Frequently Asked Questions

Just like each person has certain preferences for how they approach therapy, so too do therapists. Working out-of-network means that, although I do not accept insurance reimbursement as a form of payment for services, I am able to offer unique opportunities to my clients that I may otherwise not be able to do if working under the guidelines of insurance companies. Such benefits include:

• Greater privacy in client healthcare records (if not seeking reimbursement from their insurance company)

• The ability to remain open to a variety of therapy modalities and flexibility in offering different amounts of time for sessions without fear of coverage being denied for a client

• Providing as many sessions as is feasible for a client rather than there being a cap on how many sessions are allowed per year

• Freedom to collaborate with clients in a meaningful way toward their goals, instead of being informed how to conduct therapy by an outside agent who has no personal relationship with clients

If you have insurance, you likely have out-of-network benefits under your plan which you may be able to apply to our sessions. It works like this: Rather than submitting a claim for reimbursement for my services to insurance, you would pay for a session out-of-pocket. I would then provide you with a “superbill” (a receipt) for the session which you would submit to your insurance, and the insurance would then reimburse you a percentage of your expense directly. Depending on your plan, you may find that your total out-of-pocket expense after you get reimbursed is similar or only slightly higher than your co-pay if you were to use your in-network benefits. You will need to check with your insurance company in order to confirm and better understand how your out-of-network benefits work. If you would like help navigating this process, please let me know.

If you have one, you may also be able to use your HSA or FSA to pay for session fees.

I’ve heard that insurance provides oversight to services. Without using insurance, how do I know that you will treat me ethically?

I hold myself to an extremely high expectation of ethical standards in the practice of therapy and abide by the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics, a basic tenet of which is “nonmaleficence,” or to “do no harm” to clients.  I also utilize professional peer consultation as needed (within the acceptable parameters of confidentiality) to offer my clients the most beneficial service.  I ensure that electronic platforms, including telephonic, video, and text communication, used in my practice are HIPAA compliant.

If, at any time in your experience with me, you feel that I have not respected your rights in any manner, please do not hesitate to let me know.  Conducting a practice that is ethical is absolutely essential to your success in therapy and I will always give this obligation the utmost gravity.

What can I expect during the first in-person session?

Our first meeting is a chance to go into further depth about the concerns you discussed briefly with me in our phone consultation. Because I want to respect your time, I will send you several documents to review and complete before the appointment via a secure online client portal. This will help to maximize this first session, allowing us to spend more time talking and providing you with the opportunity to ask questions.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Because attendance is so integral to your success in therapy, I have a cancellation policy in effect to encourage your engagement, as well as to uphold the importance of our therapeutic relationship by respecting my time. I require 24 hour notice for cancellation or rescheduling, with the exception of extenuating circumstances (in which case I ask that you contact me as soon as is possible for you). If cancellation or rescheduling is less than 24 hours, or if you do not attend the appointment without contacting me, you will be responsible for the designated session fee according to the practice policies.

I can accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club credit or debit cards, which are all processed through the secure online client portal once you place your card on file (a requirement for confirming sessions after your initial appointment). I can also accept HSA and FSA cards; however, you should check with your card issuer to ensure that it will permit charges related to these services. Cash and check are also acceptable forms of payment.

Can I call you about something unrelated to scheduling?

Sure! I aim to respond to calls within 24-48 hours.

However, please do not call me if you are experiencing a crisis. Instead, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.