Fifty-minute therapy sessions are $75.
Thirty-minute therapy sessions are $40.
Payment for services is collected at the beginning of each session, and may be paid through cash or personal check.
I do not file insurance. I am not a member of any insurance panels or networks. A super bill/receipt is provided to the client for each session should the client wish to seek insurance reimbursement. There is no guarantee that you will be reimbursed by your insurance company. Additionally, a charge of $1500 is required for subpoenas or any court appearances, court telephone standby is $500, and any brief letter documents are $50. The therapist reserves the right to accept clients unable to pay above stated fees on a revised pay schedule agreed upon by the therapist and client.
Considerations regarding out-of pocket payments vs. using medical insurance:
|
Out-of-Pocket Payment |
Using Medical Insurance |
| You determine if therapy services are necessary. | Insurance company decides if therapy services are “medically” necessary. |
| You determine how many sessions are needed and how often you meet. | Insurance company decides how many sessions they will pay for and caps the number of sessions. |
| Diagnosis of a mental disorder is not required in order to receive services. In many circumstances, (for example, relationship difficulties, family developmental transitions, major life decisions, family crisis, etc.) a diagnosis of a mental disorder is not appropriate or necessary. | Typically, insurance companies require a diagnosis of a mental disorder before they will pay for services (In other words, they won’t pay unless you’re diagnosed). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (referred to as the DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association, lists and provides criteria for diagnosis. |
| Greater confidentiality. The information you share with your therapist stays between you and your therapist. | Decreased confidentiality due to the large number of persons handling medical insurance claims. Potential company (mis)control of information when claims are processed. Insurance companies have access to your therapy/counseling records. |
| Therapy services are tailored to meet your unique needs. | Insurance companies may require that services follow standardized models. |
| You (along with your therapist) are in the driver’s seat in regards to the services you receive. Your goals and needs are the top priority. | You are only one out of millions of people for whom the insurance company makes healthcare decisions. The top priority is managing health care costs and delivery (this is why it is called “managed” care). |
Currently, I am not a member of any insurance panels or networks. This decision is primarily based on the fact that, typically, working with insurance companies leads to an increased workload—an increased number of client cases and increased amounts of work outside of sessions (primarily paperwork requirements and billing/reimbursement issues). Additionally, working with an insurance or managed care company means that the therapist contracts with and works for the insurance company. As a result, the insurance or managed care company determines whether or not therapy services are “medically” necessary and can decide what services should be delivered, often times making the client’s and the therapist’s input into the problem and the potential solutions irrelevant.
By working independent of insurance and managed care companies, the client and the therapist become the decision makers regarding the determination of the problem, the goals of therapy, and the best process for reaching the desired goals. In addition, the decreased workload allows for more personal attention to the client’s goals and needs, which can often lead to more efficient and effective services. Clients may still choose to use their medical insurance to help cover costs. Some insurance plans will reimburse for a portion of out-of-pocket expenses a client pays to an out-of-network provider—that is, a therapist not working within a client’s insurance or managed care network (check individual plans for out-of-network coverage). In such circumstances, I can provide a receipt for paid services that can be submitted to the client’s insurance or managed-care company. The insurance or managed care company then determines whether or not they will reimburse the client (that is, if they consider the services “medically” necessary). The amount reimbursed is based on the client’s individual plan. Reimbursement is the sole decision of the insurance or managed care company that provides insurance coverage.
The greatest benefit to using medical insurance to pay for therapy services is the reduction in out-of-pocket costs for the person receiving services. This reduction in cost, however, does not equal effective services. The value of the services received is related to the effectiveness of the services in meeting therapy goals. I am committed to providing effective services by maintaining a smaller number of clients, which increases the amount of time I am able to devote to each couple, family, or individual that I work with.
Please call Debi Levine at (252) 412-3756, or email debi@debilevine.com to schedule a good time.