Getting started with CFSS
You can begin with a conversation.
You don’t need to name a diagnosis or choose a treatment before you call. Tell us you’d like help getting started, and our front desk will guide you through the referral.
From reaching out to your first visit
What happens next.
Call the office
Choose Reading or Pottsville. Calling ahead is preferred. Reading handles new appointments in Spanish.
Complete your referral
The front desk completes a referral with you by phone or in person and explains how to arrange the intake.
Take part in an assessment
An intake assessment helps clarify your concerns and whether CFSS services fit your needs.
The referral starts the process
Call our Reading or Pottsville office. The front desk completes the referral with you and can explain the next step for the service you are asking about.
Let the office know whether you are seeking counseling, psychiatric care, IBHS for a child, or Mobile Mental Health Treatment at home. If you are unsure, you can say that you would like help understanding the options.
An assessment helps identify the right next step
The purpose of an intake assessment is to understand your concerns and the support you may need. You can bring questions about care and talk about what has made daily life difficult.
Some programs have additional requirements. For adult Mobile Mental Health Treatment, intake considers the medical necessity for in-home care. IBHS has its own written-order and assessment requirements. The referral and assessment process helps determine whether a program fits the person's needs.
Walk-ins and scheduled appointments
CFSS accepts walk-ins for intake assessments. Calling ahead to book is preferred.
A walk-in intake is not a walk-in psychiatric appointment. Psychiatric services must be scheduled by phone, and initial psychiatric evaluations usually take place in person.
Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday appointments are available by arrangement.
Care options depend on your needs
CFSS offers individual and family outpatient counseling for ages 4 and older. Psychiatric evaluations and medication management are available for ages 5 and older.
Individual counseling, family counseling, and psychiatric services can be provided by telehealth, with the client physically in Pennsylvania during the appointment. IBHS and MMHT therapy are face to face; MMHT psychiatric care is provided by telehealth.
Language support when you contact us
Spanish-speaking staff and interpreters are available for outpatient and psychiatric services at both locations. For a new-client call in Spanish, contact the Reading office. That office handles Spanish-language new referrals for both locations.
Questions about insurance and cost
Have your insurance information available when you call to discuss coverage. Your county and the service you need can affect coverage. Self-pay is also available; call the office for current rates.
You can ask about the cost of an intake assessment and any later therapy or psychiatric appointments, so you understand the relevant charges before deciding how to proceed.
Before your first appointment
Ask the office which documents to bring, who should attend if the appointment is for a child, and whether any forms must be completed ahead of time. Requirements can differ by service, so the office's instructions should guide your preparation.
You may also want to write down the questions you most want answered, such as what the assessment involves, how treatment decisions are made, or how your coverage applies.
Before your first visit