Frequently Asked Questions About the Mind/Body Programs at the Domar Center

Ten-Week Program

Weekend Retreat

TEN-WEEK PROGRAM

How much does the program cost and what is the insurance coverage?
The total cost of the ten-week program is $750. Insurance typically covers the two individual counseling sessions that accompany the program. This totals $280 ($180 for the initial individual consult and $100 for the final individual consult). Your out of pocket cost is then $460, which covers the psychologists time, ten sessions for you, three sessions for your partner, hotel lunch for you both, the patient manual, a book, and 2 CDs.

Back to Top

Why do I have to do the individual counseling at all?
The initial consult serves a very important purpose and is required for all participants. It provides a chance to meet and to get to know the program group leader and it gives her a chance to know how you're doing and what issues you'd like to work on during the program. The final consult is optional but important as it serves to summarize your experience and progress, and to set new goals for your health. This is also a good time to get answers to final questions.

Back to Top

What time does the program start and can I arrive late?
The program start time varies from group to group but is always held in the evening for your convenience. The first half hour of every group is reserved for sharing/support time and is optional. Because this support time is important to those who attend, we ask that participants respect this first half hour if they need to be late by waiting outside until the time has ended.

Back to Top

I'm not a group type person. How touchy feely is this?
While there is a half hour of optional sharing time at the beginning of each session, the rest of the time is structured to provide information, i.e., relaxation techniques, nutrition, exercise, etc. If you don't feel like you are a group person, simply skip the sharing/support time and attend the two-hour structured sessions.

Back to Top

Must partners participate?
Partners are invited to attend three of the ten sessions, but this participation is optional. However, there is great benefit in involvement. Not only do they benefit from techniques taught, such as relaxation methods and the couples' paired listening exercise, but we also provide one support group session designed specifically for the partners. In addition, they gain key insight to what their partner is really going through.

Back to Top

What happens if I need to miss a session?
Most people need to miss a session or two since ten weeks is a long stretch of time. We ask that you not miss more than two. At the first session, a buddy is assigned to you. This person is there not only to support you emotionally during the program should you need it, but also to take notes for you should you need to miss a session. The group leaders are also there to answer any questions. In addition, you receive materials at the beginning of the program which provide enough background information that you can catch up easily by perusing them.

Back to Top

I have secondary infertility. Can I participate in the ten-week program and will I feel isolated in the group?
We do accept people who have one child into the ten-week program. Those with more than one are asked to participate in the weekend retreat or to meet with one of the program psychologists for one-on-one instruction. Most groups are made of up to sixteen participants. Typically two to four participants are secondary infertility patients. We combine primary and secondary infertility patients because not enough secondary patients have yet come forward to have a separate secondary group. It is our hope to run such a program in the future.

Back to Top

What is your cancellation policy?
Full refunds less a $50 cancellation fee will be made if notice of cancellation is received 24 hours before your intake appointment (first individual counseling session) and 48 hours before the first session of the program begins. Cancellations received after the intake appointment are subject to the $215 intake fee (normally billed to insurance) and cancellations received less than 48 hours before the program begins are subject to an additional cost of $400.

Back to Top

WEEKEND RETREAT

What is the difference between the weekend retreat and the ten-week program?
The weekend retreats offer most of the same components as the ten-week programs. Individual counseling before and after the program is not offered in the retreat; however, any of our counselors would be willing to meet with you individually before or after the weekend. The other difference between the two programs is that the weekend is a bit more condensed than the ten-week program. Time is always made available for questions. The materials for the retreat are exactly the same as the ten-week program to allow you to have that exact same resources. Please feel free to phone us and ask to see both agendas to compare.

Back to Top

Does the hotel offer a discounted room rate?
Yes. Each hotel that we contract with offers us a limited number of rooms with a discounted rate.

Back to Top

Can I participate in only one of the two days?
Unless you have an emergency, we ask that you participate in both days to get the full benefit of the program. The cost does include both days and will not be separated.

Back to Top

How many individuals participate and how many couples participate?
Will my partner be the only man? We normally get a 50/50 ratio between couples and individuals. We've yet to have a single couple or male individual participate.

Back to Top

What is your cancellation policy?
Full refunds less a $50 registration fee will be made if notice of cancellation is received 48 hours prior to retreat. Cancellations received 24 hours before the retreat will be subject to a half-price fee and cancellations within 24 hours or without notice are subject to the full retreat fee.

Back to Top

 
Site Map | Privacy Policy © 2008 Boston IVF. All rights reserved.