How do I proceed?
Read on to learn more about fees and insurance questions and know your out-of-network options before contacting me. Then please give me a call and we will take about 10 or 15 minutes to discuss your questions and see if your needs and my areas of specialization are likely to be a good match. From there we will set up your initial consultation.
How long are appointments?
Initial appointments generally run 60 minutes and, for couples, 90 minutes. Subsequent sessions run 45 minutes for individuals and 60 minutes for couples.
What can I expect from our sessions?
During the first few sessions I will get to know your concerns and evaluate your needs. I will work with you on defining a treatment plan to address your goals. This plan is sometimes very focused but it depends very much on your unique situation.
How long will therapy take?
Therapy can be very focused and short-term or it can last for many months or even years, depending on individual goals, issues and circumstances. You and I will determine together your goals and expectations for therapy and will periodically review these.
What is the cost and the fee arrangement for therapy?
My fee depends on the particular service you are seeking, be that individual, couples or family. When you call me and I will answer your financial questions. If you cannot afford my full fee, I make available several daytime appointment slots during which I see clients at a reduced fee.
Payment is due at the time of service unless we have agreed to another arrangement. You will then get reimbursed by your insurance carrier assuming they cover out-of-network services.
Payment and Insurance Information
What is your payment policy?
Psychotherapy services are provided directly to you and payment is made directly to me at the time of service. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card. If you wish to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, I provide you with a detailed billable form with all of the required information on it.
I do not participate in managed care plans nor do I accept assignment of benefits, which means that I do not accept insurance for counseling or therapy sessions. I am an "out-of-network" provider; your insurance company will not pay me directly. You may be reimbursed by your insurance company after direct payment has been made for services provided. I also hold some needs-based low fee slots. Before you contact me, please know your payment options.
THE 4 INSURANCE QUESTIONS: FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
Will my insurance company pay for couples or marital therapy?
Health insurance only reimburses for "medically necessary" therapy, and they define "medical necessity." While many health insurance does not pay for marriage counseling directly, many carriers cover marital or family therapy that is necessary to help cope with common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, chronic illness or disabilities. Medically covered symptoms often emerge as a result of marital difficulty and can include anxiety and depression, Other psychiatric conditions such as OCD, mood swings, ADD, can contribute to marital strife and can sometimes be addressed effectively in the context of couples therapy.
Please note that the insurance company will NEVER pay for a no-show or late cancellation or telephone appointment or emails or phone calls or letters. These will have to be paid by the client at the next appointment or upon receipt of the bill - whichever occurs first.
Cancellation Policy
If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified us at least 48 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session. This policy excludes true emergencies.
Before you phone me for a consultation, call your insurance's membership phone line:
Ask if your particular contract will reimburse you for an OUT-OF-NETWORK Psychologist?
1. What is your Deductible?
2. What is the Cap? A money cap? Time cap? Or both? (e.g they could reimburse you up to 30 sessions... or a $1,000... whichever is reached first.)
3. What is the calendar "year"? i.e. do they start counting sessions (after the deductible of course!) starting Jan 1st ? or some other start date (e.g. when you signed your contract, like Sept 1st).
4. The reimbursement can be a percentage of what they consider a "reasonable and expected" fee for the region. Ask what is that fee? both for individual therapy, and for group therapy (see CPT-4 codes below).
A. You may need to say: that I'm a PsyD Clinical Psychologist, with offices in Westchester County, NY.
B. Your bill receipt from me will have Procedure Code information at the bottom:
1. CPT-90791 1st "Consultation" session
2. CPT-90834 45 minutes with patient and /or family member
3. CPT-90837 or 90847 60 minutes with patient and /or family member
After you get your insurance information, and are clear about your budget and what you can afford, I welcome your call or email to make a consultation appointment.
