Professional Fee
All fees will be set at the start of treatment. Payment is expected at the time services are rendered. Reduced fee is available on a limited basis if financial circumstances are warranted. Cash, check, and credit card are accepted forms of payment at the time of service. Psychotherapy sessions typically occur on a weekly basis; however, frequency will be determined based on your needs.
Insurance
I am an out-of-network insurance provider. While I am not an in-network provider with health insurance or employee benefit plans, most insurance companies will provide partial or full coverage for services rendered by a licensed psychologist. Additionally, psychotherapy is an allowable expense for your Health Spending Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Many of my clients utilize these benefits by paying for their therapy services out of pocket and then submitting a claim to their insurance provider or HSA/FSA to receive reimbursement for out-of-network coverage. Many plans offer about 60-90% reimbursement, but you must check with your insurance company for specific benefits applicable to your plan. I will provide an itemized bill that you can submit to your insurance company or HSA/FSA flexible for your entitled reimbursement.
You may want to ask the following questions of your insurance provider:
• 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?
• How much will I be reimbursed (%) if I pay out of pocket?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?
• How do I request reimbursement?
Why have I decided not to participate in most insurance plans as an in-network provider?
As an in-network provider, I have a contract with the insurance company wherein I am essentially a company employee. As an out-of network provider, I work directly (and privately) for you. There is a greater degree of privacy and confidentiality, since I am not required to share a great deal of your personal information with the insurance companies. Our sessions are not pre-set and our treatment plan is not overseen by the insurance company to control their costs. We are better able to work collaboratively to determine your needs and length of treatment.
Confidentiality
The law protects the confidentiality of communications between a client and a psychologist, and information cannot be disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule.
These include:
• When there is suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. I am required to report this to the appropriate authorities.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person(s), I am required to notify the police and the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm him or herself, I will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure his/her safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, I will take further measures without his or her permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure the client’s safety.