Rates
First intake session $200
All other sessions $150
Insurance
We accept few in-network insurances such as PacificSource, Aetna, GEHA, and Blue Cross Blue Shield (for reasons we will describe below) but we can help you verify your coverage and provide options for you to be reimbursed directly by your insurance company if you are out of network. Currently we remain out of network with Providence, Moda and TriCare. We no longer accept EAP benefits. If you have further questions about your benefits please feel free to give us a call or refer to your insurance provider for more clarification.
One option is to provide you what we call a “superbill” at every appointment that you can easily submit directly to your insurance company for reimbursement. The second option is for us to submit the claim for you and set it up for you to be reimbursed directly. Depending on your current health insurance provider or employee benefit plan, it is possible for services to be covered in full or in part. Please contact your provider to verify how your plan compensates you for psychotherapy services.
I’d recommend asking these questions to your insurance provider to help determine your benefits and know what to expect as far as reimbursement. We will also help you “triple check” your benefits at your first appointment to be sure the information you are getting is accurate:
- Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits? What are my in and out-of-network benefits?
- Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
- What percentage will my benefit cover once my deductible is met? Can you tell me about your “allowed amounts?”
- Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?
- Do I need written approval from my primary care physician in order for services to be covered?
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. Otherwise, you may be charged for the full rate of the session.
Three things you need to be aware of when choosing to use your insurance:
You should be able to grow and change in a safe environment. At the core, counseling can be a vulnerable experience. That’s why we fiercely protect our client’s confidentiality and goals for growth. This may seem odd, but since a core value is confidentiality and doing what’s in the best interest of our clients it is important for you to understand what you compromise when using your insurance.
Reason #1 It’s Not Confidential
Insurance companies require us to use their electronic medical records systems and disclose your records to them. Last year alone, the Department of Health and Human Services recorded 24,000 HIPAA violations. Over time we disclose information to a 3rd party insurance or technology company, there is increased risk to your information being out there. As well, if you or your child eventually needs a federal background check, wants to serve in military, or a variety of other reasons, a diagnosis can be disclosed through your insurance company. We want you to have the most confidential counseling!
Reason #2 You Have to Be Diagnosed
In order to have insurance cover counseling, we have to diagnose you. Even if it’s not appropriate, there has to be a diagnosis. For example, if a couple comes in for counseling, for it to be covered, one person has to have a label. Similar to reason one, we don’t think you should have a mental health diagnosis on your permanent medical record. To us, everyone should have access to counseling. We can all use a little help! We want you to get help without having to have a diagnosis!
Reason #3 They Decide Your Treatment
Insurance companies decide treatment. They determine the number of sessions and the frequency. We believe this should be you and your therapist’s choice. Sometimes you need shorter sessions or longer ones. Maybe you need them 2x per week or once per month. When an insurance company is involved, they decide even if it is not in the best interest of our clients. Our clients enjoy the freedom to choose what is best along with their therapist. We want you to get the best quality of counseling treatment!
Any Other Questions
Please contact me for any additional questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!