I welcome you to contact me to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
During the free consultation call, I will ask you about your goals and needs, provide you some information about what our work together might look like, and answer your questions.
Sometimes people want to know how long they might be "in therapy." There is no single answer to this question as people meet with therapists for very different reasons. I see clients for both short-term as well as long-term work, but we will collaborate together to help you decide the length of your specific therapy.
Forensic evaluations are typically complex and time intensive. During the consultation, I will provide an estimate of the amount of time that might be required to complete the evaluation, and I will notify you throughout the assessment process should there be a need for a significant increase in time to complete the evaluation.
I will also discuss fees and billing during the initial call. For more information, see below.
I currently am paneled with Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Although I am not currently in network with other insurance companies, your insurance plan still might help! That is, some plans (typically PPOs) reimburse for a part of the cost of therapy, and I encourage you to contact your insurer (call the number on your card) and ask, "What are my benefits for out-of-network behavioral health care?" If you have benefits, I am able to provide you a receipt of services, which would include information your insurance company needs and allow you to seek reimbursement directly from them.
Although insurance can be an excellent option for some clients, and is often the route people expect to use to pay for therapy, I also see clients privately (i.e., self-pay). Although therapy can be expensive, your health and well-being are worth it. Further, there are several concerns that I and other providers have with insurance companies.
Healthcare panels can be unpredictable and inconsistent in their coverage. They may also restrict the number of sessions you can have or the types of therapy that can be used (even when professionally indicated).
Insurance companies gain access to your diagnosis and treatment, and this information could potentially be shared with other parties (e.g., other healthcare providers or review boards).
Some clients experience greater trust in the therapeutic process and avoid surprise bills by paying privately or seeking reimbursement through out of network benefits.
Clients are also often able to find greater availability and gain quicker care by contacting an out-of-network or private-pay psychotherapist. I am likely able to schedule a session with you within a week if not sooner!
Additionally, insurance panels place a significant time and documentation burden on clinicians (especially solo practitioners like myself without office staff). Instead of spending time preparing to meet or sitting with clients, we are tied up in administrative work.
Overall, I believe in the investment in psychotherapy. However, I understand that the decision to start therapy includes a financial piece, and I would be happy to speak to you more about this.
Please note that forensic evaluations are not eligible to be covered by health insurance.
Please contact me for information about my fees. The fee schedule will be discussed during the initial consultation call and agreed upon prior to the commencement of services.
Payment for psychotherapy services are due at the time service is provided. I accept payment via a secure credit card processing portal. Clients are able to set up automated on-line billing through this portal and receive regular statements.
Billing and payment for forensic services will also be discussed during the consultation.
Psychotherapy can be expensive, but I encourage you not to be discouraged from contacting me as typically we will be able to come up with an acceptable arrangement.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who do not have certain types of health care coverage or who are not using certain types of health care coverage an estimate of their health care bill before those services are provided. You have the right to receive this "Good Faith Estimate," and please ask me for it before you schedule a service. For questions or more information, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.