Finding the time and money to invest in your health and well-being can be difficult, but I would encourage you to make this a priority. At times, it can cost more not to see a therapist. Problems in a relationship, struggling through problems at work or at home, suffering though weeks, months and years with debilitating anxiety or depression; solutions to these issues are priceless.
Q: Should I use my insurance or pay out of pocket?
I do not accept insurance, and here’s why. When using insurance the therapist has to follow regulations set by the insurance company. Generally, this means a lot more paperwork, mandated time requirements that are determined by a diagnosis, and less confidentiality and privacy. Insurance companies require a certain amount of client information to be on file.
Additionally, insurance will only provide payment if there’s a clinical diagnosis. Therefore, I will evaluate your symptoms and will supply the insurance company with a diagnosis. This mental health diagnosis (e.g. Adjustment, OCD, Anxiety, Depression, etc) will be on your medical record if you are using your insurance for therapy.
At times, insurance companies audit therapists and require all records, including notes and evaluations. Therapists must comply by law. This is one way your confidentiality is affected.
One reason some people pay out of pocket is so their formal diagnosis is not shared with insurance. Paying out of pocket is recommended if you want to avoid these issues.
When paying cash:
Rates vary based on what type of counseling you receive, i.e., individual or couples, as well as the length of each session.
If cost is keeping you from seeking help, I would encourage you to discuss this with me. I may be able to help identify alternative options or possibly a referral which may meet your needs.
A sliding scale is available to clients experiencing financial hardship, but this is on a limited basis. The sliding scale fee is based upon household income and number of dependents. Clients that meet this criteria will pay in the range of $100-$115 per 50 minute session.
Individual counseling is $135 per 50 minute session.
Couples counseling is $225 per 75 minute session.
To discuss rates and obtain an exact quote, please contact me today at 207-747-3384.
Fees are paid at the conclusion of session. I accept cash, check, credit card/debit card, and health savings accounts where applicable.
When submitting for insurance reimbursement:
Out-of-Network
I do not accept insurance, and if you have health insurance, I will be considered out-of-network. In this case, you will be charged my fee, and I can provide a receipt or what’s called a superbill which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement or credit toward your deductible. If you’ve met your yearly deductible you may be partially reimbursed. Please keep in mind that submitting to insurance in this way requires me to give you a formal diagnosis and allows the insurance company to request my records for your sessions.
Cancellation & “No Show” Policy
Non-emergency appointment cancellations or rescheduling must be made 24-hours in advance of a scheduled appointment to avoid being billed a late cancellation fee. These fees are due at the beginning of the next scheduled appointment.