Payment is an important part of the therapeutic process. It is part of the way we make sure our relationship is a professional one. In addition, research shows that when people are invested in their treatment (pay for it) they have better results. Let's have an honest conversation about payment at the outset of treatment. I would also invite you to bring fees up at any time during our work togeather.
The most secure and private way of paying for your treatment, there is no one else involved with your treatment decisions other than you and I. In all of the below 3rd party payment plans the insurance company can decide to stop paying or authorizing additional sessions any time they want to. When using insurance of any kind the insurance company has access to your mental health records. Once they leave my office I can no longer guarantee your privacy. When paying out of pocket you get to stop when you are ready, and your treatment is no one else's business. You can't go wrong investing in your own self.
Unless you are a First Responder with one of the few EAP panels I can take I am a private pay only provider. Sorry I can't be more flexible. On the other hand, you can't go wrong investing time and money on your own self.
NOTE: My client's pay me at each appointment. I accept cash or checks.
Like most psychologist's my basic fee is at times negotiable. If you feel that we are a good fit, but also feel that you can't afford my basic rate, please give me a call. When choosing a mental health provider having a good match with them is most important. Beyond that it's very important that you can stop going to therapy when you want to, and not when you can't afford it anymore. It's always appropriate to discuss fees at any time during our work together. I reserve the right to change my fees at any time. If that happens, I will discuss the change with you before it goes into effect.
These programs were designed to head off mental health problems. They require less documentation for the provider and are less intrusive than other kinds of third party payment. Stress is a good example. If you notice that you are becoming stressed you probably only need 4 or 5 appointments to learn some great relaxation techniques. The down side is that because it's supposed to be preventative Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) only provides a few sessions (usually up to 5). At that time the employee may be able to get some more authorized, but it often must be for a "different issue". I am on a couple of EAP providers, as a First Responder Specialty provider. I am not on EAP panels for the general public.
I no longer take payment from Worker's Compensation.
Until recently I was one of the very few providers that takes Worker's Compensation insurance. I no longer accept worker's compensation money because of the way the worker's comp insurance carriers treat their claimants.
I do not take health insurance.
Some of the better medical insurance plans allow you to submit statements from an "out of network" provider. You must still pay me at the end of each session, but I can provide you with such a statement. Some people can submit the statement to their insurance co. for at least partial payment. However, I will not write reports, nor provide information other than what is on the very basic statement. Those requirements and reports are the reason I'm not on insurance panels to begin with.
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