The first session is considered an intake session where I will meet with you to gather information about you from a bio-psycho-social model. This session usually lasts 75 minutes.

Subsequent sessions are typically around 45-50 minutes. The therapeutic process depends on the establishment of a safe, confidential, and collaborative relationship. Therefore, the first 2 to 3 sessions are catered to building our therapeutic relationship.

I work in a collaborative nature. Decisions about the duration of treatment, frequency of sessions, and methods to be utilized are reached together.

I utilize the Gottman Method for couples. This involves a 3-session assessment phase. First session is the initial joint session to discuss the relationship’s history. Second session involves separate individual interviews. Third session is the feedback session where we will discuss the relationship’s strengths and challenges and collaborate on a treatment plan.

Subsequent sessions will focus on interventions to address communication skills, rebuilding trust and intimacy, enhancing friendship, and building in rituals for connection.

Couples therapy is not always the most appropriate treatment approach and contraindicated in some situations. If this is the case, I will discuss this with you and offer appropriate referrals if necessary.

I choose not to panel with insurance to prioritize the best care for my clients. Insurance companies often dictate treatment, require a diagnosis that stays on your medical record, and undervalue both the client and provider. By remaining independent, I can offer personalized, ethical, and effective therapy without limitations on your care.

I can provide you with a superbill. A superbill is a document that contains information your insurance company needs to reimburse you for services directly.

The information includes the name of your therapist, my office address, national provider ID number (NPI), business tax ID number, mental health diagnosis, dates of service, procedure codes, and the cost paid.

I do not interact with or guarantee reimbursement from your insurance provider

My services are reimbursable by many insurance companies, and I am glad to help you use your out-of-network benefits. To see if you have out-of-network coverage and are eligible for reimbursement, ask your insurance company the following questions:

1. Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health/behavioral health treatment?

2. How much do I pay in co-insurance? ( This is the amount you are responsible for. Your insurance company will reimburse you for the rest, commonly 60-80% of the session cost).

3. Do I have an out-of-network deductible to meet before I am eligible for reimbursement? If so, how much of that deductible has been met this year?

4. What is the usual and customary rate covered for outpatient psychotherapy? (CPT codes: 90791 [first session only], 90834 [individual therapy], 90847 [couples therapy]).

There can be many benefits to not using health insurance:

1. You are in control of your care, including choosing your therapist, length of treatment, etc.

2. Increased privacy and confidentiality (except for limits of confidentiality).

3. Not having a mental health disorder diagnosis on your medical record. (If you use a superbill, you must have a diagnosis)

4. Consulting with me on non-psychiatric issues that are important to you that aren't billable by insurance, such as learning how to cope with life changes, gaining more effective communication techniques for your relationships, increasing personal insight, and developing healthy new skills.

After reading my position on why I don't accept health insurance, you still may decide to use your health insurance. If you provide me with a list of therapists on your insurance provider list, I will do my best to recommend a therapist for you

The No Surprises Act Legislation (2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act) became effective 1/1/2022. This Legislation requires health care providers to provide a Good Faith Estimate for Services, specifically for private pay clients who are not using insurance, have opted out of using insurance, or who have insurance that the provider does not participate with.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your health care will cost. You can ask your health care provider for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a 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 .

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, such as myself, are not qualified to prescribe medication. Physicians and psychiatrists are examples of providers with qualifications to prescribe medication. Psychiatric medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy. If you already have a prescriber and sign a consent for me to communicate with them, I can collaborate with them about your care. If you do not have a prescriber and wish to find one, we can explore options together and look at referrals.