FEES AND INSURANCE
I work hard to ensure that my fees are competitive within the community but also affordable, whether clients have insurance or are self-paying for sessions. The fee for a standard session ranges from $150 to $200, depending on the nature of the session (e.g., initial consultation, individual psychotherapy, family session). For clients who are paying out of pocket for services, several payment options are offered. Discussion of the needs and the resources of each client is used to determine how to provide services that are effective and affordable.
I am on the panel of approved providers for Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO. Clients with BCBS PPO are responsible for meeting deductibles, getting precertification or authorization if needed, and covering co-payments as outlined by their specific insurance policies. My office bills BCBS directly for sessions and client payments are either paid at the time of service or billed after the insurance claim has been processed.
Clients with insurance from other companies pay at the time of service and seek insurance reimbursement on their own. My office provides documentation as necessary for reimbursement, including itemized invoices and/or precertification paperwork.
FAQs
What should I expect at the first session?
The first session is focused on us getting to know each other and you telling me about the concerns that led you to seek therapy. While there are a couple intake forms to complete (contact information, insurance and HIPAA forms), we will spend most of the session talking together.
How long will the therapy take to help with my issue?
The length of treatment depends on a number of factors, including what sort of problems are being addressed, how long you’ve been dealing with the problem, how often we meet and how readily treatment recommendations can be implemented. Usually, sessions are 45 to 60 minutes long and are attended weekly or every other week (biweekly). While complicated, severe or chronic issues can take months to address fully, most people see improvement within the first 4 to 6 sessions.
Do you prescribe medication?
I don’t prescribe medication because my training didn’t include getting a medical degree that would allow me to do so. I have several doctors and psychiatrists with whom I have a collaborative relationship to help meet the needs my clients may have for consultation about medication.
Should I bring my child to the first session?
When we schedule the first appointment, we’ll discuss who should come to the session and make a decision together that helps you and your child feel comfortable. Several things impact on this decision including your child’s age, the nature of the concerns, and your child’s comfort being part of conversations focused on him or her. I am also happy to offer advice about how to talk to children about coming to therapy.
Will you make recommendations to my lawyer about parenting matters?
Working with a child in therapy is significantly different than conducting assessments to be used in a legal proceeding, My priority with children in divorcing families is to preserve the safety and trust of the therapy relationship, which I have found is often difficult to do when a child’s therapy records are being used as part of a court battle.
Links
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Parenting/Behavior Challenges
www.livesinthebalance.org
www.123magic.com
National Alliance of Mental Illness www.nami.org
The National Resource on ADHD www.help4adhd.org