Because clinics provide services on a sliding scale, caseloads are heavy and waiting periods are common. If alcoholism or other chemical dependency is a concern, a specialized program would probably be recommended. In Honesdale, the Trehab Center offers traditional 12-step meetings as well as counseling. In Monticello, Sullivan County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, as well as the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, offer meetings and a supportive professional staff. Either center can make referrals to reputable facilities for inpatient treatment.
Fees vary substantially, but studies show no direct connection between cost of therapy and outcome.
Fees also vary by region, with therpists of every kind charging two or three times more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas. In seeking a counselor, ask about credentials. Of course, some very effective counselors have never had any formal training, though this is a rare exception. However, when consulting a private practitioner, consumers should always inquire about the therapist's qualifications, including education, specialized experience, professional counseling certifications, and state licenses. For this reason, consumers in these states must be particularly wary.