Psychotherapy

The first session can typically last 55-60 minutes. During this time, we will initially review privacy and confidentiality issues, HIPAA forms, policies and procedures for my practice and we will address any other pressing issues/subjects. Then, we will talk about your primary issues, main concerns and goals in therapy. We may discuss the process of therapy and each of our roles if we both decide that we should meet for future sessions. You will also get to address any questions or concerns you have about therapy in general, your comfort level in working with me and my professional qualifications.

For individuals specifically struggling with Eating Disorder issues, in addition to addressing the same topics mentioned above, a thorough assessment will be made and may take up to 3 sessions. The goal is to identify your needs, determine the initial level of care and treatment setting.  The severity of an eating disorder directs which level of care is appropriate. If Outpatient care is the appropriate level of care for you and we decide to continue to work together, I may give you recommendations and/or referrals for other professionals (psychiatrist, nutritionist, medical doctor). A multidisciplinary treatment team approach is often indicated for the treatment of individuals struggling with an eating disorder.

It is common to schedule weekly sessions, where each session lasts typically 45 or 70 minutes (agreed upon in advance). Weekly sessions are usually recommended in the beginning of therapy to build rapport, develop effective coping skills, and to help reach your goals as soon as possible.  Sometimes, when individuals are struggling with a particularly difficult challenge, they may request more time per session or more than one session per week. We may discuss this if that is your case. Other times, clients may be able to come every other week, which will depend on their unique circumstances. If we decided to work together, we can discuss a frequency that works best for you and your circumstances.

Therapy can be short-term or focused on a specific issue, or it may be long-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. It may take some time for you to figure out what you are seeking and whether you want to engage in therapy on an ongoing basis. It is also common for individuals to see a therapist for a specific issue and then take time off. Often, the same individuals will seek their previous therapist to revisit their therapeutic work and/or address new struggles and concerns.

Engaging in psychotherapy is an investment of time, effort, energy and finances. It is important that you ahead of time that I am not in network with insurance plans. To support your intention in creating change and wellbeing, I do provide a document called a “superbill” for you to submit independently to your insurance provider.

This receipt can help you receive direct reimbursement from your insurance provider, should your insurance plan include “out-of-network benefits”. To see if your insurance plan offers out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits, you need to call the member number on the back of your insurance card and ask. Services may be covered partially or in full by your health insurance. But since every insurance policy is different, you should contact your insurance provider and inform yourself about your specific insurance coverage prior to you first session.

Some of the questions you can ask your insurance provider about your specific insurance plan and benefits are:

Does my health insurance plan include out-of-network mental health benefits?
Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet this calendar year?
How many mental health sessions per calendar year does my health insurance cover?
What percentage does my insurance cover for therapy session?
Do I have coverage for Telehealth mental health sessions?
Is preauthorization required from my insurance company or primary care physician for me to see a therapist?

Please note that for your insurance to reimburse you, you have to meet the requirements for a mental health diagnosis. If you wish to be a private pay client, a diagnosis is not required for services. Also note that I cannot guarantee that your insurance will reimburse you for your treatment.

Therapy is a financial commitment and an investment in your wellbeing, which takes time and effort. Typically clients see me for 45-minute individual and family psychotherapy sessions for $200. Sometimes, clients choose to see me for longer 70-minute psychotherapy sessions for $315. I also offer a limited number of sliding scale opportunities for potential clients that truly cannot afford my fees. I ask that you please only inquire about this option if it is truly needs-based, as I only have a limited amount of spots available.

Starting 01/01/2022

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 http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 368-1019.

All payments are due at the time of each scheduled session. Credit and Debit Cards are accepted for payment and these will be processed through Square, a HIPAA compliant payment processor.

There is a 48-hour cancellation policy. Any appointment missed, cancelled, or rescheduled with less than 48-hours notice (unless it is an emergency) will be charged the full fee. Due to this short notice it is unlikely that I will be able to fill in your time slot. In the unlikely event that I able to schedule another person in your time slot, you will not be charged. Therefore, it is best to call as soon as you know you will not be able to come to your appointment.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment scheduled for Monday, you may leave a confidential voice message during the weekend indicating your cancelation at least 48-hours in advance. Otherwise, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session. Please contact me as soon as possible (no later than 48-hours before your session) at 305-401-2026 to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Your courtesy of timely advanced notice (at least 48-hours before your appointment) means someone else could be scheduled in your place. Thank you for your consideration regarding this important matter.