MY PRACTICE
STARTING THERAPY
When we first meet, consider it like a casual job interview. You are trying to get a better idea of whether we’re a good fit to work together, and I encourage your questions about the process, how it works, and what you should expect from me. It is also okay to not know what to ask at all.
You are in therapy to share deeply personal things, and it should be with someone you are comfortable with. And truthfully, it is a little strange at first – after all, how often do you tell a perfect stranger your deepest thoughts? With time, I hope you will grow comfortable speaking openly with me.
In our first few sessions, I will focus more on gathering basic information to help me understand how to best help you, so you can expect a lot more questions from me at first. But – as always – you get to decide how much to share, and when to share it. I will respect your readiness and comfort with the process at all times.
Typically, we will schedule to meet once weekly for 50 minutes, and the overall duration of therapy can be short-term, or longer-lasting, depending on your needs and the specific issues you want to work on. Finally, I strongly believe that therapy and counseling are most effective if you actively participate in the process, as the ultimate aim is for you to bring what you learn in therapy back into your life. To that end, I want to do everything I can to help you succeed.
FEES & PAYMENT
Payment is due at the time of your session.
Depending on my availability and your financial situation, I have some space for lower-fee clients available and may be able to offer you a sliding scale (i.e., lower) fee.
Also, here is a list of therapy agencies offering sliding scale services.
$240
75-MINUTE
SESSIONS
$180
50-MINUTE
SESSIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you cannot keep your appointment, please let me know at least 48 hours (2 days) before the session, or I may charge you the full session fee if you cancel or do not otherwise attend the session.
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Example: If you are scheduled for Monday at 7pm, cancel by Saturday before 7pm.
If you cancel an appointment with less than a 48-hour notice, but reschedule the appointment within the same calendar week,
I will not charge you for the cancellation – however, this is subject to my availability and is not guaranteed.
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Example: If you are scheduled for Monday at 7pm, but cancel Saturday after 7pm, we must reschedule to meet by Thursday, or I will charge your full session fee for the cancellation.
INSURANCE & REIMBURSEMENT
Please be aware that I do not accept insurance at this time.
However, your insurance may consider me an "out-of-network" provider, allowing you to be reimbursed for a portion of your fees paid for therapy. Your insurance will ask you to submit a receipt (an itemized invoice or "superbill") for your sessions paid when you file a claim for reimbursement. You may also wish to use FSA/HSA funds in order to pay for therapy. I am happy to provide a superbill on request, which will include everything you need to submit a claim to your insurance, FSA, or HSA.
Some questions you may want to ask your insurance provider:
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Does my insurance plan include mental health benefits?
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Do I have a deductible for out-of-network care? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
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Does my plan limit how many therapy sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?
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Can I be reimbursed for therapy sessions with an out-of-network therapist? If so, by how much?
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Do I need written approval from my primary care physician in order for therapy sessions to be covered?
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What is the process for submitting the superbill? (Typically it can be submitted online on the provider's website.)
Good Faith Estimate Notice
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your mental health care or other medical care will cost. Under the law, psychotherapists and other healthcare providers must give patients who are not using insurance (or are uninsured) an estimate of the expected charges for psychotherapy or other medical care.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You may ask me, and any other psychotherapist or healthcare provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you may 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.
ALL OTHER QUESTIONS
Please contact me for any other questions you have about my practice, policies, fees, how the the therapy and counseling process works, or just to say hello!