Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Mount North?

Mount North offers accessible therapy services, including online therapy across Pennsylvania and in-person sessions in Johnstown and Grampian, PA. We have the best therapists, whose real-life experience keeps them down-to-earth and allows them to truly connect with you.

Where can I get therapy?

Mount North offers telehealth therapy services accessible throughout Pennsylvania and in-person therapy sessions at our Johnstown and Grampian, PA locations.

Do I have to be an adult to get services?

Mount North provides therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults. In Pennsylvania, individuals aged 14 and older can consent to their own mental health treatment, though parental assistance may be required for billing purposes.

How often can I see my therapist?

The frequency of therapy sessions at Mount North is determined collaboratively between you and your therapist, based on your individual needs and treatment goals.

Is therapy appropriate for everyone?

Therapy suitability is assessed collaboratively at Mount North. During an initial consultation, you and your therapist will determine if therapy aligns with your needs or if alternative services are more appropriate.

Can I change professionals?

Yes, you can request to change therapists at Mount North to ensure the best fit for your therapeutic journey. Please contact our office at (833) 668-6861 to discuss your preferences.

Do I need insurance?

Insurance is not required to access services at Mount North. We accept various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, HSA, FSA, and offer a sliding scale fee structure to accommodate different financial situations. Check out our insurance page for more information.

Will my information be shared with anyone without my written permission?

At Mount North, your privacy is paramount. We do not share your information without your explicit written consent, except in cases where there is imminent risk of harm, suspicion of child abuse, or a court-ordered subpoena.

What does therapy cost?

Mount North offers affordable therapy services with session rates ranging from $0 to $150, determined by a sliding scale based on income. Many clients qualify for a $60 per session rate. We accept HSA/FSA, credit cards, Medicaid, and some insurance plans.

Is couples therapy or family therapy available?

Yes, Mount North offers couples therapy and family therapy services. Including significant others or family members in sessions can be beneficial for comprehensive healing and growth.

How long until I meet with a counselor?

After contacting Mount North and completing the necessary intake forms, we review your information to match you with a suitable therapist. Typically, clients can begin therapy sessions within a week.

How can I contact Mount North or my therapist?

You can reach Mount North by:

Contact Form: Use the Contact Us form on our website.
Email: Send inquiries to info@mount-north.com.
Phone/Text: Call or text 1-833-668-6861.
Consultation: Schedule a 10-minute consultation through the “Get Started Now” buttons on our site.

After being assigned a therapist, you’ll have access to HIPAA-secure messaging via your patient portal.

Does Mount North accept insurance?

Yes, Mount North accepts certain insurance plans. However, it’s important to consider that:

Coverage Limitations: Some insurance plans offer limited mental health coverage.
Co-Pays: Your co-pay may be higher than our session fees.
Diagnosis Requirements: Insurance reimbursement often requires a mental health diagnosis, which becomes part of your medical record.
Information Sharing: Therapists may need to share treatment details with your insurance company or primary care physician.

Before using insurance, consider asking:

Do I have mental health benefits?
What is my deductible, and has it been met?
How many sessions per year are covered?
What is the coverage amount per session?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Am I comfortable with my insurance company accessing my therapy information?

Mount North also offers affordable pricing and a sliding scale, often comparable to insurance co-pays. Visit our Insurance Page for more information on insurance and different payment options.

What are the benefits of self-pay or cash-pay therapy?

Opting for self-pay (cash-pay) therapy at Mount North offers several advantages:

Privacy: Your therapy records remain confidential without the need to share information with insurance companies.
Flexibility: Access a broader range of therapeutic services without restrictions imposed by insurance coverage.
No Diagnosis Requirement: Receive therapy without the necessity of a mental health diagnosis for insurance reimbursement.

Mount North provides affordable self-pay options, often comparable to insurance co-pays, ensuring accessible mental health care for everyone. Check out our insurance page for more information on payment option.

Can Neurofeedback be done in-person or at my home?

Yes, Mount North provides NeurOptimal® Dynamical Neurofeedback both in-person at our Grampian and Johnstown, PA offices, and at-home through rental options, allowing you to train in the comfort of your own home. You can learn more about our NeurOptimal® sessions on our Neurofeedback page.

Is NeurOptimal FDA approved?

Yes, NeurOptimal® is FDA approved as a wellness device, ensuring its safety and efficacy for neurofeedback training. Visit our Neurofeedback services page for more details on how it works and how to get started.

Who can benefit from NeurOptimal?

There are no strict requirements for using NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback—it’s designed for everyone, from toddlers to seniors, individuals facing health challenges, and even high-performing professionals looking to enhance cognitive function.

With NeurOptimal® brain training, there’s no complicated setup, expertise, or settings to adjust—just press “Go” and let your brain do the work. The system passively monitors brain activity in real-time, providing microsecond-by-microsecond feedback to optimize cognitive function, emotional resilience, and mental clarity.

Because NeurOptimal® is non-invasive and requires no pre-evaluations or medical diagnoses, it’s a safe and effective neurofeedback system for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve focus, enhance sleep, or achieve peak performance, NeurOptimal® adapts to your unique needs.

✔ Effortless & user-friendly – No settings to change, no risk of overtraining.
✔ Supports cognitive & emotional wellness – Helps with focus, stress reduction, memory, and overall brain function.
✔ Safe for all ages – Used by individuals, families, athletes, students, and professionals worldwide.

Interested in trying neurofeedback therapy in Pennsylvania? Click here to learn more about our approach.

How does NeurOptimal work?

NeurOptimal® neurofeedback training helps the brain recognize its own patterns and reorganize itself for better cognitive function, emotional balance, and mental clarity. But how does it do that?

During a NeurOptimal® session, you wear small EEG sensors on your head and ear clips that monitor your brain’s electrical activity. While you relax—listening to music or watching a movie—the system rapidly processes your brain signals. When NeurOptimal® detects momentary instabilities in brain activity, it briefly pauses the audio or video. This subtle interruption serves as real-time feedback, allowing your brain to self-correct and optimize its function.

At a conscious level, you may not notice these pauses, but your brain instinctively responds, adjusting its activity to stay balanced—just like how a driver naturally corrects after hitting a rumble strip on the road. Over time, your brain learns to regulate itself more efficiently, improving focus, resilience, and overall well-being without conscious effort.

✔ Non-invasive & effortless – No forced interventions or manual adjustments.
✔ Supports natural brain optimization – Helps with focus, memory, stress relief, and emotional regulation.
✔ Personalized & adaptive – Your brain leads the training, with no need for diagnoses or pre-evaluations.

NeurOptimal® works because it allows your brain to communicate with itself, identifying what it needs to function at its best. No external control, no forced training—just your brain optimizing naturally.

Learn more about how NeurOptimal® neurofeedback sessions work and what to expect on our Neurofeedback page.

Is NeurOptimal the same as regular neurofeedback?

No, NeurOptimal® is not the same as traditional neurofeedback—it’s a next-generation, non-linear neurofeedback system designed to optimize brain function naturally without the need for diagnoses, protocols, or external intervention.

Key Differences Between NeurOptimal® and Traditional Neurofeedback:

Non-Diagnostic & Fully Automated – Unlike traditional neurofeedback, which requires a trained clinician to diagnose and program a specific protocol, NeurOptimal® is fully automated and does not require pre-set brainwave targets. Instead, it responds in real-time to the brain’s natural activity, promoting self-regulation and improved cognitive function.
Dynamical Neurofeedback® Technology – Traditional neurofeedback often trains specific brainwave frequencies, which can sometimes result in overtraining or unwanted side effects. NeurOptimal® uses Dynamical Neurofeedback® technology, which acts as a real-time mirror for the brain, allowing it to adjust its own activity naturally—just like a GPS recalculating the best route.
No Forced Adjustments – Traditional neurofeedback trains the brain toward a predetermined “ideal” state. NeurOptimal® does not push the brain in any specific direction—it simply provides the brain with accurate, real-time feedback, allowing it to reorganize and optimize its function on its own.
Safe, Non-Invasive & Effortless – Because NeurOptimal® does not force changes, it is completely non-invasive with no risk of overtraining. You simply relax, listen to music, or watch a movie while your brain processes the information and naturally improves its efficiency.

Which Neurofeedback is Right for You?

If you’re looking for a personalized, effortless brain training system that promotes mental clarity, emotional balance, and cognitive resilience, NeurOptimal® is the most advanced and flexible neurofeedback system available today.

Interested in trying neurofeedback therapy in Pennsylvania? Click here to learn more about our approach.

Do the results from NeurOptimal Neurofeedback last?

Yes! NeurOptimal® results are long-lasting because your brain learns to self-regulate and function more efficiently on its own.

✔ Natural Brain Training – Unlike traditional neurofeedback, NeurOptimal® helps your brain adapt and optimize itself without forcing specific patterns.
✔ Self-Regulation for Stability – Once your brain learns better processing, it retains those improvements, making it more resilient to stress and distractions.
✔ Like Learning a Skill – Just like riding a bike, once your brain develops these new patterns, the benefits remain. Some choose occasional tune-ups, but many see lasting results after their initial sessions.

Most people notice improvements within a few sessions, with 10-20 sessions often creating deep, lasting change in focus, emotional balance, and stress management.

Discover how our neurofeedback training can support focus, sleep, mood, and more on our dedicated Neurofeedback page.

Is NeurOptimal Neurofeedback Safe?

Yes! NeurOptimal® is 100% safe and non-invasive.

✔ No Side Effects – Unlike traditional neurofeedback, NeurOptimal® does not force brainwave changes, making it a gentle and natural process.
✔ FDA-Approved as a Wellness Device – Recognized for its safety and effectiveness in supporting brain function.
✔ Works with Your Brain – It simply provides real-time feedback, allowing your brain to self-correct and optimize at its own pace.

NeurOptimal® is safe for all ages, from young children to seniors, and can be used alongside other therapies or treatments. Our certified neurofeedback providers can help you determine if NeurOptimal® is right for you—learn more now.

NeurOptimal or Linear Neurofeedback?

NeurOptimal®

No expertise required.
No diagnosis.
No check of signal integrity needed because NO recognizes and automatically removes unwanted signal.
Training, not treatment; no protocols.
No monitoring needed. AutoNavigation takes care of everything.
Does not tell the brain what to do.
Offers feedback on 20 different “targets” at once.
No states are trained.

Linear Neurofeedback

Expertise needed throughout process.
Diagnosis required.
Careful hookup needed to minimize impedance, often involving scrubbing site. May use impedance meter to confirm signal integrity.
Use of treatment protocols.
Careful monitoring of session while it is occurring; parameters may need to be changed.
Use of augment frequencies and suppress frequencies, instructing the brain what to do.
Work with limited frequency bands.
Training is state based.

Why is this important?

Expertise, if you can find it, can be expensive.
You shouldn’t need something to be wrong with you to train your brain.
You do not need to be an expert to get expert training.
Your diagnoses may require contradictory protocols; your practitioner must get choice right.
Effortless sessions.
If practitioner makes wrong decision, effects can be very unpleasant.
Limited frequency bands can produce side effects. Training with limited bands = limited training NO’s 20 targets naturally balance each other. Positive effects seen in many areas of life.
Excess training in any state can lead to unwanted side effects.

You can read about the difference between linear and NeurOptimal® neurofeedback on our Neurofeedback page here.

Does Mount North prescribe medication?

Yes! Mount North now offers psychiatric medication management alongside therapy and holistic mental health services. Our licensed psychiatric prescriber provides personalized medication evaluations and ongoing support to help clients manage conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and more.

We take an integrative approach, combining evidence-based medication management with therapy, NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback, and holistic strategies to support long-term wellness.

🔹 How It Works:

✔ Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
✔ Personalized medication plans
✔ Ongoing monitoring & adjustments
✔ Collaborative care with therapy options

Available for in-person sessions in Johnstown & Grampian, PA, and online throughout Pennsylvania. Check out our Treatment Plan Page for more information!

Interested in medication management? Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

Do you accept Medicaid?

Yes! Mount North proudly accepts Medicaid for therapy and psychiatric medication management in 26 Pennsylvania counties. We are committed to making mental health care accessible and affordable for individuals and families.

Which counties do you accept Medicaid in?

Mount North proudly accepts Medicaid in 26 Pennsylvania counties, making therapy, psychiatric medication management, and mental health care accessible and affordable for individuals and families.

We Accept Medicaid in the Following Counties:

You can view our full list of counties and learn more about availability in your area on our Insurance and Service Area page.

How do I know if my Medicaid plan is accepted?

Mount North accepts Medicaid in 26 Pennsylvania counties for therapy and psychiatric medication management. To confirm your coverage, follow these steps:

We’ve outlined the exact questions to ask and how to check your coverage on our Insurance and Service Area page.

🔹 Check Your Medicaid Provider Network – Visit your Medicaid plan’s website to see if Mount North is included.
🔹 Call Our Office – Our team can quickly verify your eligibility and help you understand your benefits.
🔹 Visit the PA Medicaid Website – Find more details about coverage and eligibility requirements.

Can I use Medicaid for online therapy?

Yes! We accept Medicaid for both in-person therapy (Johnstown & Grampian, PA) and online therapy across Pennsylvania. Availability may depend on Medicaid policies.

Do I need a referral to use Medicaid for therapy?

This depends on your Medicaid plan. Some plans may require a referral from a primary care provider (PCP). Check with your Medicaid provider or contact us for guidance.

How do I get started with Medicaid-covered therapy?

Starting Medicaid-covered therapy at Mount North is simple! Follow these steps to begin your mental health journey with us:

🔹 Step 1: Verify Your Medicaid Coverage

✔ Check if Mount North accepts your Medicaid plan in one of the 26 approved Pennsylvania counties.
✔ Visit the PA Medicaid website or call our office for assistance.

🔹 Step 2: Contact Mount North

✔ Call us or submit a request through our online contact form.

✔ Our team will help you confirm eligibility and match you with a licensed therapist or psychiatric prescriber.

🔹 Step 3: Complete Intake Forms

✔ Fill out the necessary intake forms to help us understand your needs.

🔹 Step 4: Schedule Your First Appointment

✔ Choose between in-person therapy in Johnstown & Grampian, PA or online therapy across Pennsylvania.

✔ Begin working with a licensed professional for therapy, counseling, or psychiatric medication management.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to verify your Medicaid eligibility and book your first session!

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