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Fees and Insurance

Fees

What are your psychotherapy fees?

My fees are comparable with doctoral-level specialist psychologists in California, New York, Texas, and Florida (I am licensed in California, New York, and Texas, and authorized to provide telehealth services in Florida). My current fee for each 50-minute individual or couples session is $250.00.

Fees for couples intensives vary depending on their length and format. We can talk through options during your free 15-minute consultation.

How and when do I pay?

Fees are paid in full at the beginning of each session. Since I require a card on file prior to our first session together, I use IVY Pay to securely store your card information and to collect swipe-free payment if you will be using a debit card, credit card, or flexible spending account (FSA/HSA) card. I also use IVY Pay to charge for late-cancellations and no-show appointments, per my office policy (more on these below).

*Please note that I require a card on file whether or not you will be submitting payment with cash or check. I will only use this card for late cancellations and/or no-shows*

IVY Pay is a secure, HIPAA compliant platform specifically designed for licensed therapists. In order to hold your slot for our first session, and every session thereafter, you will receive a text message from IVY to help set you up once and for all. Once the first charge is run, it securely stores your card information for ongoing use. I will charge your card with IVY at the beginning of every session, as it takes a few seconds and we can get right into our session!

If you have additional questions about IVY Pay, please don’t hesitate to ask me.

If you will be paying with cash or check, payment for services is due at the beginning of session, so that we can get payment out of the way and get going with what brings you in that day.

Do you have a sliding scale right now?

At this time, I do not offer a sliding scale due to the limited number of client hours I have available. I completely understand that not everyone is in a position to invest in individual therapy. If fees are an issue at this time, I would highly recommend the following lower-cost options:

  • https://openpathcollective.org
  • Depending on your situation, I may be able to refer you to some colleagues who may have rates that are more in line with what you are able to afford.
  • You could try searching local therapists who might have some sliding scale slots at this time on https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
  • If you are a couple and in need of therapy services you can contact Filippo M Forni, LMFT at www.centurycitycounseling.com
  • Finally, if you have MediCal, you may be eligible for free therapy services through the Department of Mental Health: https://www.211la.org

Insurance

Do you take insurance?

Since I am not a managed care company, I do not accept reimbursement from insurance. This is primarily due to the fact that I provide my clients with high-quality, high-impact therapy services without any external constraints, distractions, or rules.

While I am not a managed care company, and I am not paneled with any insurance companies, you may be able to use your plan’s out-of-network benefits to get reimbursed for part of my fee, depending on your plan (more on this below).

So, what about that whole Out of Network or “Superbill” reimbursement thing? How do I find out more?

Your health insurance may reimburse you for a percentage of my fee (this ranges from 30-70%). I will provide you with the necessary paperwork, called a “Superbill”, per your request, for you to submit to your plan for reimbursement.

*Please note that if you choose to seek reimbursement with a Superbill, I would still have to list your mental health diagnosis, and other necessary information. The reason I am mentioning this is because this may not be beneficial to some of you based on your profession and other factors*

For couples therapy, I can also provide superbills using code 90847 (couples/family psychotherapy with the client present). Plans vary in whether they reimburse couples sessions, and many require that one partner has a diagnosis and that the sessions are medically necessary, so please check with your plan before relying on reimbursement.

The way the Out of Network/Superbill reimbursement process works is:

  1. If you choose to go this route, I encourage you to verify your out-of-network benefits prior to your session.
  2. Clients pay their fees in full at each session.
  3. At the end of the month, per your request, I can provide you with an invoice called a “Superbill”.
  4. You can submit the Superbill to your insurance company for a possible reimbursement, which, if you are reimbursed, is usually a percentage of the session cost (this ranges from 30-70%).

*Please note that I cannot guarantee any insurance coverage or reimbursement. These benefits are an agreement between you and your insurance company. Please contact your insurance provider directly if you have questions or concerns about your eligibility*

What should I ask my insurance carrier in terms of out-of-network benefits?

There should be a toll-free customer service number on the back of your insurance card for questions related to your mental health benefits.  Some helpful questions to ask include:

  1. Do I have out-of-network mental health coverage?
  2. What is my deductible?
  3. Does my deductible include medical?
  4. Has my deductible been met?
  5. What percentage of my invoice will be covered for services obtained by an out-of-network provider?
  6. How many sessions will be covered per calendar year?
  7. Do you cover procedure codes 90834, 90837, and 90847? (90834 is individual psychotherapy of 38–52 minutes, which covers a standard 50-minute session; 90837 is individual psychotherapy of 53 minutes or longer; and 90847 is couples/family psychotherapy with the client present.)
  8. What is the maximum allowed amount for procedure codes 90834, 90837, and/or 90847?
    Sometimes the representative may say they can’t share this information. You are entitled to understand your benefits, so if they still won’t tell you, you can ask to speak with a supervisor.
  9. Is pre-approval required under any circumstances, such as from my primary care physician, before I can start or obtain mental health reimbursement for services?

What is the Good Faith Estimate/”No Surprises Act”?

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

  • You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
  • Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
  • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
  • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises