GETTING STARTED WITH THERAPY

Contact me via phone or email for a free 15-minute phone consultation. This will allow us to talk and determine if I’m a good fit for your needs. If so, we’ll schedule an appointment to meet for a video session.

Registration:

Once we schedule your first therapy appointment, you will receive an email from me providing a link to my easy, secure online registration process. This enables you to fill out paperwork electronically at your convenience, prior to the appointment.

Online video sessions:

Video sessions are a safe and convenient way to engage in therapy using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. When you schedule a video session with me, you will receive a link to your appointment via email — through my secure, HIPAA-compliant technology platform. Simply click on the link at your scheduled appointment time to begin your session. It’s that easy! Here are some tips for a great teletherapy experience:

  • A good strong wifi signal is recommended.
  • Close other programs/apps so they are not running during your session.
  • Chrome internet browser tends to work best.
  • Find a quiet, private place to talk.
  • Use of headphones or earbuds is encouraged.
  • Good lighting is helpful so that I can see you clearly.
  • Find comfortable seating for yourself and a steady surface for your device.
  • Keep helpful items nearby: water, tissues, pen and paper for notes, charger for your device.
  • Eliminate distractions or disruptions (ie. silence/mute notifications and phone ringer).

 

 

THERAPY FEES

45-Minute Individual Therapy Session: $200.00

Payment information:

Fees are due in full at time of service. Payment is accepted via credit/debit card (including Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account).

Insurance Information:

Please note: I am not an in-network insurance provider. While I do not accept insurance for payment, some people who work with me choose to use their health insurance “out-of-network” benefits to help cover the costs of therapy. This is when an insurance carrier reimburses a portion of the payments for my services. If you are interested in finding out more, please call your health insurance provider to verify if you are entitled to out-of-network benefits. Important questions to ask your health insurance provider:

  • Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health services provided by licensed counselors (CPT codes: 90791 – psychiatric diagnostic evaluation, 90834 – psychotherapy 45 minutes)?
  • Do my out-of-network benefits cover tele-therapy?
  • Is there a yearly deductible that needs to be met before I can start getting reimbursed? How much is it? Has it been met yet this year?
  • What percentage of my payment per session will be reimbursed?
  • How do I submit out-of-network benefits claims?

If you choose to use out-of-network benefits, I am glad to provide you with a receipt (“superbill”) for my services, which you can then submit to your health insurance company. Please note, that I cannot guarantee reimbursement from your insurance company.

Session Frequency and Treatment Length

Generally speaking, I work with clients on a weekly basis. I find that this consistency helps to build the therapeutic relationship, encourages treatment momentum, and brings improved outcomes. Of course, schedules and life circumstances (vacations, illness, etc.) might affect meeting weekly from time to time. Occasionally, people may attend therapy more often (i.e. twice weekly) for a period of time, such as during a crisis.

As we notice progress towards therapy goals and symptom reduction, I collaborate with clients to determine when meeting less frequently (such as biweekly or monthly) would make sense.

Mental health differs from medical treatment in terms of ability to predict treatment duration. How long a person engages in therapy varies, as each individual’s therapy journey is unique. I work together with clients to help them determine when goals have been met and they are ready to move on. Clients always have the choice to end therapy with me at anytime.

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges. To learn more, please click here.

Good Faith Estimate Notice