now accepting new clients

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now accepting new clients 〰️

HOw much will my investment be? I’m glad you asked.

rates and insurance

IN-PERSON PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELING FOR ADULTS IN DECATUR, ga

So. real talk. how much does therapy cost?

I’ll be honest. Therapy is a serious investment. Not only is it an investment in your time and effort, it’s also an investment of your resources. I do accept Medicare Part B insurance, otherwise my rate is $150 per hour. That fee doesn’t change regardless of whether it’s an individual session or a family session with someone related to your care. My full fee is due at the completion of each session and can be paid via cash, check, debit, credit, HSA, or FSA.

If you’re like I was when I was looking for a therapist, you’re probably thinking, “HOLY CRAP! There’s no way I can afford that!” What I found out, and what you’ll find out too, is that there are several ways to make it work, and I’d love to tell you about those options. Many people choose to pay for their services using their out-of-network benefits from their insurance health plans. If you’d like to explore that option, keep reading below. If, after your free consultation with me, you decide that my fee is still out of your reach, I’d be happy to help you find a provider who may be more in line with your needs.

let’s talk about insurance.

I am in-network with Medicare Part B. I am out-of-network with all other insurance plans. You will be expected to pay my full fee upon completion of each session. If your insurance plan has out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be able to get reimbursed for a portion of my fees by filing claims directly with your insurance company.

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

Not all insurance plans include out-of-network benefits. The ones that do usually have PPO or POS in the name. Most insurance plans that have out-of-network benefits for mental health will typically reimburse you between 50% to 75% of the cost of my fees, depending on whether or not you have met your deductible for the year. Your deductible is the amount of money your insurance company requires you to pay out-of-pocket before they’ll pay for your services. Your reimbursement rate will depend on your specific insurance company and plan. I will provide you with a form called a “superbill” which you can use to submit claims directly to your insurance company, and they will reimburse you directly based upon the terms of your specific plan. It is important to know that your insurance company will not reimburse you for fees that are not kept therapy appointments. This includes any fees for no-shows or late cancellations as well as for any paperwork or phone calls that you may be billed for.

TO FIND OUT WHAT YOUR INSURANCE PLAN WILL COVER, CALL THE NUMBER ON THE BACK OF YOUR CARD AND ASK THEM THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

  • Does my insurance plan have out-of-network mental health or behavioral health benefits?

  • Do I have an out-of-network deductible that has to be met before I get reimbursed?

  • If I do have a deductible, how much have I already paid this year? (The difference remaining is what you will have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance will pay for anything.)

  • What is the usual, customary, and reasonable fee considered to be for outpatient psychotherapy codes 90791 and 90837? (These are the usual codes that I bill for my services.)

  • How much of the fee does my plan cover?

  • Is there a limit to the number of sessions I can get reimbursed for?

    What paperwork is needed to submit claims for out-of-network benefit reimbursement, and where can I find it? (You usually will need the superbill that I provide, along with a claims form from your insurance company.)

  • Where do I submit this paperwork?


WHY MIGHT I NOT WANT TO USE MY INSURANCE BENEFITS TO PAY FOR THERAPY?

That’s a great question, and I’m glad you asked!

  • Privacy Concerns: When you use insurance, I am required to provide them with a mental health diagnosis. I also have to provide, from time to time, a copy of the notes I take from our sessions. Your diagnosis and treatment details may become part of your medical record, which could potentially impact your privacy. You might not even really have a diagnosis, but I’ll have to give you one anyway to satisfy your insurance company’s requirements.

  • Employment Impact: If you use employer-sponsored insurance, seeking mental health treatment may be known to your employer, which could potentially affect your employment situation.

  • Future Insurance and Employment Applications: A mental health diagnosis on your insurance record may impact your ability to obtain other insurance policies or employment in the future. This includes disability and life insurance as well.

Navigating the insurance world can be tricky. I’m happy to discuss your options and to answer any questions you may have so that you can make the best, most informed choice possible regarding paying for your care.

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