The following information regarding the payment of counseling expenses is provided to adult survivors, child victims, and their family members who have experienced sexual abuse by clergy or other employees of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Out Patient Counseling Services
The Archdiocese is dedicated to reaching out to victims/survivors with a sincere commitment to their emotional and spiritual well being. The Victim Assistance program provides support and assistance for adult survivors, child victims, and their family members who have experienced sexual abuse to access mental health services. The information below provides an outline of the process to obtain mental health services, any questions should be addressed to the Victim Assistance Program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Summary of Procedures
- To be eligible for payment of out-patient counseling expenses the abuse must have occurred within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and have been perpetrated by a staff member, volunteer or member of the clergy of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
- Victims/survivors must seek treatment from a licensed therapist. The Victim Assistance Coordinator can assist in locating a counselor/therapist.
- All counseling/therapy that meets the eligibility requirements is approved for a period of 12 months. After ten months the Victim Assistance Coordinator shall notify the licensed therapist providing the service that they must complete the Mental Health Treatment Certification form prior to the consideration of an additional twelve months. Upon receipt of the certification form, an additional twelve months of payment may be approved by the Victim Assistance Program.
- You are not required to utilize private insurance for payment of these services.
- If you choose to utilize private insurance, you can receive reimbursement for the portion not covered by your insurance. You must submit an invoice that reflects the amount you have paid as co-payment or out-of-pocket expense for services rendered.
- If you choose not to use your private insurance, all invoices for services must be submitted by the therapist to the Victim Assistance Program and payment is made directly to the therapist. Your therapist must submit invoices to the Victim Assistance Coordinator on a monthly or quarterly basis.
- The Archdiocese does not pay for missed appointments. Please review the mental health service provider’s policy for cancelling appointments.
Out Patient Counseling - Related Expenses
- Medications related to mental health treatment are reimbursable with an itemized receipt.
- Psychiatric services are reimbursed in the same manner as those outlined for providers in the above Summary.
- Mileage reimbursement and other reasonable transportation expenses, such as taxi, bus, or train, which are related to attending therapy sessions are payable upon receipt of the invoice from the therapist (receipts must be provided for taxi or train rides). Arrangement for payment of these travel expenses must be discussed with the Victim Assistance Coordinator.
- Childcare expenses up to $10.00 an hour for one child and $15.00 an hour for more than one child are reimbursable for childcare expenses related to attending therapy sessions. Arrangement for payment of child care expenses must be discussed with the Victim Assistance Coordinator.
All bills should be sent to:
Victim Assistance Program
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
222 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Fax (215) 587-3711