WHAT IS A FIRST SESSION LIKE?
After speaking with me over the telephone, you would schedule an appointment. When you arrive at my office, have a seat in the waiting room. I will know you have arrived and will be with you soon.
In my office we will talk about some of the reasons you are seeking therapy now and how I might be helpful. We discuss the fee. I leave time for you to read over and fill out some simple paperwork. And I answer questions you may have.
Sessions are usually 50 minutes long. At the end of a session, we usually make an appointment for the following session.
INSURANCE
I accept insurance and am an “in-network” provider for many mental health insurance and employee assistance plans (EAP’s) including:
Blue Shield
United Health Care
USBH
United Behavioral Health
Pacificare
ValueOptions
Managed Health Network
Horizon Heath
VMC
Corporate Family Network
First Health
Crisis Care Network
Deer Oaks EAP Services
Please check with your mental health insurance company and / or employee assistance plan to verify your coverage. When you contact them, please ask them:
Is Preauthorization needed?
Is there a Preauthorization number?
How many sessions does the company authorize?
What is your co-pay?
What is the CLAIMS mailing address?
What is the number you use for your insurance ID?
And bring the answers to these questions to your first session.
If I am not a preferred provider for your insurance company, but the company does provide reimbursement for ‘out of network’ providers, you would pay me directly and I will provide you with a invoice which you can submit to your insurance company.
FEES
Fees are established at the first session.
Fees are due and payable at the end of each session unless other arrangements have been made.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Payment is required for appointments cancelled in less than 48 hours unless I can fill the hour or other arrangements have been made. Most insurance plans will not pay for cancelled appointments.
MY THEORETICAL APPROACH
I am influenced by psychodynamic theories of human behavior.
They include helping people understand how family history and past experiences influence current relationships and reactions. I see psychotherapy as a supportive process that offers understanding, guidance, resources and hope as people seek to improve the quality
of their lives.
