I strongly believe that every person deserves to live a whole, fulfilling life that brings them meaning and joy! So many women that I work with find it hard to justify spending time and money on their wellbeing yet wouldn’t think twice about doing so for a loved one. You are worthy of the love, time, and attention that you give others. You are a worthy investment and your health matters!

I am not in-network with any insurance plans, including Medicare, Tricare, or Medicaid.

For individuals with commercial insurance plans (e.g., Anthem, UHC, etc.), I am considered an out-of-network provider. Depending on your out-of-network coverage, you may be able to receive reimbursement from your insurance company for part of the session fee.

1. Client-Centered Care: Operating on a private pay basis allows me to prioritize the needs and goals of my clients without the restrictions imposed by insurance companies. This means I can tailor treatment plans specifically to each client's unique circumstances and preferences, rather than having to restrict our care to a specific number of sessions. Insurance companies also require a mental health disorder diagnosis in order to pay for services. Many of my clients come to me wanting support with experiences such as burnout, relationship difficulties, work/life balance, navigating fertility treatments, or processing the transition to parenthood. None of those experiences meet criteria for a mental health disorder, and by being private pay, I do not have to go against my personal and professional ethics code by giving false or inaccurate mental health diagnoses.

2. Enhanced Privacy and Confidentiality: When clients pay privately, their therapy sessions remain completely confidential without the need to disclose sensitive information to insurance companies. When someone uses their in-network insurance benefits for psychotherapy, insurance companies require a diagnosis, copy of session notes, and treatment plan for all clients. This means that not only do individuals at the insurance company have access to your private health information, but that information becomes part of your permanent medical record and can lead to an increase in your insurance premiums, as well as interfere with your ability to be approved for life insurance policies or certain job positions later in life.

3. Reduced Administrative Burden: Dealing with insurance companies often involves extensive paperwork, pre-authorization requirements, and other administrative tasks. In the past I have spent hours on the phone correcting payment mistakes made by insurance companies, which interferes with time I could have spent with my family or seeing clients. By operating on a private pay basis, I can focus more of my time and energy on providing high-quality care to my clients rather than navigating insurance bureaucracy. I am also able to spend more time attending continuing education trainings, spending time with my family, and engaging in self-care, which makes me a better therapist for my clients.

4. Flexibility and Autonomy: Operating independently allows me the flexibility to offer a wider range of therapeutic modalities and treatment options. I can also schedule appointments more flexibly to accommodate my clients' needs and preferences (e.g., insurance companies do not pay for therapy intensives or extended sessions).

5. Long-Term Cost Efficiency: While private pay may initially seem more expensive, many clients find that in the long run, it offers greater value for their investment. By investing in their mental health upfront, clients often experience more efficient and effective treatment outcomes, leading to long-term cost savings.

6. Higher Quality of Care: Insurance companies often reimburse poorly for psychotherapy sessions - some paying less than 50% of a therapist’s fee. This requires the therapist to see twice the number of clients in order to pay their bills, which leads to a higher chance of burnout and sometimes a lower quality of care for each client.

I understand that the decision to pay privately for therapy is a significant one, and I am committed to providing transparent pricing and discussing any financial concerns or questions you may have.

With an out-of-network provider, you pay for services up front, and then file for reimbursement from your insurance company afterwards. If you choose to use your out-of-network insurance benefits, I will provide you with a “superbill” after each appointment, which will include all of the information you need to complete your reimbursement filing (please note this is an itemized receipt that will require a mental health disorder diagnosis).

I highly encourage you to contact your insurance company to learn more about out-of-network provider benefits for your specific insurance plan, as reimbursement and deductible amounts vary. While I cannot guarantee reimbursement or that your insurance plan offers out-of-network provider benefits, many PPO plans reimburse as much as 50-70%. You can also use www.thrizer.com as a way to instantly get an estimate of your out-of-network insurance benefits and submit superbills, but I still recommend that you contact your insurance plan directly to get the most accurate information regarding your insurance coverage.

The fee for the initial intake is $225, and each follow up 55-minute session is $175. I also offer extended sessions (90 minutes) of EMDR for $270. If you have any questions about insurance or billing, please contact me.

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 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 or call 800-985-3059.