Rates, Cancellations and Insurance

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Rates, Cancellation and Insurance Policies: Insurance

Rates:

Rates vary based on what type of counseling you receive, i.e., individual, couples or group, as well as the length of each session. If cost is keeping you from seeking help, I would encourage you to discuss this with me. A sliding scale is available to clients experiencing financial hardship on a limited basis. The sliding scale fee is based upon household income and number of dependents. Fees are paid at the beginning of each session.

Payment Methods: Payments made in cash, check or HSA accounts on the day of service.

Insurance:

I am currently a MaineCare affiliate and provider.

For practical and philosophical reasons, I does not participate in insurance networks. However, I can provide you with a receipt which you can use to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Cancellation & “No Show” Policy

Non-emergency appointment cancellations or rescheduling must be made 48-hours in advance of a scheduled appointment to avoid being billed a late cancellation fee. Cancelled or rescheduled appointments after the 48-hour window or no shows will be billed at the rate of a normal visit. These fees are due at the beginning of the next scheduled appointment. Cancellation fees are not covered by insurance.

Another option: If you believe mental health counseling is not exactly what you need or are looking for, then coaching may be a better fit for your goals. Let’s talk about your options and let me answer your questions.

Why I Choose Not to Contract with Managed Care

Conflict of Interest – as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, I am required to avoid potential conflicts of interest. My primary concern is for the well-being of my client(s). Therapists working under the constraints of managed care companies are sometimes put in the position of having to choose between what is in their best interests and what is in the best interests of the client. I do not want to be put in that position.

Restricted Choice – Often managed care companies restrict the client's choice of practitioner by offering only short-term, brief therapy that I refer to as “drive-thru” therapy, which can fail to provide a client with the best quality of care or leave the client’s needs unmet. There are also some clauses in signed contracts with manage care companies that prevent therapists from providing the appropriate care for the unique needs of each particular client.

Privacy/Confidentiality – If I were under contract with managed care companies, it is likely that I would be required to share my client(s) deeply personal information with review panels potentially allowing dozens of individuals access to my client’s personal information.

Medication – Research consistently shows that medication for diagnosed mood disorders and the like are most effective when combined with psychotherapy. Nevertheless, managed care frequently approves medication only for their members, rather than permitting them to also work with mental health providers. Again, the appearance is about money rather than the client’s needs.

Time – Managed care companies usually require therapists to justify and convince utilization review professionals before treatment is approved or continued. This is time consuming for both the therapist and client and can interrupt progress in a clients therapy.

Diagnosis and Stigma – Managed care companies typically cover only those services they deem medically necessary and have little concern about the holistic treatment needs of the client. This means they require a mental illness diagnosis for clients. My practice is based on a solutions-focused, quality of life model with the personal goals of the client, not on specific diagnosis, in mind. If a client would find a diagnosis beneficial for their personal needs, I am happy to provide that documentation. My work focuses on prevention, exploration, and personal growth rather than simply surviving.

If you have any questions about my choice to be a private pay provider, I am pleased to discuss this choice with you.