Employed by a local human services agency as an intake interviewer.
Assume you are employed by a local human services agency as an intake interviewer. How do you answer the following questions that your client has during the initial meeting? For this forum, your initial response can be formatted in bullet points to address each question. Be sure to also provide justification for your response.
How often will I come to see you?
Can I reach you after the center closes?
What happens if I forget an appointment?
Is what I tell you confidential?
What if I have an emergency?
How will I know when our work is finished?
What will I be charged for services?
Will my insurance company reimburse me?
Sample Solution
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How often will I come to see you?
- This will depend on your specific needs and the services we develop together in our plan. (Explanation: Individual needs vary, and transparency about the frequency is key.)
- We will discuss a schedule that works for you during our initial assessment and review it regularly. (Explanation: Client comfort and collaboration are important for successful outcomes.)
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Can I reach you after the center closes?
- I won't be available for extended sessions after hours, but I can offer resources and contact information for urgent needs. (Explanation: Setting boundaries while offering support demonstrates professionalism.)
- In case of emergencies, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency
Full Answer Section
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- department. (Explanation: Safety is a priority, and clients should be aware of emergency protocols.)
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What happens if I forget an appointment?
- We'll both receive appointment reminders. A courtesy call before the session is appreciated, but not mandatory. (Explanation: Reminders help, but client circumstances are acknowledged.)
- We can reschedule your appointment based on my availability. (Explanation: Maintaining flexibility fosters client engagement.)
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Is what I tell you confidential?
- Yes, with some exceptions mandated by law, such as danger to yourself or others, or suspected child abuse. (Explanation: Confidentiality is essential for trust and open communication. Legal limitations must be outlined.)
- We will review the confidentiality policy together during this intake session. (Explanation: Transparency builds trust and avoids misunderstandings.)
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What if I have an emergency?
- If it's a life-threatening situation, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department. (Explanation: Safety is paramount, and emergency protocols should be reiterated.)
- For non-emergencies after hours, I can provide you with a list of resources and crisis hotlines. (Explanation: Offering alternative support demonstrates concern for client well-being.)
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How will I know when our work is finished?
- We will collaboratively set goals and regularly assess progress. (Explanation: Shared goals and progress tracking empower clients.)
- Therapy is complete when you feel you've achieved your goals and have the tools to manage challenges independently. (Explanation: Focuses on client-centered approach and self-sufficiency.)
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What will I be charged for services?
- We will discuss fees during this intake and explore options such as sliding scales or insurance coverage. (Explanation: Financial transparency is important to avoid surprises.)
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Will my insurance company reimburse me?
- It depends on your specific insurance plan. I can provide you with a billing code to inquire with your provider. (Explanation: Client's insurance is their responsibility to check, but you can assist with initiating the process.)