My Fees
My standard fee is: $160.00, based on my professional experience.
For longer, pre-scheduled sessions, I charge my standard fee for each hour, and pro-rate for each addition 1/2 hour.
Unfortunately, I no longer take insurance. However, depending on your insurance carrier and policy, I can provide you with statements which include your paid balance, and the standard codes required to pursue reimbursement. I am not able, or responsible for pursuing reimbursement, but am happy to assist you in whatever limited capacity I can.
I accept cash, check, Square (for credit/debit cards), PayPal, and Google Wallet. Fees can be paid at each session, or upon agreement, provide monthly billing statements electronically. Please let me know if need me to include specific information, for example for HSA Accounts, or standard codes required to pursue reimbursement from your insurance company.
Length of Sessions
Sessions typically go 50-55 minutes, scheduled on the hour. Although I try avoiding it, I occasionally run a few moments late. Please know this will not shorten the length of your session. If this is a problem, let me know, and I will increase my efforts to run on time prior to your session.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
This depends on the nature of what you want to achieve and what needs to be accomplished for example, resolving current or past events, developing particular skills, feeling more confident or, simply better. I have found people know, or feel when they’ve achieved what needed. From experience I can generally tell where you are from our current work. Be assured though, that I do check in regularly to see where you are, what’s working, and what you feel can be improved.
How Often Do We Meet
Typically I meet with people weekly. Although depending on your needs and the level it’s impacting you, I am open to meeting less frequently. However, I may suggest meeting weekly initially, so we have a firm idea of what you’re working towards, and a good sense of working together.
I maintain an open door policy with people I’ve worked with. While I don’t believe there has to be an “official” ending, or “termination,” I also don’t believe it’s being simply open ended. When I was first considering therapy I asked an uncle who I respected and admired, “What had therapy been like for you?”
“Uh…which time?” His answer said it all.
You can taper off, or stop, when you feel your current work is resolved., so you’re always welcome to return, check in, or discuss a particular situation.
However, if you decide to stop or, at any time, take a break, I do ask that you let me know, so that I have a clear understanding of this decision. Otherwise, if I don’t hear from you longer than a week I will try to contact you by phone, text or email. If I am unable to reach you, I will consider you’ve decided to stop and hope to hear from you in the future.
Scheduling
You can schedule appointments by phone, text or email. If we don’t have an agreed time, or you need to reschedule, I will offer the earliest convenient times I have available. Because I can often get several requests, I schedule appointments according to the order I receive confirmation.
Sliding Scale
I reserve a limited portion of my afternoon availability for individuals or couples who need a reduced fee. Unless referred by specific organizations, fees are determined by current income and circumstances.
Cancellation Policy
I require 24 hour notice for cancellation of any appointment, and will charge the session fee otherwise. If you have an emergency, or unforeseeable circumstances, please let me know as soon as possible, and we can determine whether to reschedule, or cancel the appointment.
Running Late
If you are, or will be, running late for our appointment please call or text to let me know, and/or whether you’ll be able to make it. I generally wait twenty minutes before considering the session missed, and may at that time leave the office.
From time to time I may run a few moments late, but usually make it up on the other end of the hour. If this poses a problem for whatever reason, please let me know.
Communication Between Sessions
Having a smartphone, I potentially have access to voicemail and texts at all times. But I do set aside time in which it is set to silent, or off. When I check it, and respond according it’s urgency, or nature. I try to keep communication to scheduling, billing, or brief questions related to our work. In cases of non-threatening emergency, or crisis if I am unable to talk by phone, I will at least respond by text as soon as I can. If you are suicidal, I will take whatever steps possible to ensure your safety. This includes urging hospitalization, contacting family, friends and roommates, police to do a wellness check, or going to you directly if possible.
Out of Town
When I am out of town for a short time, I check texts and voice mail, and can usually return calls. If I won’t be able to, or am gone any longer than five days, I have an on-call professional whom I know and respect.
Consulting with Other Professionals
You may request of feel it necessary for me to consult with other professionals, such as psychiatrists, medical doctors, previous, or couples therapists. I am happy to do so, but will make sure I discuss it with you first. If the consultation goes longer than 20 minutes, I may charge you a pro-rated portion of my fee.
Confidentiality
All information you discuss with me is confidential and may not be revealed to anyone without your prior written permission, except where disclosure is required. I am mandated by law to disclose information in the following circumstances: 1) where there is reasonable suspicion of child or elder abuse, 2) where there is reasonable suspicion of that a client presents a danger and/or violence to others, 3) where a client is likely to harm him or herself unless protective measures are taken. Disclosure may also be required pursuant to a legal proceeding.m
