Counseling sessions are
approximately one hour in length, with a fee of $75. Payment is
expected at the time of each session.
If your insurance policy covers "out-of-network" providers
for outpatient mental health, then it can be used to pay for sessions
(please see "insurance information" below).
Because I have a commitment to providing
services at an affordable rate, a sliding scale is available if
needed. I also accept Fourth Corner Exchange Time Dollars for
full or partial payment.
Insurance Information
Insurance coverage for mental health
counseling generally comes in two different forms:
1) Many insurance companies cover a certain number of counseling
sessions over the course of the year, with any licensed provider.
They do not require treatment plans and summaries from the provider;
only a diagnosis code submitted with the bill.
2) Many HMO policies, such as Group
Health, Regence Blue Shield, and others. cover only therapists
on their preferred provider list. They also require extensive
paperwork from the provider such as treatment plans and summaries,
which they use to determine whether or not the treatment iscovered.
These become part of your medical record. Some of these plans
also cover "out-of-network" providers as in 1) above.
I am happy to bill insurance carriers that cover out-of-network
providers, or who cover any Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
I have elected, however, to not become a preferred provider for
any of the HMO's i.e. Group Health, Regence Blue Shield, etc..
Usually a smaller percentage of the fee is covered for an "out-of-network"
provider, but with greater privacy for the client.
My professional decision to limit my insurance acceptance to these
less intrusive plans is based on two main factors: my concern
for the confidentiality of the client-therapist relationship;
and the fact that insurance drives up cost.
The cost of time spent completing treatment summaries related
to billing insurance companies would require me to raise my rates--as
many providers have done. Not having to do this allows me some
flexibility in my rating structure, and, in turn, allows me to
make my services more available.
If you want to use your insurance to
pay for counseling, please check the details of your coverage,
including your deductible, before your first appointment. You
are responsible for all charges whether or not your insurance
covers them.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
