Frequently asked questions

Start a referral online for yourself, a family member, a client, or a student. Intake reviews the referral and helps identify the appropriate service and location.

Have the client’s Medicaid ID number or commercial insurance information ready. Schools, pediatricians, and other professional referrers should also provide a detailed reason for the therapy referral through the referral form.

If you are unsure which service to choose, call Intake at (864) 283-0637, ext. 200.

Expect initial contact from Intake within 2 business days after submitting your referral. This is the response timeframe, not a guarantee of an appointment within two days.

Appointment availability varies. If you have not heard from Intake after two business days, call (864) 283-0637, ext. 200.

For a child's first appointment, please bring:

• The child who will receive services.
• A parent or caregiver who knows the child's history.
• A valid ID.
• The child's insurance card and Social Security card.

For an adult appointment, or if you have questions about these items, ask Intake what to bring when scheduling.

Complete your intake packet before your Diagnostic Assessment (DA). If it is not completed beforehand, your assessment will need to be rescheduled. Follow any arrival instructions provided by Intake when scheduling.

Your first visit includes a Diagnostic Assessment. Your counselor will get to know you, discuss your history and current concerns, and talk with you about goals and recommendations. For a child, this conversation also includes their history and family needs.

Our new client forms page has both packets in English and Spanish. The school-based packet is only for children receiving CFS services through their school. All other clients use the general intake packet.

Complete the appropriate packet before your Diagnostic Assessment (DA), or the assessment will need to be rescheduled. Follow your CFS team’s instructions for returning your paperwork.

Contact Intake if you need help choosing, opening, or printing a packet.

Outpatient counseling gives children, adolescents, adults, and families a supportive place to discuss concerns, set goals, and work with a qualified mental health professional.

Concerns may include difficulties at home or school, behavioral challenges, past trauma, family communication, and managing emotions. CFS offers individual and family counseling.

Explore outpatient counseling, including office and telehealth options.

Psychosocial rehabilitation focuses on practicing everyday skills that support independence and stability. These may include self-care, communication, relationships, and daily living skills.

It is a skill-building service rather than counseling. Ask Intake about available services and whether they may be appropriate for your family's needs.

Learn about in-home and community support.

Behavioral modification focuses on building helpful behaviors, social skills, and coping skills through one-to-one support. Staff model and practice these skills with clients in home and community settings.

Contact Intake to discuss current availability and the right service for your child.

For questions about early intervention or the Carolina Awesome Steps program, contact Intake at (864) 283-0637, ext. 200. Ask about current program availability and options for your child.

Contact Intake with the name of your insurance plan and the service you are seeking. Ask the team to confirm participation in your specific plan, available coverage, and any expected costs before your appointment.

For current self-pay rates, call (864) 283-0637, ext. 200.

Contact the Records Department at records@carolinafamily.org, fax (864) 283-0638, or visit a CFS office.

The team can explain how to submit your request, which information and authorization documents are needed, and the expected processing time.

Be ready to identify the client, explain your relationship to them, and specify which records you need and where you want them sent.