When making a decision about whether to use your insurance, please keep in mind that your insurance company will want to know some information about you in order to cover your treatment. This includes a diagnosis and may include more detailed information. Before your first visit, please verify your behavioral/mental health benefits with your insurance carrier either by calling the number on the back of the insurance card or checking online. Please determine if your first visit needs pre-authorization. Some helpful questions you can ask:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- Do I have a copay?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Do I have an out-of-network benefit? If so, what is the coverage allowance and/or deductible?
I am in network with BCBS PPO, AETNA plans and Medicare. Other insurance health plans may cover sessions with me at an out-of-network rate. It is helpful to know what your plan will cover upfront before you attend your first session. Below you will find a list of questions that are good to ask when you contact your plan for a quote of benefits.
What does an out-of-network provider mean?
As a licensed psychotherapist, I am automatically considered to be an out-of-network provider. You’ll need to check your plan first to determine your benefits for OON providers, if there’s a deductible and if its been met, and what percentage they cover for individual or family counseling. Most of my clients who have OON (out of network) benefits get reimbursed 65-85% of the counseling fee.
As an Out-of-Network provider, I give you a Superbill, which you then submit directly to your insurance company. The reimbursement check goes to you.
Many of my clients who use their out of network benefit may also use their Health or Flex Account for payment which allows for tax advantages.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters when compared to what lies within us".
Ralph Waldo Emerson
