Couples and Individual Therapy

My sessions are 50 minutes long.

In a typical session we start with checking in by reviewing progress /setbacks from previous week. Then we continue working on your goals while I’m using various therapeutic interventions. At the end of the session we usually decide on your new assignments. The session structure is the same for online and in-person sessions, individual or couples. Some couples chose to request longer sessions. If a 90-minute session would better suite your needs, we can discuss that option as well. In the beginning of therapy, we will meet weekly.

• $200 per 50 min session
• $265 for a 60 min Intake session ( Initial Diagnostic Evaluation)
• $300 /90-minute session

Phone sessions:

Some clients need to check in with us in between our weekly appointments. Phone consultations under 10 minutes are gratis; phone call longer than that are charged at prorated rate of the session fee by 15-minute increment. If you need more than the occasional phone check in, we may suggest setting up appointments more regularly than once per week.

Payment:

Payment is due at the start of every session. I accept cash, checks, HSA and FSA cards or credit card payment through our secure online system, Simple Practice. If you need to change your credit card or use a different method of payment, please let me know at the start of session or change it yourself through your client portal.

Do you take insurance?

Most of my clients use their insurance to help with therapy expenses. I am not paneled with any commercial insurance companies. I am considered an out-of-network provider. If you have out-of-network benefits, as a courtesy, I will file your claims for you. Please, keep in mind that insurance companies only reimburse for sessions deemed medically necessary.

Typically, insurance companies reimburse you a portion of your expenses from counseling, and different insurance companies reimburse you at different rates. It can be frustrating!

I am a happier, more effective therapist when I can decide the best treatment and dig in with clients rather than spending hours on the phone fighting with insurance.

How can I find out if I get reimbursed?

I can find out if your insurance covers out-of-network providers, the amount for your deductible, and the percentage of reimbursement.

Or

Call the number on the back of your insurance card for the Benefits Department and write down every answer you receive. Ask for explanations of anything you don’t understand, and you’re welcome to request speaking with a supervisor if you’re not happy with the answers you are getting. Write down the information they provide, as you’ll need careful records later if the company fails to follow through with what they’ve told you. Follow the questions in the order below:

1. What is your name and extension number?
2. Does my policy cover out-of-network licensed marriage and family therapists?
3. My therapist is willing to provide a statement of Session Dates Attended, the CPT code, and the Diagnosis. Is this acceptable to the insurance company?
4. Does my policy cover Couples Therapy – CPT code 90847 or Individual Psychotherapy – CPT code 90834 (a 45-minute session)?
5. Are there any mental health diagnoses that are not reimbursable?
6. Are V-code diagnoses covered/reimbursable?
7. How many sessions are covered per year?
8. What is my lifetime maximum for mental health benefits?
9. What is my Out of Network deductible?
10. How do I file a claim? Online, through the mail?
11. Do you require my claim to be submitted within a certain number of days from the date-of-service, to be considered for reimbursement? If so, what is that time period?
12. What is the payment schedule? (In other words, how long does it take for them to process your paperwork and then reimburse you?)
13. What is the claims department phone number, so I can follow up on the status of my claim at a later date?

Other things to consider:

1. Insurance reimbursements can vary from month to month:
   1. At the beginning of your therapy, there will be a wait until your insurance company begins to pay your benefit.
   2. In January of each year, you won’t get any money back until your deductible is met. If you apply other family medical expenses to your deductible, you’ll start getting benefits sooner, and more of your therapy will be paid for.
   3. Toward the end of the year, your insurance reimbursements will stop if the number of sessions is limited.
2. Your out-of-pocket medical expenses can be minimized if your employer offers a pre-tax medical “flexible spending account”
3. You should ask your accountant about taking a medical tax deduction for psychotherapy.
4. You may save money with an insurance plan that has a higher premium, but better benefits for out-of-network therapy (called Preferred Provider Organization, or PPO).

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 48 hours beforehand. Otherwise, you may be charged for the full rate of the session.

Any Other Questions

Please contact me for any additional questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!