Fees, Insurance, & Payment

Mental health counseling services are currently $130 for a 45-60 minute in person or Telehealth session. Payment is due at the end of your mental health counseling session. Payment for the full amount or your co-pay is accepted via debit card or credit card, which will be saved in your secure & confidential client portal on SimplePractice (platform for mental health counseling clients). I will process the card on file for payment once the counseling session is done. Please update me during the session if you'd like to use a different credit card or debit card. 

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I am currently credentialed with Capital Blue & Community Care Behavioral Health (UPMC). Prior to our first appointment, I will confirm coverage and communicate the details (e.g., co-pay owed at time of service). Please note that occasionally what was confirmed can show up differently when the claim is processed by your insurance provider, which means that you may owe money or receive a refund for the finalized insurance claim.

 

For other insurances that I am not currently credentialed with, I will provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. It is important for you to contact your insurance about the steps to complete for submitting a superbill. Here are questions to ask your insurance provider: 

1. Do you have mental health coverage?
2. Will therapy or evaluations with your therapist be covered?
3. How many sessions per year are you covered for?
4. How much does the provider reimburse for out-of-network services?
5. Is approval from your primary care physician required?
6. How much is the deductible? Is it already met?
7. How much is the copay?
 

It is important for you to contact your insurance provider beforehand so that you can know the details of your out-of-network coverage. You will be responsible for the mental health counseling session fee as well as the submission of the superbill.

 

I do not work with Medicare, Medicaid, or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). 

COBRA plans can be different from your current insurance plan. Sometimes it will remain the same and sometimes it could be with a different insurance carrier. It may have a different deductible and/or copay/co-insurance.
COBRA plans are sometimes backdated and sometimes not, so you may have a period where you are not covered by insurance. You are responsible for the private pay fee until I am able to verify active insurance. 
Once insurance is verifiable and active, claims will be submitted during that active coverage period. If there is any credit once the claim processes, I will apply it towards your next appointment. Any credit remaining upon discharge from mental health counseling will be refunded to you.

Note: If you end up using insurance to help cover the costs of mental health counseling, please keep in mind that insurance companies require that the client being treated has a mental health diagnosis and medical necessity for treatment. Examples of services that are not covered include some types of testing, couples therapy, career counseling, and personal growth/life coaching.  Although these services may be valuable, insurance typically will not pay for them and you will be responsible for the private pay fee. If you have any concerns about using insurance, please don't hesitate to contact me.