First off – counseling and psychotherapy is expensive.  I get that.  Some people want or need to use their insurance benefits to pay for therapy.  I just want to make sure you understand the risks of that decision.

Risks of Using your Insurance to

Pay for Therapy

In order to reimburse, insurance companies require a diagnosis based on significant impairments to daily functioning.  This diagnosis becomes part of your permanent medical record and can result in the denial of life insurance, security clearances, or entrance into the military.

Life insurance companies, the military, and potential employers may require your past records be released to them.   Life insurance may be approved, but at a much higher cost with a mental health diagnosis.  Employers may flag certain diagnoses, or look for high-utilizers of their benefits.  This may impact their decision when faced with two similar candidates.

Benefits of Using your Insurance to

Pay for Therapy

• Lower cost
• Fewer unpleasant emotions
• Better relationships
• A more meaningful and joyful life.

I think these are invaluable.  We all prioritize what’s most important to us.    If psychotherapy is important to you, you will see this as an investment in yourself.

The Cost of Therapy

• The first two intake appointments are $240
• Subsequent  sessions are $230
•  75-minute EMDR sessions are $380

With the exception of EMDR sessions, regular sessions are 45 minutes long.  EMDR sessions are 75 minutes.  Based on my experience and feedback from clients, 45-minute sessions simply were not enough to process traumatic memories.  As a result, I only offer 75- or 90-minute EMDR sessions.  I consistently see the most progress in the shortest amount of time when we meet for this amount of time.

When Using Insurance for Therapy

I am an Out of Network provider.  Most POS and PPO plans cover Out of Network providers. I can give you a special invoice to submit to your insurance company which allows you to be reimbursed according to your specific plan.

I recommend an app called Reimbursify to easily submit your claims and streamline your payments right from your phone.  You can download the app and file my claims for free.

Depending on your health insurance plan, it is possible for services to be covered in full or in part. Please contact your insurance company to double check how your plan reimburses for psychotherapy services. I can send you a full list of important questions to ask your insurance company. Just ask!

Here is a list of some of the questions I recommend asking your insurance provider to help determine your benefits:

• • Does my plan include out of network benefits?
  • Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
  • Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I have? If so, what is the limit?
  • How much of the session fee is covered or how much should I expect to be reimbursed?

Any Other Questions?

Do you have other questions?  My telephone number is 603-994-0114.  I look forward to hearing from you!