Research demonstrates that psychotherapy is effective for a variety of mental and behavioral health issues across a spectrum of populations. Overall, it has been found that psychotherapy helps individuals make positive changes in their lives. Specifically, research has demonstrated that around 75% of people who engage in psychotherapy exhibit positive outcomes. Additionally, the average person who engages in psychotherapy is better off by the end of treatment than 80% of those who do not receive treatment. You can schedule a free 10-minute phone consultation to determine if psychotherapy is the right fit for you.
It is true that therapy is a financial investment, and something to consider seriously before committing. However, most people choose to pursue therapy because the costs of not addressing their life issues are greater than the cost of therapy itself. My fee is consistent with other professional psychologists and is adjusted from time-to-time (generally once a year). My current rate is $225 per 50-minute session.
- Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
- What is my deductible?
- How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many sessions per year does my insurance cover?
- Do I need a referral or pre-authorization before my first visit?
If you have a health insurance policy, it will usually provide some coverage for mental health treatment, although it is important to note that not all issues/conditions/problems are reimbursed by insurance companies. It is very important that you find out exactly what mental health services your insurance policy covers. Payment is due at the time of service using your credit card on file unless otherwise approved or unless you have insurance coverage that requires another arrangement.
Please note that insurance companies can request mental health diagnoses, clinical notes, or the full clinical record. If you have in-network benefits, and you chose to pay for our services yourself, we will ask that you sign a separate agreement indicating your choice.
If I am not in-network with your insurance, you will be responsible for the full fee at the time of service. However, I am willing to provide you with a superbill that you may submit to your health insurance company. If you have out-of-network benefits, you will be reimbursed directly by the insurance company for a percentage of the fee, based on what your plan allows, if applicable. For more questions and clarifications, please read the office policies as outlined in the contract.
All of our communication will be via our HIPPA-compliant platform, Simple Practice. You can download the mobile application on your phone and send secure messages to me. Please allow 24-48 hours for my response. Prior to our first appointment, I will send you several documents to read and paperwork to complete. Once that is complete, we can decide if teletherapy or in-person sessions will work better for you.
It is normal to feel anxious in the first few sessions. However, I have the necessary experience setting the tone and getting things started. I am also trained to guide each session in effective ways to help you move closer to your goals. During the first session, I will ask you questions such as, “What brought you in today?” or “Tell me about yourself?” Your answers to these questions help me understand you better and point us to the areas of your life you want to change. If you are not ready to talk about something too painful, I will wait patiently until you are comfortable sharing. It is okay for you to say you are not ready to talk about something just yet. These sessions are for you and about you. Together, we will create goals and a treatment plan that aligns with your preferences and needs.
I will also ask you questions about your family, your physical health, and your relationships. You will notice that as our sessions proceed, you will begin to share more. Sometimes, I will have suggestions for immediate action. After the first few sessions, you will have a better understanding of your problems, increased awareness, and a sense of hope.
Confidentiality and privacy are extremely important to me and are an integral component of my professional license and the professional code of ethics by which I abide. There are some exceptions to confidentiality. For instance, if you reveal that you intend to hurt yourself or others, I may have to report these intentions to authorities for your own protection and the safety of others. Exceptions to confidentiality also include reporting abuse of vulnerable adults, as well as exploitation neglect of children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. At times, I may have to provide information in court cases.
There are situations in which I may request your written permission to share all or part of our discussions with your physician, teachers, or anyone else you desire. I take confidentiality so seriously that I will not acknowledge know you if we encounter each other in the community, and it is okay for you to not say hello either. Your privacy is of utmost importance to me. More detailed information about this topic can be found in the psychologist-patient contract.
