How does Cornerstone work?
We link families to a unique kind of modern mental health counseling that brings contracted counselors right into families’ homes. The counselors maintain small, meaningful caseloads so as to provide intensive, direct care, often to everyone in a family, but just as much to various individuals in the household as well. Our model of contracting and connecting makes us very scalable, so when we receive a lot of referrals or requests in one area, we quickly contract with more providers, rather than denying services or creating waiting lists.
Do the contracted counselors actually come out to the home?
If it makes sense for both the client and the contracted counselor, then absolutely! Sometimes the counselor and client will choose to meet in a public place first, in an office, or pretty much wherever there is a need. They even meet at playgrounds or parks, where they can work with parents and children in a variety of active settings, but also meet at coffee shops, libraries, hospitals, or most anywhere the client and counselor are comfortable.
What counties does your program cover?
Currently, Cornerstone and it’s three mobile counseling affiliates cover almost every county in New York State north of Westchester and Rockland County. We are growing very quickly, however, so it’s always best to contact us directly, especially as some of the contracted providers often cover extensive areas and share cases to help individuals who may be moving from one part of NYS to another.
How do I know if my insurance would cover counseling sessions?
Please call or text (315) 868-1000 or email office@cornerstoneherkimer.org to see if we can connect you with a contractor provider to provide in-home mental health services completely free. If it is not covered, the independent counselors typically charge a rate of $40-60 per session (may vary).
What is the referral process – can people can just call?
Indeed so, no paperwork or annoying processes. People can also text or e-mail. We will follow up immediately on a referral from anyone who provides it.
What is the time between calling and seeing a counselor?
About 30 minutes to 4 hours, to have you connected to an independent licensed counselor, depending on a few variables. The counselor and individual or family then coordinate a convenient time for their first meeting, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
What happens next?
Anyone who calls or texts any of our phone numbers is responded to quickly. We gather certain information (mostly insurance and demographic content, like addresses), which is then sent out confidentially to a number of nearby contracted licensed providers. One of them “gets the case” and then reaches out directly to the person requesting services. An initial appointment is scheduled, and the process begins.