frequently asked questions

Do you accept insurance?

No, I do not accept insurance and am considered an out-of-network provider. As a licensed clinical psychologist, my therapeutic services qualify for patient reimbursement. They may be partially or fully covered by your health insurance or employee benefit plan.

In fact, here is an article that talks about reasons why you might want to consider an out-of-network therapist:

8 Reasons to See an Out-of-Network Therapist

see if you qualify for reimbursement

As an out-of-network provider, I have partnered with Mentaya to help my clients save money on therapy. Use the tool below to see if you qualify for reimbursement for my services.

  • With much consideration, I decided not to participate as an in-network provider with managed care plans. Insurance companies often impose limitations to the duration and type of therapy someone can have, as well as have requirements that may cause a compromise in confidentiality (i.e., insurance companies may require detailed disclosure of specific patient information). Your care should be determined based on what you need and not be decided by insurance companies. They also may end up denying your claim and leave you with the bill anyway.

    I ultimately decided that signing a contract with an insurance company was not worth the potential consequences and limitations on my patient’s care, as well as based on the insurance companies demands on my time (i.e., doing all their paperwork, chasing after payments, disputing denied claims, etc.), and their undervaluing of my expertise and training (i.e., being reimbursed well below industry standards).

    I believe in helping patients advocate for their needs, set boundaries, and value what they have to offer - this is where I practice what I preach. Setting this boundary helps me give you the utmost care and attention, rather than worrying about financial or administrative stress caused by working directly with insurance companies.

  • You can check to see if your insurance covers out of network benefits using the free Mentaya tool above.

    Depending on your out-of-network benefits, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement (typically 60-80% of your session cost). Outside of using the tool above, the best way to understand your out-of-network benefits is to call your insurance carrier directly. Here is a step-by-step guide with a list of questions to ask:

    Guide to out-of-network benefits

    Some questions to consider asking are:

    Do I have any out-of-network benefits for outpatient psychotherapy office visits?

    What is my out-of-network deductible and has it been met?

    How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover? Are there any limitations?

    Do I need a pre-authorization?

    How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

    Is coverage based on a “usual and customary rate” or “allowed amount” for CPT code 90834 (45-50-minute Individual Session) and 90791 (Intake Appointment), or the full rate that the therapist charges? If it’s the usual and customary rate/allowed amount, ask what that amount is.

    **I would be sure to note that I am a licensed clinical psychologist and my degree is a Psy.D. - Insurance companies have different reimbursement rates for the different degree levels.

  • You can learn about your financial investment here.

  • I have a limited amount of sliding scale spots. ** Please note that I do not have any sliding fee openings at this time.*

  • This is dependent on your unique situation and desires. You may be wanting relief or symptom reduction - this may take 8 weeks to 6 months. If you're going to tackle deeper and long-standing patterns, therapy may take a few years. It took you years to develop your patterns; it will take time to untangle and work through them.

  • For the most benefit, once or twice a week is optimal. My policy is that my patients come at least once a week. Therapy that happens less than once a week becomes more like putting out fires than actually getting to long-lasting change.

    If you want to build strength, you would not lift weights once a month and expect much progress. Similarly, you must regularly attend to your mental health if you want to heal and grow psychologically.

  • Yes. I am legally obligated to keep all of your information confidential outside of three limitations (see below), which means I will not disclose any information about you to anyone unless you have a release of information signed for that person and for that particular information.

    The three limits of confidentiality are 1. If you report imminent risk to yourself or another person (i.e., plans and intent to kill yourself or another person). 2. If you disclose to me that a minor or a vulnerable adult is being abused, I am a mandated reporter and will need to report to Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services. 3. If I receive a valid subpoena or court order, I would need to respond but contact you.

  • I offer limited evening appointments on Monday-Thursday. I currently do not have any evening openings.

  • Click here to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.