With the changing landscape of insurance, patients are expected to understand their deductible amount, co-pay and or co-insurance amount prior to their visit. Often, the cost of a doctor’s visit is the same as the cost to see a therapist. Your insurance could be an exception, so it is best to understand your benefits.
Without a doubt insurance is confusing. Below is a little more information to help with understanding the potential cost of your visit.
RATES & INSURANCE
Therapy sessions are typically 55 minutes, and the cost depends on what your insurance company reimburses for psychotherapy services, which could be anywhere from $60 to $160 depending on the credential of the therapist. It’s a good idea to contact the phone number on the back of your insurance card to inquire specifically about mental health benefits. There could be a deductible amount due before insurance begins paying your claims, which means you are responsible for what insurance decides is a fair price for the session until that deductible is met.
In some cases, mental health benefits are provided by a different insurance carrier than your health benefits. For example, some state employees have Blue Cross Blue Shield for health benefits, but their mental health benefits are through Magellan. Please make sure to call any number on the back of your insurance card that directly relates to mental health benefits in order to fully understand what insurance views as your cost.
ACCEPTED INSURANCE
I am currently in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, AETNA, and McLaren. Please contact me if you are uncertain whether I accept your insurance.
PAYING OUT OF POCKET
Insurance requires medical necessity. That means a mental health diagnosis is required in order to use insurance. In cases where people are not experiencing mental health symptoms, but are interested in improving the quality of their relationships, paying out of pocket is an option.
METHODS OF PAYMENT
I accept credit cards, checks and cash. Please note that there is a $25 fee on all returned checks. Payment is collected at the end of each session.