Frequently Asked Questions
Therapy
Yes. All of our therapists offer telehealth sessions. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage. While many insurances are providing coverage for telehealth services through a certain date during the pandemic, it is important to know how long this will continue and if your policy covers this for your specific provider after the exceptions are lifted.
No, you do not need a referral to receive services at LifeWorks. While it is common for us to receive referrals from doctor’s offices, schools, attorneys, community providers, etc., it is not necessary.
LifeWorks accepts most private insurances, as long as there is mental health coverage on the policy. Some insurances we accept are: Wellmark, Aetna, Tricare, Health Partners, Midlands Choice, United Healthcare, Medicaid (Title 19), and Crime Victim Assistance Funds. We also offer a self-pay rate for those who do not have coverage.
It is important to contact your insurance provider to determine coverage for mental health services.
At times we have graduate students completing internships/practicums, who are able to see clients with no insurance for free, under the supervision of a licensed therapist, for a limited time.
Complete the electronic check-in sent via email or text before your appointment. Be sure to bring your insurance card. If the appointment is for a child or someone under legal guardianship, a legal guardian must be present.
LifeWorks provides therapy services for children as young as 3 through the end of the life spectrum.
The frequency of therapy sessions will be determined by you and your therapist dependent on your specific needs.
School-Based Therapy
Currently we have therapists in all of the elementary and secondary schools in the Ankeny Community School District.
Yes. All of our therapists are able to provide telehealth services. It is important to check with your insurance provider about coverage of telehealth versus in-person services. Furthermore, it is important to determine your policy coverage with your specific provider once the exceptions expire.
Referrals can be made directly to school guidance counselors, school social workers, or through our main LifeWorks office number at 515-255-8399.
Session length varies upon your child’s needs, and often occur one time per week depending on your child’s needs. At the elementary level we collaborate with your child’s teacher to ensure the time missed will be as least disruptive as possible to your child’s school day and academic progress. At the secondary level we typically meet with your child during a study hall or other arranged time.
We collaborate with your child’s teacher(s) specific to behaviors and concerns that are occurring during the school day. Staff are provided with information as appropriate, only sharing information on a need to know basis. We are unable to share any information without signed releases of information from the parent.
Absolutely! We welcome family sessions as needed for your child.
Yes, we can connect parents with additional services available through LifeWorks, and collaborating agencies to best assist your family.
At the elementary level, all our therapists are trained to use play therapy strategies in session. Children are usually referred to play therapy to solve problems and deal with issues that are troubling the child. Often, children have used up their own problem solving tools and express themselves in negative ways, such as acting out at home, with friends, or at school. We use play therapy to help children cope with difficult emotions and find solutions for their problems. By using a play therapy setting, children find healthier solutions and learn new ways of coping with their issues.