Payment
Cash, check and credit cards accepted for payment. This includes HSA (Health Savings Account) credit cards. Payment is due at the beginning of each session.
You are also welcome to prepay for your appointments now.
Rates
150.00 for a 60 minute session
185.00 for an 80 minute session
Distance counseling (phone, email, video, chat) is prorated at $150 per hour for regular in person therapy clients.
For a more affordable option, please ask me about a distance package for you.
Sliding scale slots may be open. Please ask me if this is something you may need.
Also please note that there is an additional $2 online charge for credit card processing on the online portal.
Sliding scale– please use the paypal button below. Please enter the agreed upon rate. Note a $2 fee will be added. To avoid this fee, please pay up front with cash or check.
Insurance
Have insurance? You have 2 options:
1- If you’d like to see if I’m in-network for your insurance, and you’d like to use your insurance directly to pay for your counseling, please go to my profile on HEADWAY and sign up there.
2- If I’m out of network for your insurance, or you’d like a little more flexibility regarding how many sessions you can use, you can also pay for your sessions up front, I can submit the claim on your behalf when you’d like, and the insurance company will mail you a reimbursement.
Why would someone not choose to file with their insurance?
And why would I choose to not be “IN Network?”- UPDATE- thanks to Headway- now I am!
Great questions.
1- Some people choose to not use their insurance for counseling for a variety of reasons. Using insurance puts some parameters around your experience. In filing a claim with your insurance company, I have to, as a licensed clinician, give you a diagnosis out of the DSM-V. Granted, if you don’t actually have a mental disorder we have some diagnostic codes to work around this. They are not dishonest, and they are not severe. Still, some choose to not have these things enter their medical record if they don’t have to. If you see me and you have insurance but choose not to use it, that information will not automatically be sent to them. One of the other big reasons people choose not to use their insurance as the indicator of who they can see is the quality of care, and the length of care.
2- Not all therapists out there who are In-Network are burnt out counselors, but to be In – Network it requires the counselor to handle a much bigger case load. I think it is very important that when you are sitting in my office, you have all of my undivided attention, and my time with you isn’t just a check off on a long list of people to get through in a day.
I listen, I remember. I don’t take notes (unless it is a useful part of the session itself that I share with you).
I’ve been in private practice for fifteen years now, and ethically, quality of care is my overriding influence in the discussion of insurance panels. Quality over quantity.
I completely understand the financial need sometimes to make sure you find someone in network. If that is your situation, thankfully our town is full of so many counselors!
If you’d like to work with me, we can be flexible with how often you come in; I may have a sliding scale spot open, and/ or please utilize the Online Messaging option! It would also be helpful to see what your insurance plan does provide you, what your deductible is, and what other expenses you may have that would help bring that down. It would also be helpful to look at what unnecessary expenses you have that are related to any of the issues for which you are seeking counseling.
8 Week Challenge
The proof is in the research. I’d have to add another page to list the research articles continually confirming this! Actually, the majority of the research says it’s 12 weeks. But 8 weeks still represents significant change. It also says psychotherapy starts working at the first session- unlike medication. Ultimately, therapy is your choice and you should never feel contractually obligated to come. But sometimes a good challenge helps motivate us to commit to ourselves. So I challenge you to commit to yourself at least 8 weeks of consecutive counseling. (1 session per week). If you come each week, your 8th session will be free of charge. I recommend paying your 7 sessions up front to encourage your commitment. But you are welcome to pay as you go each week too. But it only works for 8 consecutive weeks. Don’t forget- if you have insurance- they will most likely pay you back 60-80% of this. BCBS usually sends my clients refund checks in 2-3 weeks.
Start Your 8 Week Challenge Now
Reduced Fee/ Sliding Scale
Reduced fee services are available on a limited basis. If you are serious about engaging in counseling and beginning the self work involved, I will do what I can to work with you as I believe that every willing person deserves this opportunity. I also understand that not everyone’s insurance covers the cost of counseling, and will work with you to come up with fair payment. Because I value both my and your time, an initial assessment will occur before this agreement is made to ensure fit and likelihood of progress. Please contact me so we can discuss your options.
First time clients
Developing a therapeutic alliance and “good fit” is one of the most important parts of the counseling process. I offer a brief initial consultation free of charge for face to face clients while you are trying to find the right therapist.
Cancellation Policy
If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment you will be required to pay the full cost of the session. If you need to cancel or change your appointment time, please contact me at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment time, to avoid being charged for a missed session.
