How do I know if we will be a good fit to work together?

I offer potential clients a free 30-minute phone consultation. This gives me an opportunity to learn about you and what you’re looking for, and it gives you an opportunity to learn more about me and my practice. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have. I like to have a sense that we would work well together before you commit your time and financial resources to an intake appointment.

What can I expect from therapy with you?

You can expect someone who will listen to you attentively, with empathy and understanding. During our first few sessions, we will start to get to know each other, and build rapport and trust. I’ll ask you to review and complete some paperwork prior to our first session. I’m interested in learning more about who you are, what’s important to you, your concerns, your goals, and any preferences you may have for treatment. The first few sessions tend to be more structured; I’ll ask questions about various aspects of your life. After that, I’m going to take your lead in terms of areas of focus. As we work together, we can review how treatment is going and make any adjustments as needed.

Where do therapy sessions take place?

Sessions take place online, via a HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platform. We can meet together as long as you are located in Virginia or any PSYPACT-participating state (including DC, Maryland, and over 35 other states) at the time of our session. It’s okay if your location changes from session to session, as long as you have privacy and are located in a jurisdiction in which I am able to practice. I often meet with students who attend school in a different state than their home state, as well as people who travel for work or leisure, without disruption to treatment. I’ll ask you to confirm your location at the start of each session, both for legal reasons as well as safety. Since we will not be in the same space physically, it is important that I am aware of your location, should a crisis or emergency arise at the time of our meeting.

How long is a therapy session, and how often will we meet?

Therapy sessions are 45 to 50 minutes long. Typically, we will meet weekly at a time that works for you. However, I understand competing demands, and I value flexibility and the ability to adjust based on your needs. I have a 24-hour cancellation policy for scheduled appointments.

How much does a therapy session cost? Do you take my insurance?

The fee per session is typically $230. I am an out-of-network provider, which means that I do not accept insurance directly. Many of my clients use their out-of-network benefits to recoup a portion of the fee. If you are interested in doing so, I can provide a Superbill, which contains all of the information your insurance company should need to process an out-of-network claim.

Will my insurance cover the cost of sessions?

Each insurance plan is different. To get information about possible reimbursement from your insurance company for mental health services, I recommend that you call your insurance company and consider asking the following questions:

• Does my plan have out-of-network benefits for mental health services?

• Do I need prior authorization to seek outpatient mental health services?

• Is coverage based on what my provider charges or the “usual and customary rate?” If it is the “usual and customary rate,” ask what that number is for the following CPT codes: 90791-95 and 90834-95.

• What is my out-of-network deductible? Has it been met?

• After my deductible has been met, what percentage is covered by insurance?

• Are there any limitations to the number of sessions covered per year?

What is the No Surprises Act?

The No Surprises Act was put in place to ensure that patients know how much their medical or healthcare costs will be before services are received.

• Under the law, health care 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 health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care 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.

• For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.