I am affiliated with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Insurance and Aetna Insurance PPO plans.  However, not all policies cover mental health visits, so it will be necessary for you to check your policy to see if there is coverage for my services.  If you do not have BCBS or Aetna insurance, you are considered a "private pay" client. Even if you have insurance, it is not required that you use it when using my services.  It is your choice.  This allows you to decide which of the following issues are important to you:


Privacy-- Insurance companies have numerous people examining your files at various stages:  people who authorize payment, track your progress, audit psychotherapy practices, input data, print bills, and so on.  If you do not use insurance, I will be the only person who has access to your information except under specific circumstances which are outlined in my FAQ and discussed in our first session.
 

Your Future-- Your insurance provider requires you to receive a psychiatric diagnosis for your issue (e.g. major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, bi-polar disorder). If you wish to obtain private health or life insurance in the future, this information is open to review and can result in you and your family being denied coverage. Paying privately avoids this risk.

 

Rates:  Insurance - whatever your policy allows, either a co-pay of varying amounts, or paid at a percentage after deductible is satisfied.  Private pay - $150.00 for the first 60 minute Intake session;  $125.00 for following 60-minute sessions.  There is an additional cost for the intake for client paperwork setup.  Cancellation fee is $100.00 if less than 24 hour notice is given, regardless of insurance or not, and insurance companies do not pay for a cancellation.  I believe both your time and my time is valuable, and giving 24-hour notice of cancellation by either of us is necessary to reinforce that message of mutual respect.  Payment is by cash, check, or credit card.