Fees, Insurance, & Use of Diagnosis
FEES
Counseling is a major commitment of time and money. I respect that my clients are often making sacrifices to afford my counseling services. I am not a low-cost provider. While I keep a limited number of reduced rate spots in my practice, those spots are usually full with a waiting list. If you need a reduced rate for counseling, I can refer you to other providers who cost less, who offer a sliding scale based on income, or who accept your insurance plan.
My current fee for a clinical hour (50 minutes) is $200.00. All session fees are pro-rated based on this pricing. Therefore a 30 minute session is $120.00, a 60-minute session is $240, and a 75-minute session is $300. Group counseling is $75.00 per client, per 50-minute group session.
INSURANCE
I am an out-of-network provider, meaning I am not on any insurance company panels and I do not accept direct payments from insurance. This means you will need to pay me upfront for our sessions and then submit the receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement. I encourage you to contact your insurance ahead of time to confirm your out-of-network benefits including your deductible and copayment costs.
If you prefer to use a provider who is in-network with your insurance plan, of course I understand that and can refer you to other counselors who accept your insurance. You can also ask your insurance company to provide you with a list of mental health providers who are in-network.
You have the right to choose not to involve your insurance company in your treatment. Some people prefer to pay out of pocket for counseling services, because it allows them to retain control of the privacy their mental health information. Your health information is accessible by your insurance company if claims are filed. They have the right to review any information pertinent to the treatment plan in order to determine reimbursement.
USE OF DIAGNOSIS
Most insurance companies will require a diagnosis of a mental health condition and indicate that you must have an “illness” before they will agree to reimburse you. Some conditions for which people seek counseling do not qualify for reimbursement. If a qualifying diagnosis is appropriate in your case, I will inform you of the diagnosis before you submit it to the health insurance company. Any diagnosis made will become part of your permanent insurance records.