Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about Alternative Consulting Enterprises and our services. Please contact us if you have a question not answered here.


1. What are wraparound services?
"Wraparound" is a nickname for Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS), which "wrap" around existing services. BHRS is a Medicaid-funded program providing trained professional support for children under age 21 to reduce or replace problem behavior with positive, socially appropriate behavior. Wraparound services are family and child-centered, and they can take place in variety of settings. Wraparound services are medically necessary services. Wraparound is not a substitute or supplement for speech and language, occupational or physical therapies. Wraparound is not a substitute for academic instruction by a teacher. Wraparound services serve behavioral health needs exclusively, with the purpose of helping the child learn skills to become independent in their daily environments as they develop. Services to teach independence can occur anywhere a child needs them, including out in the community during “everyday” activities. This may include school activities, whether public or otherwise, play-dates and recreational situations (sports, clubs, etc.).

2. How to get wrap around services?
Requests must be made by the patient, parents or school. Your child must be found eligible for wraparound services by the agency. Your child will see our doctor and determine if there is medical necessity for wraparound services. This team includes parents, any lead teacher, a Behavior Specialist Consultant (BSC), any services coordinator, any therapist or counselor, and any person(s) the family wishes, including an advocate. If appropriate, your child is included. The plan includes goals, objectives, and treatments. Goals may target safety, functional, communication, social and classroom behavior and each member of the team is assigned responsibility to help meet the goals. Goals are individual to the needs of your child and family, and are updated as often as every three months.

3. How long will it take to get my child into BHRS services?
Typically, your child will be required to attend outpatient services for approximately 3-4 months. This time is to gather important information regarding the needs of your child and gain a better understanding of how wraparound staff can effectively deliver treatment. It is important to note that if most difficulties occur at school, your child’s school must request wraparound services.

4. Do I have to pay co-pays, if so when?
Co-pays are determined by your insurance provider. Contact your insurance provider via telephone or visit their website for information regarding what services are covered.

5. How soon can I see a doctor after beginning services?
This question is answered depending on your insurance. Medicare consumers must be seen by the doctor before scheduling sessions with a therapist. All other consumers will need to consult with a therapist at least twice before medication services are recommended.

6. Can I come just for medication?
Psychotherapy is a very effective treatment for both depression and anxiety. In-depth research has shown that people who receive psychotherapy in addition to medication tend to achieve much better long-term results than people who just take the medication. It is the ongoing aim of our agency to treat the biological mechanics of mental health, but also the underlying psychological symptoms you may be experiencing. The value of psychiatric medications is that they can alleviate your symptoms in the short term, so that you’re able to regain a higher level of functionality while you address the real, underlying issues in therapy.

7. Can you sign my SSI papers?
You will be required to attend a minimum of 16 therapy sessions and 4 doctor visits for completion of the necessary paperwork to verify eligibility for Social Security. Please follow all instructions on your paperwork filling out ONLY information required by the patient. Our staff will complete ONLY the provider information requirements.

8. How old must a child be to receive Out-Patient services with parents?
We accept consumers of all ages. However, parents must accompany any child under 14 years of age to consent for any type of treatment (therapy, medication management, wraparound), no exceptions. Adolescents 14 years and over may agree to treatment, as they are at the age of consent. Parents who have custody agreements and children under the age of 14 are ethically and legally obligated to inform the other parental party of treatment. Our agency is able to assist you in completing the necessary notification on behalf of your child.

9. Are there Spanish speaking therapists on staff?
Sí, ofrecemos servicios a los consumeres que hablan español. En la oficina de Reading, se proporcionan nuestros servicios que habla español. Nuestra agencia utiliza a las personas que hablan español para proporcionar servicios y información de calidad al público. Por favor identificar la necesidad de un terapeuta que habla español en su primera cita.

10. What is the policy on cancelling appointments?
It is the consumer’s responsibility to notify his/her treating clinician or physician 24 hours prior to the appointment of a cancellation. If a consumer fails to notify the clinician/physician within this time period, the session will be documented as a missed appointment. Alternative Consulting Enterprises is not responsible for the result of medication lapsing due to missed or late cancellations. If this occurs, Alternative Consulting Enterprises will work closely with the consumer to obtain the soonest appointment. Once again, it is the consumer’s responsibility to notify the agency of his/her medication requirements in a timely manner. A consumer may be discharged from services if he/she misses a total of 3 appointments or if the treating clinician/physician is unable to provide treatment due to time restricts. If a consumer does not make a therapy appointment prior to a medication appointment, he/she will not be seen by the doctor.

11. What if I just started on Medications and am experiencing side-effects?
If you should be experiencing any adverse side-effects, notify your therapist immediately. If your side-effects are severe, contact your local emergency provider or dial 9-1-1!



For more information, contact:

The County of Berks
The Mental Health/Mental Retardation system is a partnership of consumers, family members, services providers and policy makers, which creates options responsive to individual needs and preferences.
http://www.co.berks.pa.us

American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry
The leading national professional medical association dedicated to treating and improving the quality of life for children, adolescents, and families affected by these disorders.
http://www.aacap.org

Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO)
The HealthChoices Behavioral Health program provides the mental health and drug and alcohol services for recipients of Pennsylvania Medical Assistance under a 1915(b) federal waiver for mandatory managed behavioral health care.
http://www.ccbh.com