Fees, Insurance, and Out-of-Network Therapy
I am an out-of-network psychologist and work with clients on a private-pay basis. Many clients choose out-of-network therapy because they value fit, privacy, continuity, and the ability to work with a psychologist whose approach and expertise feel well matched to their needs.
If your insurance plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be reimbursed for part of the cost of therapy. I can provide superbills that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes the information insurance companies typically require for out-of-network reimbursement, such as diagnosis, procedure code, fee paid, provider information, and dates of service. Reimbursement is determined by your insurance plan, and payment for sessions remains the client’s responsibility regardless of whether insurance reimburses part of the cost.
My current fee is discussed during the initial consultation and is provided before beginning therapy.
Out-of-network Benefit Questions To Find Out From Your Insurance
Before beginning therapy, you may wish to call your insurance company and ask:
Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
Do my benefits cover psychotherapy with a licensed psychologist?
What is my deductible, and how much of it has been met?
What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed after the deductible is met?
Is there a usual, customary, and reasonable rate, or “allowed amount,” for CPT codes 90834 or 90837?
How do I submit superbills for reimbursement?
Is telehealth psychotherapy covered for out-of-network providers?
[Click here for step-by-step guide]
Right to Good Faith Estimate of Costs
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.
Low/No Cost Therapy Options
I participate in the Open Path Psychotherapy Collective by taking some clients through this service. If you are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise unable to afford to pay the full fee to see a psychotherapist, please check out their website to search for a practitioner offering services at a reduced fee. More information about how to access these services can be found here.
I am also a provider through the Lotus Therapy Fund, a program that helps pay for 8 sessions of free therapy with an Asian therapist.
