For Counseling:
Generally, I start off with full 60-minute sessions (versus the standard 45 to 50). Shorter sessions may work for children when their parents aren’t involved, but that is not my style. Still, for times when it may be appropriate, I’ll list the difference in cost. For couples, at least the first time seen together; or for family sessions, I recommend 90-minute sessions. The following are my base rates when not using insurance or EAP benefits.
45 minutes: $145.00
60 minutes: $160.00
90 minutes: $225.00
If you decide to pay out of pocket and want to submit for reimbursement yourself, either to insurance or a health savings/flexible spending account, I can give you a receipt with all the information you need. I recommend we do that on a monthly basis.
About Insurance:
Depending on your current health insurance provider or employee benefit plan, it is possible for services to be covered in full or in part. Please contact your provider to verify how your plan compensates you for psychotherapy or counseling services.
I’d recommend asking these questions to your insurance provider to help determine your benefits:
- Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits?
- Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
- What is my copay or coinsurance?
- Do I have “out of network” benefits? If so, how do they work, and what are my out of pocket costs to use them?
- Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?
- Do I need written approval from my primary care physician in order for services to be covered?
More considerations when using health insurance:
Health insurance is a benefit for Medical problems. Therefore, in order to get coverage for service, you need to be evaluated for and given a diagnosis; and that diagnosis must be one that your insurance company covers you for. I will not submit claims to any insurance company without having met with you for a follow-up appointment to discuss my initial assessment, and what diagnosis I think is appropriate that you are okay with me releasing to your insurance company. So your first session will need to be paid in full. If you continue on in counseling, have agreed to a diagnosis and working with your insurance, then you may have a credit on your account once the first insurance payment comes in. We can discuss how you want to be reimbursed or use your credit toward your share of the cost.
Health insurance does not normally cover 90-minute sessions for couples or family counseling. We can discuss the best strategies for working with your insurance to meet your needs.
Cancellation Policy and Missed appointments:
Neither health insurance nor EAP benefits cover missed appointments. The time reserved for your appointment is time set aside just for you that I cannot devote to either other clients or personal obligations. You may be interested to learn about all the hidden costs associated with therapy under FAQ’s. Still, true emergencies can occur, as well as inclement weather that would interfere in being able to keep an appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice. In those cases, there would be no charge to you. Otherwise, we may share in the cost of the missed appointment; and if you miss without any contact attempt or missing appointments last minute becomes a pattern; not only is that an issue to discuss in therapy, but you may be obligated for the full session fee.
For Supervision:
Rates are either per hour or a monthly flat fee. I do give students and new graduates working toward licensure a significant break on what I charge compared to my hourly base counseling rate. Experienced practicing clinicians looking for peer supervision and consult would get a professional courtesy discount and the rate would range from $100 to $150 per session.
For Training:
Rates vary depending on the preparation, number of participants, length of workshop or presentation, and setting. Often, signing up ahead of time or for more than 1 workshop brings a discount. See fliers and announcements for details and advertised fees. I am also willing to consider a discount for students. Nonprofit charities looking for speakers may request pro bono presentations.
Payment:
I accept all forms of payment: cash, check, or major credit and debit cards. If paying by credit card, I will ask you to sign a credit card authorization form. If you have an HSA card, that works like a credit card, you may be able to use that too. You can pre-pay for services, sign up for a training, or pay an outstanding balance here on my website.