Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do to get help for a teenager who is struggling with his/her life and may have emotional or substance abuse problems?

A: The first step is to arrange for Potomac Pathways to do a clinical and substance abuse assessment. We have years of experience in working with teens and we are able to help even the most reluctant teens feel more comfortable with sharing information about themselves. We provide a comprehensive assessment of emotional and/or substance abuse problems, create a treatment plan, and help to arrange for an appropriate level of treatment. Potomac Pathways offers treatment that addresses needs which can appropriately be addressed with outpatient services.

Q: My son/daughter is returning home from residential treatment. What kind of aftercare services do you provide?

A: Potomac Pathways is able to create an aftercare plan which meets the student's and the family's needs. We offer an aftercare / relapse prevention program which includes relapse prevention groups, family therapy, individual therapy, weekend adventure days and weekend wellness retreats. This is the most comprehensive aftercare program available for teens in the area.

Q: What ages of students do you work with?

A: We provide outpatient therapeutic services for teens and young adults of all ages.

Q: How do we know if the Potomac Pathways programs would be appropriate for our needs?

A: We provide an initial assessment to determine if the level of care that we provide is appropriate for the student. Generally speaking, Potomac Pathways is considered to be an "outpatient" level of treatment, which assumes that the client has at least a minimum of insight into his/her problematic issues and at least a minimum of willingness to accept continuing with treatment.

Q: What about students who struggle with learning differences?

A: We recognize the important role that "learning differences" play in affecting a student's overall well-being. We are equipped to assess students' learning differences and to "demystify" students and families concerning the student's "nuerodevelopmental" strengths and areas requiring strengthening. We can prepare a plan, to address the student's educational needs. If needed, we can communicate directly with educators. There is an additional charge for these services.

Q: Can I use my health insurance to cover any enrollment costs?

A: Potomac Pathways is not currently part of any insurance company network. However, many insurance plans will partially reimburse you for therapeutic services provided "out of network." Therapy services with Potomac Pathways are provided by licensed mental health professionals whose services may be partially reimbursable under your plan. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance company to determine what, if any, reimbursement they can offer you. We will happily call to preauthorize treatment with your insurance company and submit the necessary claim forms.