Frequently Asked Questions Admin August 4, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Who I treat

I see clients 18 years of age and older.

I do not provide any court-ordered treatment. Unless subpoenaed, I do not go to court or provide any documents for court. If I am subpoenaed the cost is $250 per hour for any court-related events. This is not covered by insurance.

At this time I do not provide therapy to those on probation or parole.

Insurance Related Questions

Yes! I am in-network with Aetna, Optum, and UnitedHealthcare plans. Click here for a more thorough list of insurances accepted.

Using insurance can be confusing. My billing service makes this process easier to understand. You can find clarity and guidance information here.

Do I have mental health counseling benefits?
Do I have a deductible that I have to meet?
Have I met it?
How close am I to meeting it?
Does my plan have a maximum number of sessions that are covered?
Do I have a co-pay or co-insurance for utilizing my insurance?

The cost of therapy varies based on your insurance plan. You will likely be required to pay a co-pay or co-insurance which you can find out by contacting your insurance provider. Please know that not all plans provide mental health benefits.

Yes! If your insurance covers mental health counseling, then Healing Tree Therapy LLC can provide you a “superbill” to submit for reimbursement directly to you. If your insurance provides out-of-network coverage, you may be reimbursed a certain percentage. Healing Tree Therapy LLC is not responsible for any insurance related issues or lack of reimbursements.

Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health services?
If so, is there a deductible that needs to be met before I can start obtaining reimbursement?
If so, how much is this deductible and how far am I in meeting it for this calendar year?
What percentage of my services will you reimburse for once my deductible is met?
What is the process to submit for out-of-network reimbursement?

Absolutely! You have choices about your treatment. To learn about why you might prefer to not use insurance, please see the “what are the benefits of private pay?” section below.

What are the Benefits of Private Pay?

Private pay therapy ensures that your therapy sessions remain completely confidential. Insurance companies often require some level of documentation and information sharing, which may compromise your privacy. With private pay, only you and your therapist are involved in the payment and treatment process.

Private pay therapy allows you to choose the therapist you prefer, without being limited to providers within a specific network. This gives you the freedom to find a therapist who best fits your needs, personality, and therapeutic approach.

By opting for private pay, you can avoid dealing with insurance paperwork, pre-approvals, and claim processing. This streamlines the process, allowing you to focus solely on your therapy and well-being.

Since private pay therapy is not bound by insurance restrictions, therapists have more flexibility in tailoring treatment plans to your unique needs. This personalization can lead to more effective and satisfying outcomes.

Some insurance plans limit the number of sessions or the duration of each session. With private pay, you may have the option to book longer sessions, allowing for more in-depth exploration and progress in your therapy journey.

Private pay clients often experience shorter wait times to start therapy compared to those who rely on insurance-covered services. This means you can begin your therapeutic process sooner.

Insurance providers may terminate coverage based on predefined criteria, potentially disrupting your treatment. With private pay, you can continue therapy for as long as you and your therapist agree is necessary.

Therapists who offer private pay services may prioritize the quality of care and focus on their clients’ well-being without the constraints imposed by insurance requirements.

Opting for private pay therapy can be seen as an investment in your personal growth and well-being. It reinforces your commitment to your mental health and overall development.

Questions about the Therapy Process

Yes, but there are some exceptions:

  1. If you state that you are going to seriously injure or kill yourself
  2. If you are going to seriously injure or kill someone else
  3. If there is any suspected child abuse or neglect
  4. If there is any suspected abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult
  5. If there is a court subpoena
  6. If you choose to use insurance, some information must be disclosed to them in order to obtain payment coverage for your sessions.

In regards to the first 4 exceptions, I am a mandated reporter and it’s part of my job to keep you and whoever else involved safe.

All sessions are 55 minutes long. However, those who are private pay may request 85 minute sessions for EMDR therapy or internal parts work. More time for these forms of therapy is helpful as it allows you the time to engage more deeply in this process and potentially progress further in treatment.

Most clients choose to meet weekly or every other week. I recommend starting weekly in order to get more benefit at the beginning of therapy. The frequency is flexible based on your wants, needs, and financial circumstances.

The length of time you are in therapy depends on the nature of the problem and the goals of treatment. Some clients have a very specific problem that can be worked through in a set course of counseling. For others, counseling is an on-going healing process and they choose to receive counseling for a longer period.

No-shows and late cancellations (canceling with less than 24 hours before the appointment) will incur a late fee of $150. I am unable to bill your insurance for this fee. I realize that life happens and I offer a one-time waiver of my fee the first time this happens. Exceptions to this policy are included in your initial intake paperwork.

Other Questions

Absolutely! I follow the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) standards for writing letters for gender confirmation.

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