If you have an emotional, behavioral or mental health concern, or a problem with addictions, Upper Bay Counseling can help. At our locations in both Cecil and Harford Counties in Maryland, we provide a broad range of counseling and mental health services to meet every individual's needs.
Services Offered
Family Counseling - In family counseling sessions, the therapist assists you and your family members to manage issues which are creating stress in your relationships. These sessions may occur in many ways: with a child and parent, with only siblings, with both parents, with a parent and step-parent, or with all family members including blended family members.
Individual Counseling - Each client works in confidence with a therapist in an exclusive, one-to-one relationship. The therapist tailors your treatment to meet your specific needs and goals.
Group Counseling - In group counseling sessions, clients work together to learn more about the triggers to their problems, to discover possible solutions and to support each other in making changes. A therapist leads the group, encourages participation, and offers suggestions for success.
Home-Based Services - Staff members provide individual and family services in homes of individuals served. This service is currently limited to clients with Maryland Medical Assistance benefits. Prior to the start of the home-based treatment, the staff member will address the importance of safety issues and professional boundaries.
School-Based Services - Upper Bay Counseling & Support Services provides therapy and other clinical services to students in the public schools. Our licensed therapists work with children in the school setting who need assistance by offering individual, group, and family counseling.
Substance Use and Addiction Treatment - Upper Bay provides various treatment programs that can help with substance use and addiction. These include: * Individual substance use counseling * Weekly out-patient group counseling * Intensive Out-Patient Programming three hours a day, three days a week
Your counseling will be provided by licensed or certified staff. At the start of your treatment, your substance use counselor will work with you individually to identify treatment goals and to make a plan of action for your recovery. Your goals as well as your treatment are centered on your strengths, needs, and preferences. Your participation in treatment at Upper Bay is voluntary, and may be discontinued at any time.
Co-Occurring Disorders - If you have both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, you can participate in treatment here for co-occurring disorders, which may include a psychiatric medication evaluation based on your needs and treatment goals. Also Upper Bay has many therapists who are skilled at providing treatment to meet the specific needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders.
Fees and Payment
Your insurance will probably cover our services. We accept medical assistance and Medicare, most commercial insurances, and also private pay clients.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
