Answers to some of the common business questions-

Therapy rates are $175 for the initial intake session, and then $150 for each additional in-office 55 minute therapy session. Most often though, health insurance will cover most of this cost, leaving you with just the copay or co-insurance percentage to cover. Phone and Skype sessions are typically not covered by health insurance. Also note, that some clients prefer to NOT use their health insurance benefits in order to maintain a higher degree of privacy for themselves, and also for added flexibility in treatment options. In this case sessions are to be paid up front by cash or check, typically at the rates listed above.
 

Life Coaching

My monthly rate is $450, paid in advance. This covers 3 full hours of coaching sessions plus additional e-mail support as needed. These sessions can be a great choice for those clients who are not  symptomatic, but would like to grow personally. However life coaching services are not covered by health insurance.

Payment options:
Cash or check are accepted for payment. Payment is expected at the time of the session unless other arrangements have been previously made .

 Insurance Coverage:

Most medical plans cover mental health treatment when deemed to be "medically necessary".  Typically this means that a client is in some way "symptomatic"- for example, is experiencing significant depression, anxiety, anger, or is having significant problems behaviorally or interpersonally. To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. It's your responsibility to check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• What exactly are my mental health benefits?
• Do I have a copay , co-insurance, or a deductible I will have to pay out of pocket? If so, these payments are all due at the time of service.
   How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
• Do I need a referral from my primary care physician? or pre-authorization from my insurance company?
• Is the therapist I want to see an "in-network" provider for my insurance plan; if not, what are my out-of-network benefits (if any)?

 I am an "in-network" provider for most of the local and larger insurance companies: CDPHP,  Empire Plan (for NYS employees- the mental health part of these benefits is currently managed by a company called Value Options),   BSNENY ,  CIGNA,  UBH,  UHC,  and  Medicare. 

I am typically considered an in-network provider for out-of-state Blue Shield plans, but I am NOT in-network for Blue Cross plans (e.g. Anthem, Empire BC, etc.).  However some Blue Cross plans and other insurances do provide partial coverage for "out-of-network" providers, which would help defray your costs.

I  do not currently accept Fidelis, or Magellan, or certain MVP plans (e.g. their HMO products), nor straight Medicaid (but I am a provider for Medicaid plans provided through one of the managed care companies listed above with which I am contracted.) 

Reduced Fees:

Reduced fee services are available on a limited basis. Please contact me directly if you need a reduced fee or to set up a payment plan other than full payment at the time of each session.

Cancellation Policy:
If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified me at least 24 hours in advance, you will typically be billed a $70 no-show fee. If you believe this policy will be problematic for you, please speak with me about that in advance.