Frequently Asked Questions
Ascend Psychological Services, PLLC offers a safe, secure, and private place to discuss a variety of issues one-on-one with a trained, experienced, clinician. This page answers some basic questions about our practice.
General Questions
Do you prescribe medications?
No. But with our clients’ authorization, we can work closely with prescribing physicians to better help our mutual clients.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and psychological assessment (aka psychological evaluation)?
Psychotherapy and psychological assessment have different purposes. Generally speaking, psychotherapy tries to solve a client’s problems whereas psychological assessment tries to figure out what is going on. However, psychotherapy and psychological assessment typically begin the same way.
Whenever a client enters psychotherapy, the counselor does an intake assessment. This assessment is basically an interview about the client’s background and presenting problem. Afterward, the client and counselor work together on an ongoing basis to address the presenting complaint. A psychological assessment also asks about the client’s background and presenting problems; however, the assessment tends to be more thorough and include one or more standardized tests. Based on this information, the psychological assessment answers certain question (such as “Do I have ADHD?” or “Does my child have autism?”). The assessment then makes recommendations, but usually, the client and evaluator do not work together after that.
What are your normal business hours?
Does my insurance cover mental health services?
Insurance often pays for mental health services, but it depends on your individual plan and what counselor you work with. Some of the insurances accepted at Ascend include, but are not necessarily limited to:
Medicaid
Medicare
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Self-Pay
Tri-Care
If you have questions about your insurance and other billing questions, please call (704) 279-0626 , or email Michele at [email protected]
What other payment options do you offer?
For self-pay clients, individual psychotherapy, couples counseling, family counseling, psychological assessments, and legal proceedings (such as preparing and testifying for court) rates are negotible. Reduced rates may be available, under certain circumstances.
If scheduling allows, Dr. David Maxwell is also willing to travel to jails, detention centers, and other institutions in order to conduct psychological assessments.
Currently, Ascend accepts the following payments; cash, check, Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, NC Health Choice and other insurances.
Self-pay clients are asked to pay at time of appointment. Please make check payable to Ascend Psychological Services. There is a $25 for a returned check fee.
Services we do not provide at this time
- So-called “conversion therapies” for same-sex sexual orientations.
- Hypnosis, EMDR, and Biofeedback. These are all legitimate interventions that Dr. Maxwell does have familiarity with, but not training to do himself.
- Treatment specifically for eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. However, Dr. Maxwell can be of some assistance for people undergoing bariatric surgery, either for pre-operation assessment, or supportive counseling.
- Sex-Offender evaluations or Sex-offender rehabilitation therapy.
Still Searching for an Answer?
If you don’t see an answer to your specific question, please contact us via the contact form below or Call (704) 279-0626
