Clinic FAQs

Family Services of the Merrimack Valley > Emotional Wellness > Clinic FAQs

What will happen when I call Family Services?

Our intake coordinator will take some basic information – your name, address, date of birth, insurance information – and will ask you a few questions about why you are calling to see a therapist. The intake coordinator will make every effort to schedule an appointment during your first phone call.

How will I pay for services?

Most services are paid for by your insurance. If you have a co-pay, it must be paid the day of your appointment. The intake coordinator will discuss any co-pays with you when you first talk by phone.

Individuals with or without insurance may qualify for our sliding fee scale. The fee is based on family size and income.  You will need to bring in your most recent W-2, paystubs, tax returns, or letter from employer or a signed statement” are also acceptable.  The office staff will discuss your payment amount with you. No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay.

What insurance do you accept?

Family Services is a provider for the following insurances as well as many others:

  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield
  • Mass Health
  • Harvard Pilgrim
  • Tufts
  • Network Health
  • Neighborhood Health
  • Boston Medical Health Plan
  • Fallon
  • Unicare

I want my child to be in therapy. What will the therapist do?

Therapy with young children is different than therapy with adults. Most adults participate in “talk therapy” in which they and their therapist discuss issues and brainstorm strategies to deal with them, children participate in talk, play and expressive therapy. Play therapy is play with a purpose. Play therapy allows children to express themselves and their feelings in a non-threatening way. Play and expressive therapy can include play with toys, art supplies, music and movement. Therapy with adolescents can include both talk and play and expressive therapy depending on the preferences of the clients. Your child’s therapist will discuss behavioral interventions with you and will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.

What should I do before I come in for my first appointment?

You may download the forms below which you will need to bring with you for your first appointment. Please complete the appropriate Personal Information and Medical History Form and a Treatment Agreement form. These forms provide our office and your clinician with important information to help make treatment effective.

Forms can be found here:

It’s often easier to fill out these forms before you arrive at the office. If you can’t fill out these forms before your first appointment, please try to arrive at Family Service fifteen minutes before the start of your appointment to give you time to fill them out at the office (you will receive the forms when you arrive here).

If you have any questions about the forms, the front desk staff or your therapist will be happy to speak to you about them.

What happens at my first appointment?

When you first arrive at Family Services, you will complete our intake forms. Once you have completed the forms, you will meet with your therapist. You and your therapist will review the forms and your therapist will answer any questions you may have about them. Your therapist will then begin to talk to you about your reasons for coming to Family Services. Your therapist may ask you questions about your family, your job and your history. This information is important in helping your therapist understand you and your unique story.

Will I feel better right away?

Probably not, but many people do report that just being able to talk to someone that really listens and does not judge them helps them feel somewhat better.

is not advice. Therapy helps you rediscover your own voice and supports you as you make the changes and adjustments that will help improve your life and relationships.

is not instantaneous. Psychotherapy is an ongoing, collaborative process. You and your therapist will brainstorm ways to make changes. It is up to you to work on these changes and to discuss with your therapist what is helpful and what is not