Our first meeting will largely focus on gaining an understanding of what is bringing you into therapy and what you are hoping to get out of the experience. It is our opportunity to become acquainted with one another and determine whether your needs and the services I provide are an appropriate fit.

If however, my services are not what you are looking for, or if your goals are beyond the scope of my specialties, I will gladly make recommendations for other professionals that are better suited to help you reach your goals.

**Please note, If you are initiating therapy to address a specific traumatic event I will ask you not to speak about your trauma extensively in the first session. While it is important for me to get a general understanding of your experience it is paramount that trust and safety are first established before discussing the specific details of your experience.

The duration and frequency of treatment depends on multiple factors including:

1. The Nature and Severity of the Issue

2. Client Goals and Level of Commitment

3. External Supports and Resources

4. Psychological Resilience

5. Therapist-Client Relationship

6. Life Transitions and Stressors

7. Frequency of Sessions

8. Personal Growth and Exploration

Typically a brief course of therapy might consist of approximately 6-8 sessions while a more moderate course of therapy might require approximately 20-24 sessions. For clients presenting with more severe and persistent mental health concerns the course of therapy may require anywhere from 24 to 48 sessions (approximately 6-months to 1-year of services if attending weekly).

In my clinical experience, clients who attend therapy weekly and actively engage in work both in and out of therapy sessions tend to make progress toward their goals at a quicker rate. My goal is to ensure that you are satisfied with the services you are receiving and making progress towards your desired outcomes. It is never my goal to keep you in therapy indefinitely.

I am not currently in-network with any insurance providers (or EAP companies). As an “out-of-network” provider I do not have a contract with your insurance company. This allows us the benefit of autonomy, privacy, and customization when tailoring services and interventions to meet your specific mental health needs. Most of my clients use their health insurance for a partial reimbursement for the cost of treatment. If you are eligible for out-of-network mental health benefits, I will help facilitate reimbursement by providing you with a timely billing statement that includes all of the necessary information needed for clients to seek out-of-network reimbursement from their insurance providers. It is recommended that clients who wish to use their health insurance benefits contact their insurance provider to determine if they are eligible for reimbursement for out-of-network mental health services prior to scheduling. All clients are responsible for payment for sessions at the time of service.

Do I have mental health insurance benefits?

Do I have any out-of-pocket mental health benefits?

What is my deductible and has it been met?

How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?

What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

Is approval required to use these benefits?

Am I able to use my out-of-network insurance benefits?

While insurance can be beneficial for some, private pay provides a level of autonomy, privacy, and customization that aligns with the unique needs and preferences of many individuals seeking therapy. Some of these benefits include:

1. A Tailored Approach: Private pay often allows for a more personalized and flexible approach to your treatment. Unlike insurance, which may limit the number of sessions or dictate treatment modalities, private pay allows you and your therapist to collaboratively determine the best course of action for your specific needs.

2. Privacy and Confidentiality: When you pay for therapy privately, your sessions remain confidential between you and your therapist. This level of privacy can be essential for individuals who want to discuss sensitive or stigmatized issues without concerns about their information being shared with insurance companies.

3. No Diagnosis Required: With private pay, you don't need to receive a formal mental health diagnosis to access therapy. This can be appealing for individuals seeking support for personal growth, relationship issues, or life transitions, as they can receive therapy without the stigma of a clinical diagnosis.

4. Flexibility and Convenience: Private pay therapy often offers greater flexibility in scheduling and session length. You can choose when and how frequently you attend sessions, making it easier to fit therapy into your life.

5. Avoid Administrative Hassles: Dealing with insurance paperwork and pre-authorization requirements can be time-consuming and stressful. Private pay eliminates these administrative hassles, allowing you to focus solely on your therapeutic journey.

6. Choice of Therapist: You have the freedom to select the therapist who best suits your needs and preferences, rather than being limited to those who are in-network with your insurance plan.

7. Long-Term Investment: Private pay therapy can be seen as a long-term investment in your mental and emotional well-being, without the constraints of insurance limitations. This investment can lead to lasting personal growth and positive life changes.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment please do so with at least 24-hours notice. Anyone cancelling an appointment with less than a 24-hour notice will be charged their full session fee to the card held on file. Please be aware the cost of a missed session is not typically covered by insurance companies.

Effective January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act, which Congress passed as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, is designed to protect patients from surprise bills for emergency services at out-of-network facilities or for out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, holding them liable only for in-network cost-sharing amounts. The No Surprises Act also enables uninsured patients to receive a good faith estimate of the cost of care.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment and hospital fees.

Make sure your healthcare provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

Get More Information. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).