Fee
Initial assessment meeting is 75 minutes at $200.
Individual sessions are 50 minutes at $155.
Longer sessions of 60 to 75 minutes may be needed, but will be discussed in advance. The standard recommendation is weekly 50-minute sessions, although a different session frequency or session duration may be agreed upon.
Payment may be made by cash, check, credit card, or HSA/FSA card at the time of service.
Insurance
I am not on any insurance panel. However, I can be seen as an out-of-network provider. Please verify your benefits with your insurance company. Some questions you may want to ask:
-
Does my insurance plan cover out-of-network providers for mental health?
-
What is my out-of-network deductible?
-
Is pre-approval required before commencing treatment?
-
Is there a limit on the number of sessions covered per year?
-
What is the coverage amount per session with an out-of-network provider?
I do not bill your insurance directly. However, I can provide you with a monthly statement (superbill) for sessions already paid, that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Why Don’t I Take Insurance?
You have likely noticed that there are very few mental health specialists in the Santa Barbara area who take insurance and are taking new clients. I understand that this can be frustrating when trying to find help. Many mental health practitioners have made this choice because they prefer to spend their time and energy helping clients rather than negotiating for insurance approval. There are a number of additional reasons that I do not feel that a direct relationship with insurance provides the best care for my clients:
- Confidentiality – Insurance companies require specific information about your mental health to provide coverage for services. A therapist who works as a provider must share your diagnosis and treatment notes with your insurance company. This introduces not only a breach in confidentiality, but also potentially:
- Denial of coverage – Providing your diagnosis and treatment information to your insurer can have unintended consequences both now and in the future. A specific mental health diagnosis is generally required to authorize coverage of therapy sessions. Most people seeking therapy are not dealing with a mental illness, but are instead seeking help with personal growth, difficult life changes, resolution of conflicts, or any number of other issues. Often these are not accepted as valid reasons for insurance coverage. If therapist is forced to provide diagnosis to authorize treatment, that diagnosis may go on to affect your future healthcare choices.
- Limited options for treatment – Insurance coverage requires that your therapist use the treatment methods authorized by your plan for your diagnosed condition. This may limit the frequency, duration, method of therapy used, or even what individuals may be allowed to be present for or participate in your sessions regardless of your wishes or your therapist’s assessment of what would be most productive.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. Otherwise, you will be charged for the full rate of the session.
Any Other Questions
Please contact me for any additional questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!