Frequently Asked
Questions
If you don’t see any answer to a question you may have, please call or email and I’ll be sure to help you out!
How do I get Started?
Step 1: Reach out either by the portal, email or phone call and schedule a free 15-minute consultation where we will discuss your needs and reasons you feels counseling is right for you. During this conversation my goal is that you are relaxed and have a comfortable feeling as you can make sure you feel we are a good fit. Being comfortable and relaxed with your therapists is the first part of having a strong therapeutic relationship. During this time you can ask me any questions you may have about the process, discuss and verify financial details, or discuss any other concerns you may have.
Step 2: We will then make an appointment, I will give you access to the online portal. This portal allows you to schedule, reschedule, cancel your sessions. You can also communicate with me through a HIPPA complaint messaging application. You will complete all the necessary forms for the initial intake and sign electronically that you are in agreement with all the given policies and procedures.
Step 3: Paperwork – I ask that you complete all of the paperwork at least 48 hours before you session which will give me time to review and ensure I am prepared for our session.
Step 4 First Session –
During the therapy sessions you and I will have a conversation and I will ask questions to gain a better understanding of what brought you to seek therapy and ensure that I understand your needs. This session is a great time for you to ask any questions you may have about me including background, therapeutic styles, and my qualifications.
The questions that I ask during the intake process are to better understand you as a person, and how you interact with the world and people around you. To better understand your situation and factors that may have an impact on how you function. You are free to not answer any question I may ask if you are not comfortable answering.
At the end of the session we will develop a goal for treatment and create a treatment plan together so you will have a strong sense of the direction your treatment will take in order to help you meet your stated goal for therapy.
What Insurances do you take?
If you have an insurance company not listed, please check with them for out-of-network benefits, we can discuss how this works when you speak
What payment do you accept?
Check
MasterCard
Visa
American Express
Discover
FSA/HSA
How do I contact you?
Where do I find the paperwork needed for our first session?
How long is therapy usually?
What is the cancellation policy?
To cancel please inform me at least 24 Business hours in advance. If your session is scheduled for Monday you must cancel by Friday.
If you cancel less than 24 hours there is a $75 fee. This will not be charged to you if I am able to fill the appointment time.
If you miss the session the fee is $100
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare services (in this case mental health therapy) through the use of technology. Telehealth allows for remote access and live interactions between you, the client, and myself. Telehealth services are available to anyone located in the State of New York and does not require you to come into the office. I use two way visual audio communication through SimplePractice called Telehealth by SimplePractice (think FaceTime). This is a HIPPA compliant platform and can be used on a computer, smart phone or tablet. All that is required is a private location, a devise with working camera and sound (computer, smartphone, or tablet), and a solid internet connection.
How do I schedule an appt?
Much do your sessions cost?
Session cost depends on your individual insurance plans. Please check with your insurance plan for outpatient mental health services for copay and/or deductible information.
Self pay fee schedule is as follows
Initial assessment $200
1 hour session $175
45 minute session $150
30 minute session $100
Our cancellation policy
We understand that a 24 business hour notice is required to avoid a missed appointment or late cancellation fee. (Weekends and holidays are NOT considered business days.)
The fee will be waived if the appointment is cancelled with more than 24 business hour notice or if the roads are closed due to a weather emergency.
In other words, the policy applies even if there is a good reason, such as an emergency that requires you to cancel your appointment.
It is the practice of this office to offer courtesy calls. These are done on a daily basis. However, there are times when, due to circumstances beyond our control, we do not have that opportunity. You are responsible for keeping all of your appointments.
I also understand that I am responsible for a $125.00 Missed Appointment Fee or a $100.00 Late Cancellation Fee and that these fees are not billable to my insurance. I have discussed these fees with my therapist and fully understand them.
IF you have a Medicaid Managed Care Plan these plans prohibit these fees, therefore, you will not be charged these fees. Due to this and this provider being in private practice, it is the policy of this provider that if you either cancel less than 24 hours or missed more than 1 session you will be discharged for non-compliance with treatment attendance and referrals will be provided to you
Our billing policy
Please be aware that co-payments, co-insurances, etcetera are due at the time of service. Late payment on Invoice after 7 days – $10.00/each 7 day occurrence
Collection Fee after 90 days of no payment – 50% of invoice total
If your insurance policy includes a deductible, you must pay the entire allowable fee at the time of service as well. The above billing fee applies if this requirement is not met. If your insurance company notifies us that your deductible has been met, your account will be credited the appropriate amount. If we are certain that your deductible has been met at the time of service, the appropriate co-payment or co-insurance applies.
All co-payments for services provided to a child are the responsibility of the person bringing the child to the visit, even if you have a separation or divorce agreement that states otherwise. It is up to you to work out financial responsibility with the other parent.
Please note that an additional fee will be added each month that the balance remains outstanding. For example, after two months the billing fee will be $10.00 (ten dollars). Also, if co-pays and/or deductibles are not made at the time of service, additional visits may not be scheduled and/or future appointments may be office cancelled.
Please be aware that if, at any time, there is a change of insurance, we must be notified of the new insurance information at least 3 days prior to your next scheduled appointment. If new insurance information is received at the time of your appointment, the appointment will be considered self-pay until the insurance is verified by me. We do not participate with every insurance plan and some plans require pre-authorization in order for the insurance company to reimburse for services provided.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us by phone at 716-202-8877, and discuss any concerns.
Your healing starts here