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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Good Faith Estimate?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, including psychotherapy services. You can ask me or any other health care 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 or call 985-635-4040.
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Can I have phone sessions?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.
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What if I can't afford your rate?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.
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What payment method(s) do you accept?Private pay is the most encouraged form of payment through means of: credit, debit, HSA, or FSA card (via IvyPay), or E-transfer (Zelle). While E-payment through other third parties (Zelle, GooglePay, etc.) may be accepted, you must first waive liability as these payment methods are not always HIPPA compliant and are not recommended. All payments are submitted electronically and are due on the date of service.
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What happens in the first session?All initial sessions include an assessing evaluation of your needs and current symptoms or difficulties so I can understand how to best help you. You will be warmly welcomed and fully informed about therapy, which includes reviewing and signing necessary forms to receive services. Due to the time needed to complete and review this, your first appointment will require up to 90 minutes of your time. Initial forms will be emailed to you to complete, sign, and submit.
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Do you accept my insurance?Insurance providers are currently not being accepted. Private pay is the only accepted payment method at the moment. I'm considered an Out-of-Network provider. Please check with your insurance provider whether you have Out-of-Network benefits (i.e., PPO insurance card). Upon request, I can provide a superbill. This superbill can be independently submitted by you to insurance to file a reimbursement claim with your insurance provider. Please confirm with your provider if this is an acceptable option prior to committing to services. Reimbursement rates vary by insurance plan. Questions you can ask your insurance include: Do I have “Out-of-Network” insurance benefits for “Outpatient Mental Health Services”? Are Telehealth therapy sessions covered? How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover? 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) What is the coverage amount per therapy session (percentage and monetary amount)?
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How do I use the free consultation?The free consultation is a 15-20 minute phone/video call in which logistical details are discussed in order to determine if we are a good "fit". Meaning, we will discuss whether I am the best therapist for you to work with in order to help you meet your mental health needs and goals. I welcome all questions in order for you to determine if it is a good "fit" for you.
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What if I cancel or miss my session?It is important to commit to your treatment on an ongoing basis and respect the time commitment made to 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.
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Is there a grace period for appointment times?Yes, you are given 10 minutes to make it to your session. If no contact is made within the first 10 minutes of appointment time, you forfeit session time and will be charged the cancellation/no show fee.
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Are you offering sliding scale rates?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.
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What is Telehealth?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.
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