Services may be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Payment is expected at time of service. I am credentialed to accept BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS). Copays and deductibles vary quite a bit across plans so, if you are not sure of your out of pocket costs, it is a good idea to call your provider (contact information is on the back of your insurance card) and ask about both. If you have an unmet deductible, you have to pay out of pocket until you meet that amount (these vary from $0 to $3000 or more). As an example, the state employee BCBS plan PEBA plans most frequently have a yearly deductible of $490. BCBS typically requires copay amounts between 10-30$/session.

For clients, I have a billing service person who confirms patient benefits with BCBS. However, this process can take a week or so after the first session.

Note: I am not approved for Medicaid or Medicare plans at this time.

See below for more information regarding specific fees, insurance, and payment options.

Private Pay Psychotherapy costs:

  • Initial Evaluation (typically 1 hr) $130.00

  • 50 minute session $110.00

Private Pay Psychological Assessment costs:

  • Psychological testing

    • Initial evaluation/history $130.00

  • Specific Tests

    • Intelligence (ages 6 and up) $150.00

    • Academic Achievement (ages 6-50) $180.00

    • Behavior Assessment System for Children

      • Ages 6-21 (parent, teacher, and self-reports) $100.00

    • Personality Assessment (age 18 and up)

      • MMPI-2 $150.00

 

Note: Testing costs reflect time to administer, score, interpret results, and report write up. The intelligence and achievement tests administered are the current versions of commonly used batteries accepted by school districts and other bodies with decision making power. 

Learning disability/ADHD evaluations typically involve an initial evaluation, intelligence testing, and achievement testing as well as BASC-3 forms completed by teacher(s), parent(s), and child's self-report - depending upon age. As a combined package, I charge $500 for a comprehensive child assessment.

More on Billing and Insurance:  If you have an insurer other than BCBS, I am considered an "out of network provider". In this situation, you would typically pay up front and then I provide an invoice statement that includes the information most insurance companies require for reimbursement (which is then typically sent directly to you).

As I mentioned above, to determine your mental health benefits, contact your insurance provider by calling the mental/behavioral health services number (or general customer service number) listed on the back of your card. Here are some useful questions to ask when determining your insurance situation:

  • Is “outpatient psychotherapy” or “outpatient mental health/behavioral health treatment” covered?

  • Do I need a referral from my primary care provider?

  • What is my deductible? Have I met it for this year?

  • What is my co-payment?

    If you have insurance other than BCBS:

  • What percentage of my bill (or fixed amount) will be paid for services obtained from an out-of-network mental health provider?

Notes:

1)There are advantages to not using insurance, if financially feasible. These advantages mainly involve confidentiality and privacy. Although I make every effort to protect your confidentiality, your insurance carrier is entitled to certain information about you (e.g., psychiatric diagnoses) and the reasons you are seeking psychotherapy, etc.

2) I offer a limited number of reduced fee/sliding scale slots for those who are uninsured/experiencing financial hardship.

3) Insurance policies often do not cover the cost of psychological testing (e.g., regarding learning disabilities or ADHD testing). If you are planning to use insurance to cover the cost of an assessment, I strongly suggest calling your insurance provider to verify coverage and, if so, determine what is required (e.g., pre-approval, physician referral, etc.).