FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of common questions and answers below. If you don’t see your question addressed here, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly client services team. We’re here to assist you! Call us at (608) 742-5518 or email us at info@pauquette.com.

Do you take my insurance?

We work with a variety of insurance companies so that our patients are able to use their insurance plan.

Below is a list of insurances where at least some of our providers are credentialed. Please note that plans vary widely in terms of what and how much they cover. We will work with you to determine if you have benefits and what the anticipated cost to you will be prior to initiating services.

Please call your plan provider to verify coverage.

  • Anthem BC/BS
  • Champ VA
  • Dean
  • GHC South Central WI
  • GHC of Eau Claire
  • Health EOS
  • Health Partners
  • Humana
  • MercyCare
  • Molina
  • Multiplan/PHCS/HCN/AHC
  • Optum (UHC/UBH) United Health Plan / United Behavioral Health
  • UBH/UHC MA
  • Quartz
  • Security Health Plan
  • The Alliance/Auxiant/UMR
  • Tricare WEST
  • WellFirst (SSM Health Employees)
  • WPS/Arise
  • Medicaid/BadgerCare
  • Medicare

Please note that the specific insurances accepted by a provider can vary based on several factors, including:

  • Provider licensure
  • Insurance policy terms
  • Client age
  • In-person services  vs. Telehealth

What can I expect during my first appointment?

In your first therapy session, your therapist will likely ask you a lot of questions, some of which might seem a little out of the blue or not directly related to why you’re seeking therapy. This is a standard practice – they need to get a good understanding of your background and history, and really get to know you as a person. It’s also a way for them to make sure you feel comfortable and safe with them.

Can I schedule with whatever therapist I want?

Scheduling your appointments can depend on a few things, like your insurance, your age, and why you’re coming in. We also know that sometimes a therapist just isn’t the right fit, and that’s perfectly okay. If you ever feel that way, please don’t hesitate to talk to either your therapist or someone in client services – whoever you feel more comfortable with.

Can I do telehealth?

Yes, absolutely! All of our providers offer telehealth appointments. So, if you’re not feeling well but still want to keep your appointment, just give us a call and we can easily switch you to a telehealth session.

Why do you charge a late cancellation fee?

We have a late cancellation fee if you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice. We send out reminders 48 hours before your appointment by call, text, or email, so you’ll have plenty of time to let us know if you need to reschedule. Of course, we understand that things happen – sometimes you get sick unexpectedly or there’s an emergency. If that’s the case, just talk to your therapist directly and explain the situation. We just want to make sure we can fill that appointment slot if possible.

What if I don’t click with my therapist? Can I change to someone else?

If you ever feel like your therapist isn’t the right fit, please talk to either your therapist or someone in client services—whichever you’re more comfortable with.

Why is the wait longer if I can’t do telehealth?

Telehealth gives you access to therapists at all of our locations, not just the one closest to you. So, even if the therapists at your nearest office are booked up, there might be someone available much sooner at another location who offers telehealth. Basically, it opens up a lot more appointment options.

Do you offer a sliding fee scale?

We don’t currently offer a sliding fee scale, but we do offer a discount if you pay by the same day as your appointment.

I’m a divorced father and want to get counseling for my child, but I don’t want their mother to have access to any information about it. How does The Pauquette Center handle situations like this?

We understand that co-parenting after a divorce can be challenging, and sometimes one parent wants to pursue counseling for their child independently. However, state and federal laws require that both biological or adoptive parents have the right to access information about their minor child’s outpatient mental health or addiction counseling. When a child turns 14, they also have the right to express their preferences regarding parental access to their treatment information. It’s important to know that biological and adoptive parents always have the right to information about their child’s medical treatment, unless their parental rights have been legally terminated by a court.

I need a psychological evaluation for court as part of my divorce. Do you offer that kind of testing? (Or, more generally: Do you do psychological testing for legal reasons, like court orders, or for other concerns like ADHD, autism, or personality assessments?)

We do offer a variety of psychological testing and evaluation services. However, we currently don’t have a psychologist who can conduct evaluations that meet the specific requirements for court orders related to divorce proceedings. It’s also worth noting that while some insurance plans cover psychological testing, many don’t. Court-ordered evaluations, in particular, are often not considered “medically necessary” by insurance companies, so they typically aren’t covered.

My teenage daughter sees a therapist at The Pauquette Center, and I’m worried she might be using drugs. Can I talk to her therapist about this?

In Wisconsin, teens aged 12 and above for AODA and 14 and above for mental health treatment have certain confidentiality protections. This means the therapist can’t share information about your daughter’s treatment with you without her written permission. The best thing to do is to talk directly to your daughter’s therapist about your concerns. They can then work with you and your daughter to figure out the best way to address the situation. Sometimes, a family therapy session might be a helpful option.

I see you have psychiatric nurse practitioners on staff. How long does it usually take to get an appointment with one?

At The Pauquette Center, our primary focus is psychotherapy. We believe ongoing counseling is the most important part of treatment. While we do have a prescriber on staff, our policy is that all patients must first be evaluated by one of our therapists. The therapist will then determine if a referral to our in-house prescriber is appropriate. Because our prescriber works part-time, their schedule is often full. If medication is deemed a potentially helpful part of a patient’s treatment plan, the therapist will work with them to explore all available options, which might include their primary care doctor or other prescribers in the community, as well as our own prescriber.

My doctor referred me to The Pauquette Center for an ADHD evaluation. What does that involve?

Typically, an ADHD evaluation takes about two one-hour sessions. The first session is a clinical interview where we’ll discuss your symptoms and background. The second session involves some objective testing. After that, the evaluator will prepare a report for you and your doctor, outlining whether or not you meet the criteria for ADHD (combined type, primarily inattentive type, or another diagnosis).

I think my son, age 30, may have a drug problem. What can I do to help him?

If you are concerned about a family member who is not choosing to seek help at this time on their own, it could be helpful for you to come in and meet with a therapist yourself, to discuss ways to cope with your concern. Oftentimes, this type of concern can be addressed in just a few sessions. You are more than welcome to also help them make an appointment but they would be required to agree to the appointment.

My stepdaughter is having some significant behavioral issues. Do you have therapists who specialize in working with teens?

It’s important to know that Wisconsin regulations require a biological parent or legal guardian to bring anyone under 18 for treatment. There are consent forms and fee agreements that need to be signed at the first appointment. If, for any reason, your stepdaughter’s parent doesn’t agree that she needs counseling, we can still meet with you individually. We can work on improving your interactions with her and your partner, and help you navigate the challenges of step-family dynamics.

I see you have psychiatric nurse practitioners on staff. How long does it usually take to get an appointment with one?

At The Pauquette Center, our primary focus is psychotherapy. We believe ongoing counseling is the most important part of treatment. While we do have a prescriber on staff, our policy is that all patients must first be evaluated by one of our therapists. The therapist will then determine if a referral to our in-house prescriber is appropriate. Because our prescriber works part-time, their schedule is often full. If medication is deemed a potentially helpful part of a patient’s treatment plan, the therapist will work with them to explore all available options, which might include their primary care doctor or other prescribers in the community, as well as our own prescriber.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of common questions and answers below. If you don’t see your question addressed here, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly client services team. We’re here to assist you! Call us at (608) 742-5518 or email us at info@pauquette.com.

Do you take my insurance?

We work with a variety of insurance companies so that our patients are able to use their insurance plan.

Below is a list of insurances where at least some of our providers are credentialed. Please note that plans vary widely in terms of what and how much they cover. We will work with you to determine if you have benefits and what the anticipated cost to you will be prior to initiating services.

Please call your plan provider to verify coverage.

  • Anthem BC/BS
  • Champ VA
  • Dean
  • GHC South Central WI
  • GHC of Eau Claire
  • Health EOS
  • Health Partners
  • Humana
  • MercyCare
  • Molina
  • Multiplan/PHCS/HCN/AHC
  • Optum (UHC/UBH) United Health Plan / United Behavioral Health
  • UBH/UHC MA
  • Quartz
  • Security Health Plan
  • The Alliance/Auxiant/UMR
  • Tricare WEST
  • WellFirst (SSM Health Employees)
  • WPS/Arise
  • Medicaid/BadgerCare
  • Medicare

Please note that the specific insurances accepted by a provider can vary based on several factors, including:

  • Provider licensure
  • Insurance policy terms
  • Client age
  • In-person services  vs. Telehealth

What can I expect during my first appointment?

In your first therapy session, your therapist will likely ask you a lot of questions, some of which might seem a little out of the blue or not directly related to why you’re seeking therapy. This is a standard practice – they need to get a good understanding of your background and history, and really get to know you as a person. It’s also a way for them to make sure you feel comfortable and safe with them.

Can I schedule with whatever therapist I want?

Scheduling your appointments can depend on a few things, like your insurance, your age, and why you’re coming in. We also know that sometimes a therapist just isn’t the right fit, and that’s perfectly okay. If you ever feel that way, please don’t hesitate to talk to either your therapist or someone in client services – whoever you feel more comfortable with.

Can I do telehealth?

Yes, absolutely! All of our providers offer telehealth appointments. So, if you’re not feeling well but still want to keep your appointment, just give us a call and we can easily switch you to a telehealth session.

Why do you charge a late cancellation fee?

We have a late cancellation fee if you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice. We send out reminders 48 hours before your appointment by call, text, or email, so you’ll have plenty of time to let us know if you need to reschedule. Of course, we understand that things happen – sometimes you get sick unexpectedly or there’s an emergency. If that’s the case, just talk to your therapist directly and explain the situation. We just want to make sure we can fill that appointment slot if possible.

What if I don’t click with my therapist? Can I change to someone else?

If you ever feel like your therapist isn’t the right fit, please talk to either your therapist or someone in client services—whichever you’re more comfortable with.

Why is the wait longer if I can’t do telehealth?

Telehealth gives you access to therapists at all of our locations, not just the one closest to you. So, even if the therapists at your nearest office are booked up, there might be someone available much sooner at another location who offers telehealth. Basically, it opens up a lot more appointment options.

Do you offer a sliding fee scale?

We don’t currently offer a sliding fee scale, but we do offer a discount if you pay by the same day as your appointment.

My doctor referred me to The Pauquette Center for an ADHD evaluation. What does that involve?

Typically, an ADHD evaluation takes about two one-hour sessions. The first session is a clinical interview where we’ll discuss your symptoms and background. The second session involves some objective testing. After that, the evaluator will prepare a report for you and your doctor, outlining whether or not you meet the criteria for ADHD (combined type, primarily inattentive type, or another diagnosis).

I think my son, age 30, may have a drug problem. What can I do to help him?

If you are concerned about a family member who is not choosing to seek help at this time on their own, it could be helpful for you to come in and meet with a therapist yourself, to discuss ways to cope with your concern. Oftentimes, this type of concern can be addressed in just a few sessions. You are more than welcome to also help them make an appointment but they would be required to agree to the appointment.

My stepdaughter is having some significant behavioral issues. Do you have therapists who specialize in working with teens?

It’s important to know that Wisconsin regulations require a biological parent or legal guardian to bring anyone under 18 for treatment. There are consent forms and fee agreements that need to be signed at the first appointment. If, for any reason, your stepdaughter’s parent doesn’t agree that she needs counseling, we can still meet with you individually. We can work on improving your interactions with her and your partner, and help you navigate the challenges of step-family dynamics.

I see you have psychiatric nurse practitioners on staff. How long does it usually take to get an appointment with one?

At The Pauquette Center, our primary focus is psychotherapy. We believe ongoing counseling is the most important part of treatment. While we do have a prescriber on staff, our policy is that all patients must first be evaluated by one of our therapists. The therapist will then determine if a referral to our in-house prescriber is appropriate. Because our prescriber works part-time, their schedule is often full. If medication is deemed a potentially helpful part of a patient’s treatment plan, the therapist will work with them to explore all available options, which might include their primary care doctor or other prescribers in the community, as well as our own prescriber.

I’m a divorced father and want to get counseling for my child, but I don’t want their mother to have access to any information about it. How does The Pauquette Center handle situations like this?

We understand that co-parenting after a divorce can be challenging, and sometimes one parent wants to pursue counseling for their child independently. However, state and federal laws require that both biological or adoptive parents have the right to access information about their minor child’s outpatient mental health or addiction counseling. When a child turns 14, they also have the right to express their preferences regarding parental access to their treatment information. It’s important to know that biological and adoptive parents always have the right to information about their child’s medical treatment, unless their parental rights have been legally terminated by a court.

I need a psychological evaluation for court as part of my divorce. Do you offer that kind of testing? (Or, more generally: Do you do psychological testing for legal reasons, like court orders, or for other concerns like ADHD, autism, or personality assessments?)

We do offer a variety of psychological testing and evaluation services. However, we currently don’t have a psychologist who can conduct evaluations that meet the specific requirements for court orders related to divorce proceedings. It’s also worth noting that while some insurance plans cover psychological testing, many don’t. Court-ordered evaluations, in particular, are often not considered “medically necessary” by insurance companies, so they typically aren’t covered.

My teenage daughter sees a therapist at The Pauquette Center, and I’m worried she might be using drugs. Can I talk to her therapist about this?

In Wisconsin, teens aged 12 and above for AODA and 14 and above for mental health treatment have certain confidentiality protections. This means the therapist can’t share information about your daughter’s treatment with you without her written permission. The best thing to do is to talk directly to your daughter’s therapist about your concerns. They can then work with you and your daughter to figure out the best way to address the situation. Sometimes, a family therapy session might be a helpful option.

I see you have psychiatric nurse practitioners on staff. How long does it usually take to get an appointment with one?

At The Pauquette Center, our primary focus is psychotherapy. We believe ongoing counseling is the most important part of treatment. While we do have a prescriber on staff, our policy is that all patients must first be evaluated by one of our therapists. The therapist will then determine if a referral to our in-house prescriber is appropriate. Because our prescriber works part-time, their schedule is often full. If medication is deemed a potentially helpful part of a patient’s treatment plan, the therapist will work with them to explore all available options, which might include their primary care doctor or other prescribers in the community, as well as our own prescriber.