Hope Counseling Services, LLC

September 18, 2017 Re: ***To Whom It May Concern; I cannot respond with specifics, as no release was sent in the letter requesting my responseIn general, when a client presents for the intake session, the following is protocolI hand the client paperwork to be filled outI then
take the paperwork, take the insurance card and make copies of the insurance card (front and back)I then ask if their deductible has been met and like most clients, they believe their deductible has been metI outline who I am in network with and who I am not in network with once I look at the Insurance cardAs standard operating protocol, in cases like these, I state the following; I am not in network with *** *** ***, however, if I am told, "my deductible has been met", specifically "*** *** ***", I do not take payment at the time services are renderedI also remind the patient which is outlined in the Outpatient Contract which all patients sign and date, that they, not their insurance company is responsible for paymentAs a courtesy, I file the claims and wait until the Insurance summary is sent to our agencyAt that time, I contact the patient, and make them aware of what the Insurance has paid or not paidThis contact is done through text or a phone call, whichever they check on the paperwork as the best method to contact themI also verbally tell the patients, although it is posted in my office, the fees of my services.Also, when submitting claims, these claims are submitted electronically from a clearing houseThe length of time for the claims to be processed can take up to three weeksGiven client's financial struggles, I work with every patient and until I hear from the Insurance company of what is covered and what is not covered, I do not expect any payments until the Insurance company sends a summary of what is covered and what is not coveredOur agency sends out statements once a month with balances owedI also communicate this to the patients, via text, phone calls, and lettersAll these forms of communication were utilized so communication was clear.In most cases, a letter requesting payment is sent via text or letterThe letter is dated, and a statement like this is in letters, "if I do not hear back from you within two weeks from the date of this letter, you will be sent to collectionsI would suggest you call my office and make payment arrangements each month of (unidentified specified amount) until the account is paid in full". Most patients are diligent in paying their accounts and a warning letter motivates payment, however, there are a few that push the limits, (specifically time lines) and then seek a quick remedy because the protocol that is outlined is deemed "unfair"Generally speaking, clients who fail to make restitution are turned over to collectionsRestitution then turns to retaliation which is not an equitable remedy.Many patients will make payment after I have turned them over to collectionsThe standard operating procedure for this is; once payment has been received, there is a three-day grace period that allows the check to processOnce the check has cleared the bank, I will write a letter informing the patient their account is paid in full, a receipt is issued and the Collection Agency is notified after the check has cleared the bankIf a patient sends another identified person in (a biological parent, a significant other, sister) to pay their debt, I collect the check, write a receipt and contact the collection agency. If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me.Sincerely,Kelley MB*** *** *** ***

I have dealt with HOPE counseling numerous times in the pastHonestly to me they are a money scamThey use the court system to get people to us their services, then charge high prices and if you miss an appointment they charge you and you have to pay before you can rescheduleIn the classes you mostly just sit around and talk or watch filmsTotal waste of money and that's all HOPE is truly about $$$