Yes and no.  I only work with P.P.O. insurance plans because they cover services from out-of-network providers. 

The Process:  

Step 1:  We meet, and you pay via credit card.  

Step 2:  I provide you with a receipt for services (a superbill) that includes all of the information insurance companies need when you submit a claim:  CPT codes, Diagnostic codes, N.P.I. #, and my  business Tax I.D. #.  

Step 3: Get reimbursed.  Most P.P.O. plans will typically reimburse minus the pre-determined copay. To avoid any surprises, call your insurance provider and ask them the 6 key questions listed below in the next section entitled: Help Finding Out Your Benefits.  

**If you have an H.M.O. insurance plan and do not want to pay out of pocket for services, you will need to find a therapist listed on your insurance provider’s network.

To avoid any surprises with your PPO coverage, ask your insurance provider the following questions:

1. Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits? 
2. What is my deductible and has it been met?
3. How many sessions per year does my plan cover?
4. What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
5. Is approval required from my primary care physician?
6. Does my coverage accept diagnostic codes, like F43.20, for reimbursement purposes?

** More questions about H.M.O. coverage.

Yes.  We accept FSA and HSA payments.  

You may also use insurance to cover the cost of therapy, with copays ranging from $10-$150 dollars.  Please read the next question below for more details.

To Protect My Patients!

Insurance companies require that their contracted in-network providers share your diagnosis and treatment notes to receive payment.  Doing so waves your right to privacy regardless of HIPPA laws.  The treatment notes can become part of your permanent medical record, which may have negative consequences related to your employment, handling firearms, or seeking new medical or life insurance.  Hence, I’m not listed on any contracted or in-network provider lists. 

Another reason?  Insurance companies require therapists to follow pre approved (and restrictive) treatment methods.  As an example, they often limit the number of sessions they cover. Those requirements typically meet the needs of the insurance company–at the expense of my clients (not good).  Since I am not contracted with H.M.O. insurance plans, I can ensure that your therapeutic information remains confidential. Best of all, I have the freedom to customize a treatment plan to meet your individual needs for therapy without being governed by insurance companies.  

I know that life can get hectic at times. However, since your appointment is a special time set aside just for you, I require a 24-hr notice to reschedule or cancel your appointment to avoid being billed for the session.

Access to mental health care is an important issue for me. I am dedicated to increasing access to mental health care.  As such, I hold several sliding scale spots in my practice. If you cannot afford my fees, don’t hesitate to contact me, and we can discuss placing you on my waitlist for sliding scale appointments.