FAQs

Do you offer in-person sessions?

All individual and relationship therapy sessions are currently virtual using a convenient and HIPPA-compliant telehealth platform provided via SimplePractice. While I am licensed and based in MD and DC, I am also a telepsychology practitioner under PSYPACT which means I can offer care via teletherapy to clients residing in the following states:

What is the process for starting therapy?

The first step is scheduling a free 20-minute consultation with me.

This initial conversation helps us both determine whether I am a good match for your needs. We will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your background, and ways in which my professional experience may be helpful for your therapy goals. We will also discuss logistics such as scheduling, billing, and my practice policies. At the end of the consultation, we will mutually determine whether I am the right therapist for you or whether you may benefit from trusted referrals.

Following our initial consultation, we will schedule an intake appointment to establish care. The intake appointment goes into greater depth with assessing your concerns, history, and needs in therapy. Subsequent sessions following the intake appointment will allow opportunities for us to continue getting to know each another, setting goals for how we will work together, and building a sense of compassionate support in our ongoing therapy space.

Do you accept insurance?

As an out-of-network provider, I do not accept payment directly from insurance companies. Insurance companies require a formal diagnosis be added to your medical record and can have influence over aspects of the therapy process such as how often we can meet, the duration of our therapy relationship, or the focus of our sessions. Not participating with insurance providers allows for client-centered care and greater flexibility in the therapy process.

Many insurance plans offer coverage for out-of-network mental health services — depending on your insurance provider and plan, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for significant percentages (often 50-80%) of your session fees. If you would like to seek reimbursement, I will provide you with a superbill document on the first of each month that you can submit directly to your insurance provider to receive reimbursement for paid fees.

Prior to beginning therapy, I suggest calling your insurance provider with the following questions:

• Does my plan include coverage for outpatient psychotherapy sessions with an out-of-network provider?

  • If your plan does not offer out-of-network benefits, you will not be reimbursed for service fees by your insurance provider.

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

  • If you have a deductible, you will not be reimbursed for paid fees by your insurance provider until the full deductible amount is met.

• How much does my plan reimburse for an out-of-network provider? What CPT codes are associated with the rates for reimbursement?

  • The amount you are reimbursed may be a fixed amount, a capped amount, or a percentage. You can learn more about the amount you expect to be reimbursed based on the CPT codes associated with different session types (which can be discussed in our initial consultation or intake appointment).

• Does my plan cover a specific number of sessions per calendar year?

  • If your plan has a limit, you will only be reimbursed for the number of sessions available within that limit. If you exceed the limit, you will not receive reimbursement for the fees paid past the session limit.

• Do I need a referral or any form of prior authorization from my primary care physician (PCP) prior to starting services?

  • In order to receive reimbursement from some insurance plans or providers, you may need prior authorization or a referral form signed by a PCP before beginning to receive mental health services.

How much will it cost to receive services?

The cost of services depends on a number of factors including rates for services, the frequency of services, and duration of therapy. You can receive an estimate of service costs as described below.

As of January 1, 2022, under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

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.

Disclosure Notice Regarding Patient Protections Against Surprise Billing

Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges Notice