Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are You Currently Taking New Clients?
Yes, appointments are available on Monday through Thursday between 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. I do have after hour slots available upon request Monday through Thursday. Appointments can be made by phone or email.
Can You Bill My Insurance?
If you have a diagnosable problem that is covered by your insurance plan, and if I am on the panel for your insurance company, I will file your claim for you. You will be financially obligated to pay me any co-insurance or co-pays, or payments prior to meeting your deductible as outlined by your plan, as well as late cancellation fees and missed session fees. I can currently accept the following insurances: BCBS, Aetna, First Health, Allegiance, Cigna, United Health, EAP Consultants and EAP-ACI, ComPsych., Pacific Source, EMBS, Medicaid, Medicare and others.
Are Sessions Confidential?
Your identity or details of our sessions are confidential. Confidentiality is maintained to the extent allowed by law and your insurance company. I am required by law to report danger to self or others.
Additionally, if you use an insurance plan to pay for your sessions, I may be required to provide them with notes about our sessions as a condition of their payment or reimbursement. As a licensed provider, I am ethically obligated to consult with more experienced professionals who are similarly licensed or to get supervision for my work with clients when warranted or required by law. In such cases, the details of your case may be discussed, although you name will be withheld.
As an educator, I serve as a Clinical Supervisor for Masters Level Students and those working on their licensure. I may base an instructional study on your case. If so, your name will be changed to a pseudonym and other personally identifying details will be obscured.
How Much Do Sessions Cost?
Initial Sessions are $160 for one hour sessions; thereafter, are $140 per hour. Your insurance will be billed on a weekly basis. Unpaid balances will be billed monthly to you and any past due balances over 120 days will be sent to a collection agency.
What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?
I can take cash, personal checks, EAPs, insurance payments, debit and credit cards such as
Visa or Mastercard.
What if My Check Bounces or my Credit Card is Denied?
Appointments will not be held when you owe for past sessions. If your check bounces or your credit card is denied, I will notify you immediately, and you are expected to pay for that session before the next scheduled appointment.
In the situation of a bounced check, I can take replacement payment in the form of cash, or credit card. You will also be charged a $35 bounced check fee.
When a credit card is denied it is often because of an incorrect number or an expiration date. You will be contacted and expected to provide corrected information or a new card. If a transaction with a debit card is denied, payment is possible by cash or a credit card.
What if I Have to Reschedule or Forget an Appointment?
I require clients to give at least 24 hours’ notice when they have to reschedule, except in situations of contagious illness and medical emergency. A car accident on the way to an appointment would qualify as a medical emergency. Bronchitis, flu, or diarrhea qualify as illness, but a normal headache does not, nor does a migraine if you have gone to work on the day of the appointment.
Appointments can be rescheduled by phone or email.
If you forget an appointment, you are still financially obligated for that appointment.
If you can reschedule for the same week, the late cancellation or missed appointment fee may be waived.
How Long are Your Sessions and How Many Will I Need?
Sessions are typically 60 minutes and are usually scheduled once a week on the same day and time to facilitate consistency, accountability, and faster progress.
It is impossible to predict how many sessions you might need before I know your history and what issues are troubling you. I’ll discuss the possibilities with you once we are working together.
Can I Call or Email You Between Sessions If I Have Questions?
Between sessions I’m usually difficult to reach, but if your question is urgent you are welcomed to leave a voicemail or email asking me to contact you. I may be able to answer a quick question pertaining to an assignment we’ve outlined for you, but more general questions, or questions about issues that you haven’t yet introduced in sessions should wait for your next appointment time.
If you have an emergency and need immediate support, please call 911.
What If I Need a Different Specialist?
I have referral and consulting arrangements with a number of colleagues in various fields, should you need assistance beyond what I can provide. When needed, I’ll provide you with a list of names and contact information. I do not hesitate to refer clients to other providers when I deem that to be in their best interest.
At times I may determine that a particular technique that I am not credentialed to provide such as EMDR, I may facilitate or expedite your progress. I have a set of trusted colleagues, one of whom I will refer you to if you need a special therapeutic technique.
Are There Issues or People You Don’t Work With?
Yes. Due to the limits of my license, training and education, and professional interests, I refrain from working with certain issues. Please call to discuss.