For people ages 18 and older, the individual seeking services must contact us directly. The Wendt Center does not accept third-party referrals for our office-based or teletherapy services.
We have found that clients engage most effectively when they initiate their own request for therapy. For this reason, we cannot accept referrals from doctors, outside mental health providers, case managers, or well-intentioned family members.
The only exception is when a parent or legal guardian with legal authority for medical and educational decisions seeks services on behalf of a minor or dependent.
While you cannot request therapy for another adult, you can support them in taking that step themselves. Below are answers to common questions from people who want to help someone else connect with services:
What insurances do you accept? How much will services cost if they don’t have one of those insurances?
Insurance and Fees
We are in-network with the following insurance providers:
- DC Medicaid MCOs: Amerihealth Caritas, HSCSN, Medstar Family Choice, and Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup)
- Carefirst/BlueCross/Anthem
- Cigna
- Medicare Part A & B (no Advantage plans): Please note, initial sessions have to be in person due to Medicare Rules.
We also have grant funding available to provide free therapy services to crime victims who are residents of DC or for which the crime occurred in DC.
For other interested clients, you may be able to seek out-of-network reimbursement from your insurer and we are able to provide a superbill. We do take HSA/FSA.
As of 1/1/2025, our self-pay or out-of-pocket fees are:
- Initial assessment: $220
- 60-minute counseling session: $180
- Group session: $50
- Reduced Fee services may be available through our clinical training programs.
How long is the waitlist?
How long someone is on the waitlist for depends primarily on when they want their appointment to be. The more flexibility they have to be seen during the day (9-5), the sooner we can get them seen. Because of that, there’s no specific way for us to tell you how long we expect they’ll be waiting for services.
Can a child attend services during the school day?
Because our services take place every week, we try very hard not to schedule a child during a time they would normally be in attendance at school, even if the school and the caregivers are on board with the idea.
I know my loved one wants therapy, but they struggle with anxiety/depression and can’t make that first call.
We’re truly sorry that your loved one is having a hard time right now, and we’re grateful they have someone like you who wants to help. Beginning therapy involves several steps: making the call, sharing what they’re looking for, scheduling, completing paperwork, and showing up for the appointment. In our experience, people are far more likely to engage meaningfully when they initiate these steps themselves.
While it can be hard to wait, your support matters. Listening, empathizing, and gently encouraging them can make a real difference, and we’ll be here whenever they’re ready to reach out.
What kind of service makes the most sense for the person I had hoped to refer?
You can learn more about our individual and group services here: About Therapy.