FAQs

Therapy is an individual process & the length of time you participate depends on your individual circumstances. That being said, some insurance plans can limit the number of sessions covered. This is why it is important that you be aware of your mental health benefits if you are utilizing insurance.  

Generally speaking, many clients begin services on a weekly basis and transition to biweekly then monthly while in their 'maintenance phase' until discharge. Of course, weekly sessions are not necessary for all clients & biweekly are appropriate. Typically, services do not begin on a monthly basis. 

The client is an 'active' participant in this therapeutic process. You will be asked throughout treatment to identify your goals. We will check-in about the direction we are moving to assure you feel it is most applicable to your success. The therapeutic process is fluid & adaptable.  

Regarding two sessions on a weekly basis, this may be an option if a client is in distress and the client & counselor determine this to be temporarily necessary. However, if a client presents with a need for two sessions a week on a regular basis, I would consider this an indicator that more intensive services may be necessary. 

If a client has repeated missed sessions/late cancellations it may be best to terminate services until the client is more prepared to engage in treatment. I will suggest and move forward in this direction if it is determined to be the case. 

Please note, if I am scheduling time for you & you continually miss your sessions, I am essentially keeping time from other clients that may need/want that time. 

Sessions are teletherapy only through video and phone. More often than not we will use the secure video for sessions. Please note, text message is typically only used for scheduling concerns.

Utilizing Insurance for Mental Health Treatment

It is very important you fully understand your insurance benefits and coverage for behavioral health and/or mental health. Insurance tends to identify therapy as 'behavioral health' benefits. Insurance can be limiting and confusing. 

Copays and co-insurance are two different things. Sometimes people think they have $0 or a small dollar amount copay but they may have a co-insurance that they are not aware of.  Also deductibles can be confusing. An in network deductible is different than an out of network deductible. These amounts can be vastly different. Not all plans offer out of network coverage either. 

There are also nuances to how certain plans may pay for services. Some plans may have you pay a larger amount, as determined by them (and/or opted into by the primary on the plan), up front and the plan should send a check for any reimbursable amount to you. The plan controls this or the primary person on the insurance has opted into this by having an HSA or FSA type plan. Dependents on an insurance plan may not always be aware of how the primary has set up the plan and therefor have to seek clarity from that individual be it the spouse, domestic partner or parent. 

Regarding insurance coverage please be aware insurance plans will rarely cover two sessions or extended time in addition to the standard 60 minutes on one calendar day. This can be relevant if a client is in distress and/or requests a second session or more time on the same day. In this case the claim will be submitted to your insurance. However, if the insurance fails to pay, the second session/extended time will be billed at the self pay rates and the credit card on file charged. 

Please be aware some insurance plans may decide to limit the number of sessions you are eligible for and/or they may limit the length of your sessions (covering 45 minute sessions versus 60 minute sessions). The proper time will be submitted on the claim. The client is responsible for payment if their insurance fails to pay. Moving forward if the client chooses to continue using their insurance for coverage the sessions would be at the allowable/covered lengths of time. 

It is very important you keep me informed of any insurance changes you have and/or your place of employment may change to. It happens frequently that a place of business changes insurance carriers for the new year and that new insurance may be out of network. This is very disruptive and may cause treatment to end prematurely unless you choose to utilize out of network benefits or begin to self pay for services. Most places of employment do give notice, to their employees, if they are seeking to change insurance carriers. Be alert though & do not assume I am in network. It is best to ask. 

As a provider, my time is spent in sessions providing direct care treatment. I cannot stress how important it is that you understand how your insurance benefits are applied.  Also, please note there are some concerns which may arise in which it has to be the client who calls directly, your insurance plan requires this. If an issue arises & I inform you that you have to call your insurance about something that implies we have attempted all we are able to do from our end.

Insurance companies will do random audits. Providers cannot opt out of this. Clients cannot opt out of this occurring either.  The only way to avoid this is to utilize self pay for services. Your insurance is covering a portion of payment for your services & receiving claims so much of, although not all, of the information they request they essentially have access to already. Requested information may include diagnosis code(s), length of sessions, dates of service and prognosis. The information they request has to be provided. Individual session notes are not typically requested. 

In an attempt to avoid any surprises your insurance will be verified prior to your intake session. 

Once you decide to schedule your initial appointment, you will be sent a link to create a secure client portal and complete all required paperwork/consent forms. You will be asked at that time to provide a credit/debit card or HSA card that will be kept on your file so payment can be automatically charged, based on your estimated copay after each session.

All major credit, debit and HSA cards are accepted.

In this case, a 'courtesy' claim will be submitted to your insurance directly. Your insurance provider would then, if applicable, reimburse you directly or the amount paid may be applied to your deductible.

I strongly encourage that you seek clarification from your insurance plan directly regarding your out-of-network benefits. 

The self pay rates will be collected for out-of-network clients at the end of each session.  

I can only provide services for clients in North Carolina & Florida as these are the states I hold active professional mental health licenses in. Mental health providers are currently restricted by state licensing rules regarding practicing across state lines although this is in the process of change.

There is current legislation regarding enacting the 'Interstate Counseling Compact'. The implementation of this act will remove obstacles for licensed counselors treating clients who have to relocate across state lines for jobs, academic pursuits or family care situations. Continuity of care is important for a client's progress and well being. Any client who has had their treatment interrupted can likely attest to this. It can be very difficult for some clients to begin again with a new counselor especially during times of transition. 

Hopefully the nationwide systems will be in place for the participating states sometime in 2025.