Services
Initial phone consultation:
Prior to our first appointment, I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. During this time, we can briefly discuss your needs, interests, and any concerns or questions you may have in determining whether we are a good match. I will also ask you some questions to make an initial determination that I have the appropriate experience and resources to meet your needs.
First session:
Our first meeting is a 60-75 minute consultation. This is an opportunity for me to understand better your concerns and begin to formulate a treatment plan. It is also a chance for you to ask me questions and for us to decide whether we should move forward in our work together.
Therapy Sessions:
Therapy sessions are 45-50 minutes long. I typically meet with clients weekly. This regularity is important for developing a familiar and trusting treatment relationship, and to facilitate consistent practice of the skills you will be learning. As clients meet their treatment goals and gain confidence in their coping skills, we sometimes decide together to taper visits before "graduation" from treatment.
Referrals:
Depending upon the problem and the level of acuity, some patients may need to consider the addition of medication to their treatment regimen. I will gladly discuss this with you, and can provide referrals to several excellent psychiatrists whom I work with.
Teletherapy:
Teletherapy is available on a limited basis. I use Doxy.me for secure, HIPAA compliant online therapy sessions. Clients join virtual sessions with me from their computer by clicking on a link that I send. For the mobile app, download and use the iOS version - http://itunes.com/apps/doxyme or Android version - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=doxy.me. After downloading it from the App Store or Google Play you'll be presented with a screen to choose if you are a patient or a healthcare provider. Choose patient, then check into a "waiting room." I will then log into the room to start our session.
Fees and Payment
I charge $250 for evaluation visits and $225 for each subsequent 45-50 minute treatment session. A limited number of low-fee spots are held for individuals with financial challenges. Please contact me for additional information. You will not be charged for a cancelled session if you call or email at least 48 hours in advance.
Insurance Claims
I am an out-of-network provider, which means I am not on insurance panels. Therefore I take payments each session and generate a monthly statement that you can forward to your insurance company if you have insurance coverage and would like to seek reimbursement. Many health insurance plans will reimburse for treatment provided by a licensed psychologist. Depending on your insurance coverage, your out of pocket cost may be comparable to an in-network provider, since I do not charge copays. However, plans vary widely, and you are responsible for determining what insurance benefits you receive and obtaining reimbursement. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session for an out-of-network provider?
If you need or prefer to use a therapist that is in-network for your insurance, the best thing to do is to call your insurance company and request a list of mental health providers in your area. Checking their websites can help you figure out where to start. Another option is to check therapist profiles on Psychology Today -- they usually list whether they take insurance and which companies they have contracts with.
No Surprises Act/Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 368-1019