Whether an individual or family has requested therapy or an evaluation, our process always starts with an initial intake session. This session typically lasts 90 minutes. In this first session, the clinician spends time getting to know the individual and/or the family, collecting background information, and identifying preliminary goals for evaluation or treatment. For young children, we sometimes ask parents to attend this first session without their child so that they can speak freely about their concerns. For individuals/families who will participate in therapy, the clinician often uses two to three additional 45-min sessions to clarify goals and approaches to treatment before sharing a plan with the individual or family. Together, we can then agree to the plan or make changes to it, and evaluate whether North Star is an appropriate fit for the individual/family's needs. Depending on the family's concerns, a different therapist or combination of therapists may be assigned to the family for continued services. For individuals/families who request an evaluation, the evaluation schedule (interview, evaluations, feedback) will be determined after the intake session. The clinician who conducts the evaluation may be different from the clinician who completed the intake.

We see children, adolescents, and adults in our practice, for both therapy and evaluations. We also see parents and caregivers for therapy and parent training.

Yes, we do. The majority of our clients have a pre-existing diagnosis of ASD when they seek our services. Those who are questioning the possibility of a diagnosis, either for themselves or a family member, may request a diagnostic evaluation. Prior to scheduling this diagnostic evaluation, we will schedule an intake with one of our clinicians so that we can learn more about you/your family and discuss the evaluation process and how it may benefit you.

While our clinical and school psychologists are also board certified behavior analysts (BCBA), we do not provide in-home ABA therapy. We may provide center-based ABA therapy to address specific concerns such as challenging behavior or social difficulties, but the individual sessions are 45-60 minutes once or twice per week. Our knowledge base in ABA informs the work we do with all clients and their families to help them address their concerns. We also utilize approaches such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to support clients and families.

Yes, we do. Dr. Jason Neely is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and works with couples and families to improve relationships when a member of the family has been diagnosed with autism. Additionally, we place family support at the heart of all of the clinical work we do. We know that individuals with ASD can sometimes struggle to navigate relationships with others, including family members. In some cases, we may find that providing psychoeducation, parent training, and coping skills for caregivers, as well as building communication and problem-solving skills for all family members can reduce the stress and conflict they experience at home. As such, we integrate this work into the all of the services we provide to families.

North Star Family Autism Center was founded to provide services to children, adolescents, and adults with ASD and their family members. If an individual or their family is questioning the possibility of an autism diagnosis, we can schedule a consultation or a diagnostic evaluation. Occasionally, we may see an individual whose primary concerns align with a diagnosis of autism, although they are awaiting a formal evaluation. If at any time it seems that the individual's primary concerns are unrelated to an autism diagnosis, we can provide a referral to other practices with specialties in those areas.

Our office is located at 811 Amboy Avenue in Edison, New Jersey. The office is conveniently located off of Route 1, the New Jersey Turnpike, and the Garden State Parkway. Complimentary parking is available at our location. We also offer telehealth services for families in New Jersey and other states that participate in PSYPACT, which allows for interjurisdictional practice by psychologists. To see if your state is eligible, click HERE.

We decide, on a case-by-case basis, whether telehealth is an effective form of therapy for the concerns of the family. If we determine that it is, we are able to offer telehealth to families in New Jersey, as well as in states that participate in PSYPACT, which allows for interjurisdictional practice by psychologists. To see if your state is eligible, click HERE. We are unable to conduct evaluations via telehealth. All diagnostic and psychoeducational evaluations must be completed in our office in Edison, New Jersey.

We are an out-of-network provider with all insurance companies. If your insurance company provides reimbursement for out-of-network services, we will provide a superbill that you can submit directly to your insurance company. A superbill provides all of the information that the insurance company needs to process your reimbursement request. To find out if you have out-of-network benefits and what portion of our services they may cover, please call your insurance company directly. When speaking with your insurance company, you may want to ask them the following questions: What are my out-of-network outpatient mental health insurance benefits? What is my deductible and how much of it have I met? What is the process for seeking reimbursement? Are there any limitations on the number of sessions a year that will be covered? Do my benefits cover telehealth services (online counseling)?

Yes. North Star Family Autism Center provides a good faith estimate to all clients in accordance with the No Surprises Act. This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created. The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill. If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill. You may contact the health care provider or facility listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can ask them to update the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available. You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill. There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount. To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises. Keep a copy of this Good Faith Estimate in a safe place or take pictures of it. You may need it if you are billed a higher amount.