Therapy is an investment in your own well-being.
My fee for a 50
minutes psychotherapy session is comparable to rates of doctoral level psychotherapists in this area.
Unless we
make specific arrangements, payment by check, cash or credit card is expected at each session. I am able to accept Visa and
MasterCard.
I do offer a few reduced fee time slots, based on availability and income. These reduced fee appointments
are only available during weekday mornings and afternoons. Evening and weekend appointments require full fees.
My policy on insurance companies:
I once belonged to several preferred provider
insurance panels but have since resigned because I felt that they were preventing my clients from getting the treatment they
deserved and compromised my client’s privacy.
I do not deal directly with insurance companies for the following
reasons:
I feel strongly about protecting your confidentiality and privacy rights. When insurance pays for your
therapy, I cannot guarantee that your personal information will remain private. Many clients put a greater value on
their privacy than using their insurance.
I also object to labeling you with a clinical diagnosis that becomes
part of your personal record. I object to the “paper trail” this creates about my clients. Most insurance companies
require a diagnosis, dates of service, and some require a comprehensive assessment of your distress or illnesses and regular
progress reports. Most insurance companies will only pay for serious diagnoses such as depression or anxiety, and most
do not cover marriage counseling.
I am unwilling to allow insurance companies to determine the course, type and
duration of your therapy. This is confidential, and is between you and me. I prefer to work directly with you around
payment and to discuss options that may accommodate your needs. If weekly therapy is too expensive for you, one option
might be to set up a bi-monthly schedule, taking into consideration your needs and the nature of your issues.
Some
PPO insurance plans do offer insurance reimbursement for "out of network" providers. Of my clients who submit their
monthly billing statements to their insurance company, most are able to receive some reimbursement. I encourage you to call
your insurance representative to enquire about your policy regarding seeing a therapist for “Out Patient Therapy"
who is "Out of Network". While I am not affiliated with many insurance companies for the reasons stated above,
you may still be able to receive reimbursement. If you plan to use insurance, it is important to call your carrier,
before you begin therapy, to acquaint yourself with their policies and procedures.
