If you are using an insurance plan for which we are in network, your individual plan benefits will determine how much you will pay out of pocket. We strongly encourage you to check with your health plan prior to your first appointment. If you have a deductible to meet, you will be responsible for the full amount of the session up to $210, no exceptions.

All co-pays, deductibles, and out of pocket expenses will be automatically charged to the payment card on file, typically within 24-48 hours of your appointment. 

If you have a verifiable financial hardship, please contact us to explore whether a payment plan or sliding fee scale could help.

Self-pay options are available, and the cost is determined by the type of appointment, the length of the appointment, and the credentials of the provider.

Surthriving Psychological does not provide services for, and/or related to:

• Mandated/court-ordered therapy
• Adoption/reunification therapy
• Individuals younger than 14 years of age
• Active substance dependence
• Legal matters
• Severe eating disorders

Surthriving (pronounced sir-thrive-ing) is more than just a word to generate questions. It grew out of a lifetime of lived experiences that culminated in a philosophy that acknowledges and accepts that adversity is a part of life. At times, we will be challenged in ways that we feel ill-equipped to handle and will struggle to just survive the day. Some days we will feel at the top of our game and thriving in our lives. The concept of "surthriving" embraces both the surviving and thriving ends of a continuum (and everything in between) that ebbs and flows throughout our lives. Through ongoing reflection, authentic connection, and a growth mindset, we come to understand that much like the legendary Phoenix, the potential for significant change and new beginnings exists after periods of survival, and, indeed, may arise from the ashes of the challenges that necessitated survival. 

Don't just survive the tough times...thrive because of them.