Frequently Asked Questions
What counseling services does TLC Center provide?
The counseling services provided through TLC Center include Individual, Couples, Family, and Child Counseling. Sometimes, more than one mode of counseling may be utilized during the counseling process. For example, couples counseling may also involve several individual sessions with each partner, or family sessions may be recommended during the counseling process with a child or adolescent. Your counselor will discuss each step of the process with you.
It is helpful at the time of the phone intake with the TLC Center office staff to provide some information about the presenting problem so that the most appropriate counselor can be selected to help you and/or your family.
What if I want to obtain counseling for my child?
Consent for treatment of children can only be given by the custodial parent or guardian. In cases of marital separation or divorce, TLC Center requests the consent of both parents whenever possible. A form will be sent to the parent/guardian to authorize treatment which also requests the most recent custodial orders be provided.
How long does a therapy session last?
A typical counseling session is 53-55 minutes long. However, there are some insurances that only cover a 45 minute session. We ask that you arrive for your appointment prepared to engage in your session, as this is time that we have dedicated to you. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, it may be rescheduled.
What are Tranquil Life Counseling Center's office hours?
The TLC Center offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in our Hiram location only. During these hours, our administrative staff can answer your questions related to:
Billing
Payments
Insurance reimbursement
Scheduling appointments
Directions to the TLC Center offices
Each Clinician has their own regularly scheduled office hours that may be outside of these time frames and scheduling can be discussed with your individual counselor.
What are the fees & payments?
Please keep the following in mind regarding payment:
Tranquil Life Counseling Center’s financial policy includes the belief that the commitment to your treatment will be improved by understanding fee requirements prior to the first session. Please note, the use of direct insurance reimbursement for payment must be verified by the administrative staff prior to the first appointment. Tranquil Life Counseling Center expects payment in full or payment of the co-pay at the start of each session.
Tranquil Life Counseling Center accepts credit card payments via HSA/HFA, VISA, MasterCard, Discover & American Express. We will also accept cash, however please be aware that we may not have change available and overpayment can be applied to your next session. Any payment disputes with credit card companies will be assessed a $15 processing fee.
Each Clinician at Tranquil Life Counseling Center reserves the right to charge a missed appointment fee of $50 for any appointments canceled with less than 24-hours notice. Clients or their responsible parties have the ultimate responsibility for payment if there is a problem with insurance reimbursement or if incorrect information is provided during the insurance verification process.
Can my counselor go to court for me?
Currently, none of our clinicians are trained or certified as custody evaluators and cannot provide recommendations in child custody cases. If therapist is subpoenaed or asked to testify in court, there will be a charge of $350 per hour for every hour the therapist is at court with a minimum of 4 hours. This fee must be paid at least 1 week prior to the scheduled court date and is non refundable.
How do I schedule appointments?
After your initial session at Tranquil Life Counseling Center, it is suggested that you schedule your next few sessions in advance to avoid scheduling difficulties. Evening hours as well as the early morning hours are the most in demand by clients. Appointments are scheduled with the administrative staff at the front desk. You may also schedule an appointment during normal business hours by calling (678)896-8959.
What is the cancellation policy?
Due to blocking this time specifically for you, we have a 24 hour cancellation policy. It is your responsibility to cancel this appointment at least 24 hours prior to the start time of your appointment or you will be charged a $50 cancellation fee. This fee is not covered by insurance and will be your responsibility and will be due prior to your next scheduled appointment. All no shows and cancellations that are not rescheduled AND ATTENDED in the same week will be charged a $50 cancelation fee using the credit card on file. For the individuals who have insurances that prohibit cancelation fees, a rotating 90-day calendar will be used and 2 no show or late cancellations will result in being discharged from service. If discharged due to no show or late cancellations, you will not be eligible to restart services for a period of 6 months.
What if I have a change of address, phone number, or insurance information?
Any change in address, phone number, or insurance should be reported to the Tranquil Life Counseling Center administrative staff as soon as possible.
Does Tranquil Life Counseling Center take emergency phone calls?
A Tranquil Life Counseling Center mental health professional is on call for emergency coverage during business hours. On weekends and holidays, Tranquil Life Counseling Center advises you to go to your nearest emergency room, or call crisis intervention at the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (800)715-4225 which is staffed by licenced mental health professionals 24 hours per day.
For general questions and non-emergency issues regarding appointments or fees, please use the voice mail system. Leave your name and number and one of our office staff will return your call as soon as possible.
Does the Tranquil Life Counseling Center office close for bad weather?
Tranquil Life Counseling Center strongly believes in protecting the welfare of our clients. Therefore, in times of bad weather or other special circumstances, Tranquil Life Counseling Center may decide to close the office. If there is a question about whether or not the office is closed, please call the general office number (678)896-8959. In general, our offices will follow the local county’s closure status. For the Hiram office, we will close if Paulding County School System closes and for the Acworth office, the Cobb County School system.