Frequently Asked Questions

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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:

PSYPACTMap - Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) 

We offer therapy sessions Monday through Thursday 8am - 5pm and Friday 8am - 4pm, with limited evening appointments available. All therapy appointment times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST). Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Yes, Surthriving Psychological is an LGBTQIA+ friendly practice. We provide a safe and welcoming environment for individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for every person, regardless of background.

At Surthriving Psychological, we do not have a waitlist and can usually offer an initial appointment within 1 - 2 weeks, 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 two times per week to once per month. 

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 HSA/credit/debit 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 could help.

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.