FAQ & Fees
How do we start?
It is essential to find a therapist that you feel is compatible with you. Research shows that healing is effective in the context of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. I encourage you to call my office so we can have a brief conversation to discuss the issues you want to address and see if it is a good idea to set up an initial meeting. During our first session you will share in greater depth the problem that is bringing you to therapy, and get a sense of me and how I work. You can ask me about my credentials, education, and approach to therapy, and we will review my office policies and other important things for you to know.
How often to we meet and how long will it take?
As a Pasadena therapist, I meet with clients on a weekly or biweekly basis. Sessions are 50 or 75 minutes in length. Longer sessions are recommended for couples therapy, EMDR, and biweekly clients.
How long you commit to therapy is difficult to predict. It depends on a number of factors, which include your specific goals, the complexity of the issues you are seeking to address, and how long they have been present in your life. Whether you are interested in short-term or long-term holistic psychotherapy or couples counseling, we will evaluate the effectiveness of our work together on an ongoing basis.
What are your fees and do you take insurance?
Please contact me to discuss rates. I do not accept HMO insurance directly for payment, however if you have a PPO health plan, your company may reimburse a percentage of what you have already paid. Please contact your health care provider to see if they reimburse for services rendered by an “out-of-network Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.” I can provide you with a monthly statement that you can then submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. It is important to know that most insurance carriers require a mental health disorder to qualify for coverage and reimbursement.
- Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
- What are my mental health benefits? Do I need to meet a deductible?
- What is the coverage amount/percentage per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover per calendar year?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Your insurance company representative may want to know the CPT code. The CPT codes are 90834 for a 50-minute individual psychotherapy session, and 90837 for a 75-minute individual psychotherapy session. The CPT code for conjoint (couples)/family psychotherapy is 90847.
What is your cancellation policy?
A scheduled appointment means that time is reserved for only you. If you need to cancel an appointment, please notify me as soon as possible. A full session fee is charged for missed appointments or cancellations with less than a 48-hour notice.
Information on receiving a Good Faith Estimate (GFE):
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health 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 expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to 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.
