Rate:
My rate is $110 per 50-minute session. I accept cash, checks, Venmo, credit, debit and HSA cards. Does the rate for counseling seem high? Click HERE to learn about the hidden fees behind your counseling session.
Cancellations:
Scheduled appointments that are cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged a $50 fee. Why are you charged if you don’t come? Last-minute cancellations do not allow time to schedule an appointment with another client. Charging a cancellation fee is standard practice for most businesses.
Insurance:
I currently accept Aetna, United Behavioral Health, Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Humana. If you don’t see your insurance provider listed here I can provide you with a receipt for counseling services. You may be able to submit the receipt to your insurance company for some reimbursement of fees.
Privacy and Self Pay: When you are a self-paying client, your personal information is kept confidential. Law does not permit a therapist from sharing any of your information unless you sign an approval form. On the other hand, insurance companies require information about your reasons for seeking treatment in order to justify paying for that treatment. I will need to supply your insurance company with a diagnosis and a treatment plan. This information is entered into the insurance database and may no longer be confidential. I have been shocked at the amount and type of information insurance companies have requested from me in order for them to approve payment for therapy sessions. Additionally, you may not be informed by the insurance company as to whom they share your information with. Your future insurability may be compromised.
Choosing your therapist: As a self-pay client you have the right to choose the therapist you want. If you use insurance, you may be required to use an in-network therapist. If you are not satisfied with your therapist you may need to seek a second opinion from another therapist on your insurance company’s list rather than having the freedom to move to the therapist of your choice. Also, you may not be able to see a therapist referred to you by a friend or relative if that therapist is not pre-approved by your insurance company.
Treatment length: As a self-pay client, you and your therapist will determine your treatment plan and how many sessions you wish to attend. Insurance companies may limit the number of sessions you are allowed per week and per year. If you want to receive more sessions, your insurance company may not approve them. The insurance company does not care if you are making excellent progress or if you want to continue seeing your therapist once your limited number of sessions has been exhausted.
Because of the private and often sensitive nature of therapy, many people opt to self pay rather than use their insurance.