We tell ourselves so many stories. Here’s to making room for the beautiful ones.
- Morgan Harper Nichols
Where to Begin.
When you reach out, we will initially schedule a brief 15-minute phone consultation. This allows us to touch base around your presenting concerns and scheduling needs. Should we align on those fronts, we will set up an initial meeting. The first few sessions of treatment are considered a consultation phase, during which I will evaluate your needs and formulate a plan for your treatment.
During these sessions I will gather background information including a mental and physical health history, family history, employment, school etc. in addition to information related to why you are seeking psychotherapy services. From this information and once I feel I have developed a basic understanding of your needs, I will determine whether my expertise is a good match for your needs. If I do not feel I will be able to offer you the services you need or that other services would be better suited, I will assist you in finding other referrals and resources.
It is important to remember therapy works best when you feel comfortable with your therapist and can develop a trusting relationship. These first few sessions will give you a sense of me and my manner of working, so you may determine whether you would like to work with me. I welcome honesty and openness in this process and am happy to help you find another therapist if it does not feel like a good fit.
Attendance.
Individual therapy sessions are 55 minutes in length. Research has shown psychotherapy is most effective when it occurs consistently on a weekly or bi-weekly basis; thus, I do not generally provide sessions on a monthly basis. We will determine the frequency of our meetings, as well as a regular meeting time. Should your schedule keep you from establishing a consistent meeting time, I will do my best to work with you.
Cancellation Policy.
Early notification of cancellations and/or to reschedule meetings is much appreciated! Please allow a full 24-hour advance notice for cancellations. Appointments cancelled less than one day in advance will be charged a late cancellation fee of $100.
Fees and Insurance.
My current fee for initial and ongoing appointments is $180. Cash, check, and all major credit/debit cards are accepted for payment. I am a private pay (i.e. “out-of-network”) provider. That means I do not accept insurance. Clients pay my full fee at the time of each session. If your insurance company offers out-of-network benefits, you should receive some reimbursement for the cost of my services which is typically between 50%-75% of the allowable cost per session. I will provide you with documentation (known as a Superbill) to submit to your insurance if you have out-of-network benefits to help you obtain your reimbursement.
*You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. An estimate of out-of-pocket service costs is available upon request.
Questions to ask your insurance company about your mental health benefits:
Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
What amount/percentage will I be reimbursed for outpatient psychotherapy (CPT code 90837) and initial evaluation (CPT code 90791) in Baltimore city (zip code 21224) with a licensed psychologist?
Is there a deductible I need to meet each year before I can begin to receive reimbursement for sessions?
Is there a session limit per year?
Is there preauthorization required? Is there a specific form that needs to be submitted?
What paperwork is required to submit claims for out-of-network reimbursement? (This is usually called a "superbill" and also a claims form, ask where you can find their claims form)
Where do you submit this paperwork? (Sometimes it's online, sometimes it's by mail only)
Confidentiality.
Anything you share with me is confidential. You can provide me written consent if you’d like me to speak with another provider or family member. Legal exceptions to confidentiality are as follows:
In the case of suspected child or elder abuse.
In the case of a serious threat made to harm another individual.
In the case of a threat to cause oneself imminent harm.
In the case of a court order.
*Please be aware there are further parameters to discuss regarding confidentiality for a client under 18 years of age.