It is important for you as a consumer of health care to choose carefully how you would like to pay for counseling services. Some clients choose to use their insurance benefits and some choose to pay privately. 

Most people know about the advantages of using insurance.  However, many people are unaware of some of the advantages of private pay.  Here are some for your consideration.

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Private pay pros:

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• Privacy and confidentiality are enhanced because there is no third party involved.  In most cases, there is no need for anyone except you and your therapist to know your or your child’s diagnosis, dates and number of sessions, type of therapies you choose, or information exchanged in your sessions.  
   

• Greater freedom for you.  There is no third party to restrict the length, amount, or place (in person or by phone) of your sessions or the type of techniques or therapies you choose.  Many insurance plans do restrict all or some of these.  
   

• More choice of services.  Some insurance plans do not cover family, group, or couples counseling.  Some restrict the use of ethically sound, research-based techniques/therapies.  These are open to those who pay privately.  
   

• Less chance of a pre-existing condition on your record.    
   

• Flexibility of payments.  Payment plans may be available.
   

• No surprise charges later if your insurance company fails to pay for your session.  

 

Use of Insurance:   
 

I am able to accept insurance payments from a number of insurance companies.  If you choose to use your insurance, please contact your insurance company to verify your outpatient mental health benefits.  You will be asked to pay your copay or a portion of your deductible at the beginning of each session.  You will be charged your insurance plan’s contracted rate if your insurance company fails to pay for your session.  

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Here is a list of some of the insurances I can accept.  If you do not see your insurance, please call to see if I am in-network with your plan.  I do not accept any CHIP or public assistance plans including Medicaid or Medicare.  

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• Highmark

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield

• Aetna

• Choice Plus (Populytics)

• Optum, Magellan (private)

• Capital Blue Cross

• United Health Care

• some EAP plans
   

Method of Payment:   

 

You may choose to pay with cash, checks, or credit / health savings account cards.  If you choose to use a card, you will be charged the fee that the bank charges for the transaction. Upon request, I will give you a receipt so you can: submit the payment to your insurance company for out-of-network benefits or a health savings account, use it as a deduction on your taxes, or simply to keep track of your expenses.