Patient Information & Getting Started
Whether you are preparing for your first appointment or currently receiving care at Cognitive Behavior Institute, this page provides the information and resources you need to manage your care.
Find guidance about beginning services, scheduling, paperwork, insurance, telehealth, patient portal access, medical records, and communicating with your care team.
New Patients
Learn how to submit an inquiry, prepare for your first appointment, and complete required paperwork.
Learn How to Get StartedCurrent Patients
Access the secure patient portal and find information about appointments, forms, and communicating with your care team.
Access the Patient PortalInsurance and Billing
Review accepted insurance plans and learn more about benefit verification and patient financial responsibility.
View Insurance InformationTelehealth
Learn how to prepare for a secure virtual appointment and what to do if you experience technical difficulties.
View Telehealth InformationMedical Records and Forms
Find instructions for requesting records, completing releases, and providing information to another healthcare professional.
Access Records and FormsUrgent Support
Learn how to access immediate support when the patient portal and routine office communication are not appropriate.
View Urgent-Support InformationBeginning Care at CBI
We understand that beginning mental health care can feel overwhelming. Our intake team will help you understand the available services and determine whether CBI has an appropriate provider for your needs.
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Submit a New Patient Inquiry
Complete our confidential inquiry form and provide basic information about who is seeking care, the type of support needed, insurance coverage, preferred location, and scheduling preferences.
Start a New Patient Inquiry - 2
Intake Review
Our intake team will review the information you provide and consider your clinical needs, requested service, insurance, preferred location, scheduling needs, and provider availability.
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Provider and Service Matching
When appropriate services are available, our team will help identify a potential provider or next step.
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Scheduling and Paperwork
Once an appointment is confirmed, you will receive scheduling information and instructions for completing the required patient paperwork.
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Your First Appointment
During your first appointment, your provider will learn more about your concerns, relevant history, goals, and current needs. Together, you will discuss recommendations and potential next steps in care.
Important Inquiry Notice — Submitting a new-patient inquiry is the first step in determining whether CBI has an appropriate service and provider available. An appointment is not confirmed until you receive scheduling confirmation from our team.
Preparing for Your First Appointment
Before your first appointment:
- Complete all assigned patient forms.
- Review your appointment date, time, provider, and location.
- Confirm whether your appointment is in person or virtual.
- Have your current insurance information available.
- Review any available cost or copay information.
- Provide relevant records when requested.
- Prepare a current medication list for psychiatric appointments.
- Test your internet connection and device before a telehealth appointment.
- Contact the office if you have questions about your paperwork or appointment.
Accessing Your Patient Portal
Current patients can use CBI's secure patient portal to access available information and complete assigned patient-care tasks.
Depending on the services you receive, the portal may be used to:
- Complete assigned forms
- Review available appointment information
- Access documents
- Update patient information
- Send secure, nonurgent messages
- Receive information from your care team
Portal Access Problems
If you have difficulty accessing the portal, contact CBI at (724) 609-5002 for assistance.
Communicating With CBI
Patient Portal Messaging
The patient portal is intended for secure, nonurgent communication. It should not be used for emergencies, immediate clinical needs, or issues that require a discussion during an appointment.
Patients should:
- Use portal messages for nonurgent communication.
- Allow up to three business days for a response.
- Contact the appropriate administrative department for scheduling or billing questions.
- Follow the established refill process for medication requests.
- Discuss detailed therapeutic concerns during scheduled appointments.
- Use crisis or emergency resources when immediate support is needed.
Scheduling, Rescheduling, and Cancellations
If you need help with an appointment, contact CBI at (724) 609-5002 or follow the instructions provided by your care team.
Insurance Coverage
CBI works with many major insurance plans. Coverage can vary based on the patient's insurance plan, provider, location, and type of service.
Our team can help verify available benefit information before services begin. However, benefit information is an estimate and does not guarantee payment. Final coverage decisions are made by the patient's insurance company.
Patients are responsible for understanding applicable:
- Copays
- Deductibles
- Coinsurance
- Prior-authorization requirements
- Noncovered services
- Out-of-pocket balances
Psychological Testing Coverage
Diagnostic evaluations and psychological testing may require prior authorization. Coverage depends on the patient's plan and the clinical reason for testing.
When applicable, CBI will provide available benefit information and a personalized estimate of expected financial responsibility before psychological testing begins.
Secure Virtual Appointments
CBI offers secure telehealth appointments across Pennsylvania for eligible patients and services.
Before a virtual appointment:
- Confirm the appointment time and access instructions.
- Use a reliable internet connection.
- Use a device with a camera, microphone, and speakers.
- Attend from a private, appropriate setting.
- Confirm that you are physically located in Pennsylvania unless another arrangement has been approved.
- Keep the office phone number available in case of technical problems.
- Follow any additional instructions provided by your clinician.
Not every service or appointment can be completed virtually. Your provider will let you know when in-person care is clinically or legally required.
Requesting Medical Records
Patients may request copies of their records or authorize CBI to communicate with another healthcare professional by completing the appropriate form.
For records requests, Release of Information forms, or questions about processing timeframes, please contact our office at (724) 609-5002.
Medication and Psychiatry Information
Medication Requests and Questions
Patients receiving psychiatric services should follow the established process for medication refills and medication-related questions. Please contact our office at (724) 609-5002 with any medication-related questions.
Need Immediate Support?
CBI's new-patient inquiry form, patient portal, voicemail, and routine office messages should not be used for emergencies.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate emotional support, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If there is an immediate danger or medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a new patient?
Does submitting an inquiry guarantee an appointment?
How will I be matched with a provider?
What insurance plans does CBI accept?
How do I access the patient portal?
Can I receive services through telehealth?
How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
How do I request my medical records?
What should I do if I need immediate help?
We're Here to Help
Whether you are beginning care, preparing for an appointment, or looking for assistance with your current services, our team is available to help you identify the appropriate next step.