Appointments

We are no longer going to be keeping a waiting list at the Bay Area Children’s Association. Currently, we receive up to 50 requests each week for new appointments. Unfortunately, there is no way that our agency can meet this demand at this time. We are constantly looking for new ways to expand the agency, but funding for expansion is difficult to procure. We traditionally have kept a waiting list that can number from 50 to 100 potential clients. This presents a problem for scheduling, as it is usually short notice when an appointment becomes available, and then it takes time to get back in touch with people on the waiting list. Often, there is no longer a need for services, or the opening that was available passes, and then we have lost an opportunity to see a new patient. As such, we are implementing a new protocol for scheduling new patients. Once per week on Fridays (and possibly on other days) we will post openings for intake appointments on this web page. There will be an appointment spot for a parent intake and for a child intake, and it will list the providers available. If you are interested in the appointment, you can complete the Pre-Appointment Data form, and then call the office and then we will schedule you for those slots. A $100.00 deposit will be taken which will be applied towards your co-pays or visit costs, but will be subject to forfeit if you do not show up for the appointment. In addition, BOTH parents need to come to the first appointment, even in cases of divorce. The one exception is for restraining orders, in which we potentially will make an exception to meet with the parents separately. If only one parent shows up for the intake appointment, then you will not be seen and the $100.00 deposit will be forfeited. We do this in order to have a significantly higher success rate for helping our patients. When you call to give your deposit, you will also be asked to provide your insurance information (if not completed on the pre-appointment form). Many families have high-deductible policies. If you have one of these plans, it is important to know this ahead of time as payment will be required at each visit.

Why do we take the deposit?
Because we are a non-profit agency with a very slim margin on meeting our expenses, it is critical to the Bay Area Children’s Association that people attend their appointments. In addition, because of the high demand for appointments, it is a problem on many levels when people do not come to their appointments. We still have to pay our staff and other expenses for this time. Thus, it hurts the agency and also deprives another family the opportunity to begin treatment. You will not lose your deposit as long as you attend the appointment. We are working hard to make changes to the agency so we can continue to not only provide services but expand as well. Thank you for your understanding, and please feel free to ask us questions about any of our policies.

Summary:
To become a potential client of BACA:
1) Complete the Pre-Appointment Data Form
2) Click on the Available Appointments tab to see if there are any upcoming appointments, and then call the office to make a deposit and claim the appointment slots