Question 1

Do you accept my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Please inquire if I may be in your insurance network. Private pay is an alternative accepted payment method. I'm also considered an out-of-network provider. Please check with your insurance provider whether you have out-of-network benefits (e.g. PPO insurance card). Upon request, I can provide my clients with a superbill (e.g. receipt) at the end of the month so they can submit it to their insurance companies for a possible reimbursement. Reimbursement rates vary by insurance plan. Please confirm with your provider if this is an acceptable option prior to committing to therapy services.

Questions you can ask your insurance include:
1. Do I have “Out-of-Network” insurance benefits for “Outpatient Mental Health Services”?
2. Are Telehealth therapy sessions covered?
3. How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
4. What is my deductible and has it been met? (This is the amount you would have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance reimburses/covers you)
5. What is the coverage amount per therapy session (percentage and monetary amount)?

Question 2

What payment method(s) do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Private pay is the most encouraged form of payment through means of: credit, debit, HSA, or FSA card (via IvyPay). All payments are submitted electronically and are due on the date of service.

Question 3

Why should I opt to pay privately?

Accepted Answer

Here are a few reasons:
1.) You may not want to be rushed into being diagnosed by the first session which is a requirement for all insurance companies.  
2.) It may be time-consuming and stressful to go through insurance and the logistics if you need help immediately. 
3.) If you have a high deductible for your insurance, it may be a good idea to pay out-of-pocket so you can plan to be in therapy short-term which might actually be more cost-efficient for you.

Question 4

What if I can't afford your rate?

Accepted Answer

Don't let my rate discourage you from contacting me and coming to therapy! I usually do my best to accommodate most people's financial situation whether that may be 1.) coming up with an acceptable payment plan or 2.) referring you out to therapists who are more affordable.

Question 5

Are you offering sliding scale rates?

Accepted Answer

There is a waitlist for sliding scale appointment spots. Sliding scale rates are based on what you are able to afford (pay stubs may be required to verify). Sliding scale clients are limited to 10 sessions per treatment round in an effort to provide sliding scale appointment spots to as many clients as possible. Should you need a sliding scale spot when none are available, you may request to be on a waitlist for the next available round.

Question 6

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Accepted Answer

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health 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 expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a 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 www.cms.gov/nosurprises.(http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises)

Question 7

What is Telehealth?

Accepted Answer

All sessions will be held via telehealth (video conferencing or phone calls). A HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant platform will be used to keep your information secure and private. Telehealth appointments allow you to receive quality mental health care with convenience and comfortability of your home or location of choice. My telehealth services are offered only in California.

Question 8

Can I have phone sessions?

Accepted Answer

All sessions are held through telehealth/video or phone. Telephone communication is encouraged for (re)scheduling, discussing logistics, and/or any non-therapeutic and non-urgent needs. Telehealth/video sessions are encouraged for your therapist to be able to appropriately assess your mental health needs.

Question 9

How do I use the free consultation?

Accepted Answer

The free consultation is a 15-20 minute phone/video call in which brief introductions, logistical details, and my initial impressions on your mental health needs are discussed to determine if we are a good fit. We will decide whether I am a comfortable therapist for you to work with in order to help you meet your mental health needs and goals. I welcome all questions so you can see how we might work together.

Question 10

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

You will be warmly welcomed and fully informed about therapy, which includes reviewing and signing necessary forms to receive services. All initial sessions include an assessing evaluation of your needs, current symptoms/difficulties, and what you've tried to improve your mood, so I can understand how to best help you. You will also gain a better idea of what our long-term goals together might look like. Due to the time needed to complete and review this, your first appointment will require up to 80 minutes of your time. Initial forms will be emailed to you to complete, sign, and submit.

Question 11

Is there a grace period for appointment times?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are given 10 minutes to make it to your session. If no contact is made (e.g. by phone/text or email) within the first 10 minutes of appointment time, you forfeit our session and will be charged the cancellation/no show fee.

Question 12

What if I cancel or miss my session?

Accepted Answer

It is important to commit to your therapy on an ongoing basis and respect the time commitment made to yourself and your therapist. To encourage consistent commitment attendance to your appointments, a credit card will be kept on file and charged a less than 24 hours late cancelation/no show fee in such instances. Should this occur more than 2 times, termination of services is at your therapist's discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not sure where to start? Let's get connected!