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Frequently Asked Questions

About Insurance and Rates

Understand That Therapy is a Financial Commitment 

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It’s also a place for you to experience growth and healing in a way that can change your life.  Can you put a price tag on that?  When you finally make the decision to go to therapy, you’re ready to get down to business and you want to see results happen as soon as possible. I couldn't agree more.  My approach as a behavioral and solution focused brief therapist also wants to meet these objectives so that you can get what you need and get on with your life.  Most of those I work with see benefits within 6 session and end treatment around 12-16 sessions. A few ways that I am able to help you see results in such a short period of time is by:

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  • Coming up with objective and measurable goals from the beginning of working together.

  • Using assessments that measure progress over time so that you can see improvement.

  • Providing you with resources and homework between sessions to ensure efficiency.

  • Checking in with on a regular basis to ensure that your needs are being met and that we’re getting to the root of the problem.

Out Of Pocket Investment

 

Initial Intake Appointment: $150

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This 60-minute appointment includes:

  • A thorough review of your intake paperwork and report of findings from your intake assessment and questionnaire.

  • Individualized treatment plan (no one-size-fits-all approach here) that includes measurable and objective goals, as well as an estimated timeline for how long therapy may last based on your presenting concerns.

  • Access to a secure messaging platform to check in between sessions.

  • Access to my online video and podcast library for support between sessions.

  • Time for you to lay out what your greatest hope in coming in for therapy is so that we can define the big picture goal right from the start.

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Standard 45-minute Individual session: $100

Standard 45-minute Couple or Family session: $120

I am also able to extend sessions at a rate of $65 per 30 minutes

Insurance

 

Considerations With Using Insurance for Therapy

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For some, coming in to work with me without insurance is never going to happen.  It's just not possible.  This is one reason why I still take a few select insurance plans. (Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United Health, Optum, Harvard Pilgrim and Tufts).  In using insurance plans it is important to note that couples counseling/marriage counseling is not covered under most health insurance plans, regardless of whether or not a therapist in in network with an insurance company.

 

In order for insurance to pay for counseling, the therapist must diagnose the client with a mental health disorder, and there is no reimbursable diagnosis code for marriage counseling.  This means that the only way a therapist is able to bill insurance for marriage counseling is by assigning a mental health diagnosis to one partner and then submitting claims to the insurance company as if they are treating that person’s mental illness.  This truly is not a problem if one or both of you already have a history of having therapy, but worth noting if neither have had services before since this puts one of the couple at a disadvantage from the beginning.  

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Using an insurance plan for couples counseling also allows the insurance companies to dictate clinical decisions such as length of treatment, frequency/length of sessions, and mandates a mental health diagnosis for reimbursement, all which goes on your record as a pre-existing condition.  My approach, since it is data specific, rarely has any major objections from insurance companies, so this risk is minimal.  It is also more difficult to ensure confidentiality when insurance is utilized since the information provided will go through the hands of multiple insurance employees.

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By paying out-of-pocket, we can bypass these risks and I do not need to provide a diagnosis, especially if one is truly not needed, that is, it is just life, not a medical necessity.  I’m also able to keep your records completely secure and confidential. There will be no diagnosis on your permanent health record, and no one will ever know you’re in therapy unless you tell them.

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So What Are My Options Should We Choose to go Without Insurance?

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If the cost of counseling seems to be out of reach, consider the following:

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  • Use pre-tax dollars. Did you know that you can use your Health Savings or Flexible Spending Account to pay for therapy using pre-tax dollars? Please note that HSA accounts make it harder to get couples therapy covered, so check on that before you get started.

 

  • Check if you or your spouse’s employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP is an employee benefit that allows anywhere from 1-8 sessions (including couples counseling) and the employer foots the bill for the sessions. If you and your partner choose to continue therapy after your approved sessions, only then will you be responsible for payment.

 

  • Speak with your tax accountant to see if you could deduct therapy expenses from your taxes as an out-of-pocket health expense.

 

  • Understand that therapy is an investment in yourself and your relationship. Compare the financial cost of short-term therapy to the possible long-term emotional costs of NOT seeking help: The benefits far outweigh the risks.

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Hours and Location

1 Richmond Square, Suite 103k

Providence, RI 02906

Monday - 10am to 6pm

Tuesday & Thursday - 11am to 7pm

Wednesday  - 2pm to 6pm

Friday - CLOSED

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By Appointment Only.  No Walk Ins

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