Synchrony of Visalia, Inc.
Healthy Families  ~  Healthy Communities
What insurances do you accept?
Synchrony therapists are on several different panels, including but not limited to Blue Cross, Blue
therapists can be seen out of network. We also are contracted to provide services to clients
referred from CVRC and Victims of Crime (VOC).

Will my insurance pay for Synchrony services?
If you have been referred to this office or are searching for a mental health provider and have
insurance, please contact your insurance carrier to verify that the therapist you wish to see is on
your plan.  Also become familiar with your specific mental health benefits, which can vary greatly
from your medical benefits. All insurances plans are different. It is crucial insurance benefits are
reviewed prior to the first appointment.

Do you take Medi-cal/ Medi-care?
No. We are not providers for Medi-cal/ Medi-care. However, people with Medi-cal
/Medi-care coverage are welcome at our
Low Cost Clinic

What is the difference between a MFT, LCSW, Psychologist and Psychiatrist?
MFT and LCSW's are master's level prepared clinicians that solely provide counseling and
intervention services. A psychologist is a doctoral level clinician trained in counseling and
intervention as well, however psychologists additionally have specialized training in assessment. A
psychiatrist is a medically trained professional that specializes in the chemical treatment of mental
disorders, and is the only licensed mental health professional capable of prescribing medication.

Are you accepting new clients?
Yes, we currently have providers that are accepting new clients at this time. Please contact us if
you would like more information.

How often should I make my appointments?
This decision should be made after consulting with your therapist. Generally, appointments are
scheduled once a week. Schedules are tailored to meet the clients individual needs. Appointments
will be scheduled accordingly.

What should I expect for my first visit?
On your first visit you will fill out an intake form and meet with your therapist for an intake interview.
During the interview, your therapist will explain the principles of confidentiality and answer your
questions in a safe environment. Your therapist will ask questions that review your history,
including physical and mental health, presenting symptoms, and goals for treatment.

How long should my treatment last?
Treatment length depends on individual factors, such as personal commitment and symptoms. This
decision should be decided with your therapist.

What should I do if I need to cancel?
If you miss a scheduled appointment or cancel an appointment less than 24 hours in advance you
will be charged for the session.  You may leave a message with the answering service should you
need to call after business hours.  Individuals in group therapy will be charged for all group
sessions while a member of the group, including failed appointments.

How long should my/my child's appointment last?
Appointments are generally scheduled for 50 minutes and must be canceled 24 hours in advance
to avoid being charged for the missed session. Assessment and testing appointments are often
scheduled for longer periods of time.  For some clients, shorter appointments can be arranged.

Is my treatment confidential?
Please review our HIPAA policies here.

Can you explain the psychological assessment process?
The psychological assessment process varies according to individual factors. The process is used
for the purposes of intellectual assessment, neurological screening, and/or diagnostic clarification.
At Synchrony, our therapists have been trained to use a wide variety of valid and reliable
assessment measures for these purposes. Our assessment measures have been validated on
clients of all ages, including the 0-5  population. We have the ability to conduct assessments in
both English and Spanish. The assessment process begins with an intake interview, and one or
more follow-up sessions for assessment instruments to be administered. The results of the
assessment will be compiled into a personalized report, which will be reviewed with the client in the
final session.

How can I use my report?
Your report can be used at your discretion in places such as the school system, workplace, and
with medical and mental health professionals. Our clients have also used their reports to gain
access to a variety of resources both in the community as well as Disneyland!

Do you conduct Bariatric screenings or pre-employment testing?
Yes we do. For more information on the assessment process, see above.

My child is under the age of 5, do you work with children that age?
Yes we do. For more information, please visit our Early Mental Health page.

Do you collaborate with community agencies? If so, how can we participate?
At Synchrony, community partnership is part of our mission statement. We value the opportunity to
work collaboratively within the community. We are currently in collaboration with over 50
community agencies. If you or your agency would like to collaborate with Synchrony, please
contact us at  
info@synchronyofvisalia.com. We look forward to the opportunity to expand our
community outreach.

Are you hiring?
Please see Employment Opportunities. Synchrony is not actively seeking new employees,
however, resumes with attached cover sheets can be submitted to
info@synchronyofvisalia.com.
Synchrony will be happy to review your resume/vita for agency compatibility.