Therapy is an incredibly worthwhile expense.  INVEST!

My goal is to give you the most for your money by using short-term proven methods.  I would suggest that if the cost seems a barrier, be creative, adjust priorities, and even reach out to others for assistance.  Some of my patients have found financial help from a parent, sibling or other sponsor.  Even though I am out of network, many have called their insurance to determine if they could see me and get reimbursed in whole or part, since I am 'out of network' for all but Medicare Original.

Individual Therapy Fee:
The regular fee based on your needs will start at $140 for a full hour.  Shorter sessions are offered after we have a good working relationship or you have been seeing me and we discuss moving to $125 for 45 minutes. Often and to get the most benefit using intensive methods, the first session is typically scheduled for two hours and the fee for that long first session is 280 dollars. Once established and longer term, if appropriate, a shorter appointment of an half hour can be arranged for $75.

Couples
I work in longer blocks of time when working on improving relationships because having enough time for the therapy and education involved, works best and is research supported. We would start with a three hour session which includes individual time with me at the start of the session - usually no more thatn 20 minutes each.  I offer a reduced hourly fee package of 8 hours of therapy for 1000 dollars. Additionally, I spend at least 2 hours preparing for our session by analyzing the intake profiles and planning the specific interventions for your particular needs.

Couples Orientation/consultation option:  If you prefer to meet with me briefly to help you decide and get some information – we can do that for 75 dollars cash for 1/2 hour. There you can meet me in my office, get some direction and best practice resources in person, then discuss with your partner and get back to me if you decide to move forward with therapy.  This works well when one partner is reluctant to engage in therapy and wants to be more certain.  Read more about price option and approach on my couples page.

Group Therapy:  Minimum of 4 participants with cash cost 40 dollars for each 1.5 hour session.

For most insurance, I am considered an out-of-network provider and insurance can often pay part of the cost IF referred with a diagnosis or I determine a patient has a diagnosed and covered condition that requires psychotherapy.  Currently, I am not an in-network provider for any insurance companies except Medicare. Depending on your current health insurance provider or employee benefit plan, it is possible for services to be covered in part.

You may not be aware, but there are also numerous drawbacks to using insurance for therapy. For instance, the company must be allowed access to your records and diagnosis.  Sometimes, there is no legitimate diagnosis meeting full criteria.  For example, there may be some triggers related to a traumatic event that you would like to reduce with EMDR, but you do not meet full criteria for any diagnosis.

Using your insurance

If you are seeking reimbursement, before we even meet it is best to contact your provider to verify how your plan compensates you for mental health services.  You can ask questions of your insurance provider to help determine your benefits:

• Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits?
• Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
• Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?
• Do I need written approval from my primary care physician in order for services to be covered?

Cash and checks for payment are my preference, since there are no associated card service fees.

CARDS:  I do accept and process debit and credit cards and health savings cards, but not during our session.  If you indicate that you need to use a card for payment, I will send you an invoice and prefer payment before our session if it is your first session.

FEES:  For two reasons, I will attach a card service fee.  The fee will be unique to you. It is only partial payment of the associated fee and secondly, it helps me identify your unique payment for accurate accounting.

Yes, I provide receipts, statements and invoices to your email address.

I have given it a lot of thought and I do not feel comfortable charging the full fee for late cancellation or no-show, so you will be charged 60 dollars for a missed appointment unless you notify me beforehand. If I need to cancel for whatever reason, I will call you as soon as possible.