FAQ for Therapy | Balanced Mind Psychological Services

FAQS

WHAT IS YOUR FEE SCHEDULE?

Intake Assessment, 60 minutes, $180
Individual Session, 45 minutes, $130
Individual Session, 60 minutes, $155

Individual Session, 90 minutes, $185
Couples Assessment, 90 minutes, $210
Couples Session, 60 minutes, $155

Fees are to be collected at the time of service.

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

Currently I accept some BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina plans. For all other plans I am considered an out of network provider. If I do not accept your insurance plan, after every few sessions, you will be issued (upon request) an insurance ready billing statement that depicts a $0 balance to the provider, since you will have paid after every session. You may submit the bill to your insurance carrier in an effort to be credited or reimbursed for the expenses or part of the expenses. If your insurance carrier reimburses for services, they will reimburse you directly since you will have already paid me for the service. Some people find an app helpful in submitting out of network claims, like better claims or reimbursify (please note I am not endorsing or recommending either). Some insurance companies will also allow you to use HSA or FSA funds to pay for services. Please check with the policies around your HSA/FSA funds.

While not an extensive list, below are some questions you may want to ask your insurance company to help you better understand your coverage.

Can I see a provider who is out of network?
Does the amount paid by my insurance company depend on whether I see a professional who is "in their network or preferred provider list" or "outside the network"? If so, what is the difference in the amount paid or percent reimbursement for "in network" vs. "out of network" providers?
What are the limits of my coverage either in dollar amount and/or number of sessions?
What is my deductable for mental health benefits?
Do I need pre-approval to see a mental health professional?
Do I need a referral from my PCP?
What is my co-pay?

While there are certainly financial benefits to using insurance to pay for therapy, there are also benefits in paying for therapy yourself. The majority of insurance companies require a diagnosis from the DSM-5. Many difficulties people seek therapy for do not meet criteria for a diagnosis, like relationship difficulties, personal growth, and parenting issues to name a few. Insurance companies also typically have a set number of sessions you can attend and will only pay for a portion of services. With self-pay, you and your therapist will have complete control over the frequency of sessions and you can choose to participate in therapy as long as you are receiving benefit. Another benefit is that you will be able to maintain privacy and your treatment will not become a part of your health records.

CAN YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?

I am a psychologist and cannot prescribe medication. However, if you choose to work with me in therapy, I am happy to help get you connected with a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication if you believe it would be helpful for you.

WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO THERAPY?

Overall, I look at cases with an integrative approach, which means I use a variety of theories and techniques, which individually and combined provide help to people with a broad range of struggles. However, Cognitive-Behavioral and Humanistic theories most characterize my therapeutic work. Cognitive-Behavioral theory has a great deal of support in the research and is helpful with a broad range of struggles. Looking at unhelpful thoughts and behaviors provides a solid foundation for change. This approach gives clients new skills, providing a concrete way to change their thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Authenticity, empathy, acceptance, and warmth are all vital parts of the therapeutic process and relationship. These core and underlying principles create a safe environment in which change becomes possible and draws out the strengths and unique personhood of clients. Both of these theories are flexible, allowing room for the integration of other theoretical orientations. In addition, they create hope and provide practical skills. In addition, I often use EMDR as indicated, as a way to get at deeper things, that are often rooted in the past, yet still impacting the present. For issues that feel like there is a disconnect between what you know intellectually and what you feel emotionally, this modality is often very helpful.

DOES THERAPY HELP?

Research has consistently shown that therapy can be helpful. Another consistent finding speaks to the importance of the therapy relationship. It is important to find a therapist you feel is a good fit for you and with whom you feel generally comfortable. How long therapy lasts can vary greatly. For some people they may meet their goals in a few weeks, for others it could be much longer process. Therapy is an investment of your time, effort, and money. I take this seriously and strive to stay current on the research and use treatments and approaches that research has shown to be effective. As a general rule, it is my goal to put myself out of job with each person I work with. However, please note that I cannot guarantee outcomes.

IS THERAPY WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

Some people also wonder if therapy is worth the investment of their time, energy, and money. Therapy is hard work and is a commitment to your health. However, not engaging in therapy may also have a cost: financially, emotionally, and/or socially. It may be helpful to consider what the cost may be if you do not get the help you need or make positive changes. Many issues people struggle with can negatively impact their family, friendships, career, and physical health. Alternatively, it is also helpful to think about what you may stand to gain from therapy. Some possibilities may include improved relationships, a stronger sense of self, improved ability to cope with difficult emotions, and improved health.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance by leaving a voice-mail at 980-221-2113 or cancelling through Therapy Appointment. Cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment and "no-shows" will incur a charge. Each client will be given two times per year the fee for cancellation within 24 hours can be waived at the practice’s discretion and can be used for situations like sudden illness or family emergencies.

DO YOU OFFER TELEMENTAL HEALTH?

Telemental health services are available through doxy.me, a platform which conforms to HIPAA privacy guidelines. Research has found satisfaction rates to be similar to in-person services. As I am a member of PSYPACT (mobility #6555) I am able to see clients in any of the 39 states where legislation is currently enacted (https://psypact.site-ym.com/page/psypactmap).

What is a Good Faith Estimate (GFE)?

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of schedule health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure you save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises

FAQ: FAQ