Frequently asked questions

Therapy and medication management: ages 6 and up, including teens and adults. ABA therapy: children and young adults under 21 with an autism diagnosis.

Yes. You need to be physically located in Maryland during each visit, in a private place where you can talk freely, such as home, a parked car, or a private room at work.

We accept Maryland Medicaid. Commercial plan participation varies by plan, so our office verifies your coverage before your first appointment. Call us with your plan name and we'll check it.

Both. Most visits are by video. Audio (phone) visits are available when they're clinically appropriate and covered by your plan. We'll talk through the right option with you during intake.

For a video visit: a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera, plus an internet or cellular connection. For an audio visit: a phone. For either: a private place to talk.

For children ages 6–12, a parent or guardian joins intake and regular check-ins. For teens, a parent or guardian joins intake, and privacy rules depend on age and the type of service. We'll explain how this works for your family.

No. Your first appointment is an intake visit, and it's billed like other visits. Before you schedule, our office checks your insurance and explains any costs. Call (443) 824-4842 or send a message with questions.

Call (443) 824-4842 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) or email referral@hearthwayhealth.com. Please don't include health details or insurance ID numbers in email.

For many people and many concerns, yes. Research has found that therapy and medication follow-up by telehealth can work about as well as in-person care. During intake, we'll talk about whether telehealth is a good fit for you.

Not for therapy or medication management. Maryland Medicaid members can come to us directly. Some plans require prior approval for certain services, and our office requests it. ABA therapy does require a referral.

Therapy, medication management, and ABA therapy. We don't offer couples or family therapy, inpatient care, emergency services, psychological testing, autism diagnostic evaluations, or court-ordered evaluations.

Yes, where Maryland Medicaid allows it: parent and caregiver training, group caregiver training, and the behavior analyst's supervision of your child's sessions. Hands-on therapy sessions with your child stay in person at home and in the community. ABA is never done by phone only.

With Maryland Medicaid: your child must be under 21, live at home or in a community setting, have an autism diagnosis from a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, and have a referral for ABA from a qualified health care professional. Carelon Behavioral Health must approve services before they begin, and our office handles that request.

Up to 180 days at a time. Before each approval ends, your child is reassessed and the treatment plan is updated so we can request the next approval.

Yes. Parent and caregiver training is part of ABA, and the treatment plan includes caregiver goals. We'll plan with you how you take part in sessions.

No. A qualified health care professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychiatrist, psychologist, pediatrician, or nurse practitioner, must complete the diagnostic evaluation. Call us if you need help finding one.

Not at this time. Services are provided in English.

All 24 Maryland jurisdictions, including Baltimore City.

Yes. You can use one service or both, and your therapist and prescriber can coordinate your care.

Some ADHD medications are controlled substances with extra federal and state telehealth rules. Your prescriber will review what applies to you.

The pharmacy you choose.

Intake and psychiatric evaluations take about 60 minutes. Therapy sessions usually last 45–55 minutes. Medication follow-ups usually take 15–30 minutes.

Rejoin with the same link. If that doesn't work, your clinician will call the number you confirmed at the start of the visit and may finish by phone if appropriate.

Yes. We share your information only as the law allows or with your written permission. See our Privacy & HIPAA notice for details.

Clinicians may provide letters related to your care when appropriate. Ask your clinician.

Yes. Let us know and we'll help you find a better fit.

Please give us at least 24 hours' notice so we can offer the time to someone else.

Office hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.. Ask about appointment times during intake.

Call the office to request your records. We'll verify your identity first.

Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Both are available 24 hours a day.