INSURANCE:
If you are interested in starting therapy, I should mention that I am a preferred provider for many insurance companies including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Magellan, CBA Blue, MVP, Cigna, VT Medicaid, Aetna, First Health/Coventry, and several others. I may also accept certain insurance plans as an "out-of network" provider, but you will need to check with your insurance company directly to determine your "out-of-network" mental health coverage/benefits. I have a billing service (Claims Connection of Plattsburgh, NY) that takes care of all claims, invoices, and receipts for my practice. My biller's name is Karolyn Micheels. Karolyn can answer any questions you may have regarding insurance or billing. If you have any questions about your invoice, feel free to email her directly at ClaimsConnection@charter.net or call her at 1-800-775-1585.
*Note: If you decide to use your health insurance for counseling, it will be important to learn the specifics of your particular health plan and what is covered. Some insurance companies require that you see an "in-network" provider. Other plans allow you to see an "out of network" provider, but the coverage amount may be lower in these cases. Insurance companies have pre-established rates ("allowable amounts") that are paid to providers for counseling services (regardless of whether the individual provider's fees are higher than what the insurance company's allowable amount is). What this ultimately means is that when using insurance for counseling with an in-network provider, and in instances when you have to pay a deductible or percentage amount, you will only be required to pay the allowable amount as deemed by your insurance company and not the full fee as established by the provider. If your plan has a co-payment instead of a deductible or percentage amount, you will only be required to pay your co-payment amount. Your insurance will reimburse the provider at the pre-established allowable amount for services (less your co-payment). Fees below are what get charged to insurance companies or the individual or couple who elects not to use insurance.
FEES:
Initial Appointment/Assessment:
60 minute session: $150.00
Individual Counseling and Couples Counseling:
45-60 minute session: $135.00
Groups:
Call to inquire about fees
*If you are using insurance and you have a co-pay, please make sure to bring the full amount of the co-pay in the form of a check or cash to each session with you. All co-pays are collected at time of session.
*I am open to discussing modifications in fees as needed. Clients who are experiencing financial hardship are invited to raise their concerns about this so we may discuss payment options.