Fees and Insurance

Fees

$ 60 for 90 minute LifeSkills Training and Workshops

$136 for 50 minute session for Individual and LifeSkills Coaching

$160 for 50 minute session for Couples and Families

Packaged Prepaid Options

Prepayment of four (4) sessions will qualify you for a 12.5% discount.

Method of Payment

Payment is required at the time of the session by Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

No Show and Cancellation Policy

Unless there is an unavoidable emergency and you fail to show for a scheduled appointment or cancel less than 24 hours, I reserve the right to charge $30 for the missed session.

Insurance May Be An Option, But There Are Risks

I appreciate and recognize the importance of having insurance and the benefits available to us in time of need. But, I do want you to have accurate information in order to make informed choices:

• By using insurance a mental disorder diagnosis needs to be given__resulting in a label and possible stigma or discrimination in the future.

• Some insurance companies (even after Mental Health Parity) require a report every so many sessions to show that you are still "sick" with that mental disorder diagnosis and that you are getting better, but not too much better.

• Someone from your insurance company is going to decide how well we are working together and whether we can continue to work together and I don't know about you, but I would like you and I to make that decision.

• When reports are sent into your insurance company we don't really know who is looking at it ... I have been told up to 14 people can look at that report before deciding if therapy can continue or if we will get paid. The insurance company can review all of your records at their discretion.

• It is thought, although I do not have proof, that there is a medical database that all insurance companies subscribe to where your medical information is collected.

• If you are self-employed or ever want to be, your mental disorder diagnosis could make insurance costs unattainable or very expensive.

• What about a child custody situation? Having a mental disorder diagnosis will not be helpful.

• Obtaining life or health insurance in the future may lead to limitations or denial.

• Medical savings accounts or companies who self-insure often require a report with your diagnosis and treatment sent to the HR department of your company ~ now, your employer has your personal medical information.

• The in-network filing process usually requires a breach of client confidentiality. Your confidentiality is my primary concern.

By using a fee-for-service arrangement, I can assure you the highest degree of privacy, flexibility and control of your mental health record allowed by Minnesota state law, since my records are exempt from insurance reporting and random compliance audits.

In addition, many insurance companies require a deductible to be met before they start paying, so you may be paying out-of-pocket anyway. My fees are affordable and reasonably priced based on other therapist fees in the area. I will work collaboratively to decide how often to attend therapy and you decide what you want to focus on. You have the control, not the insurance company.

Insurance

Insurance (In-Network Provider): Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Humana, Medica, Medicaid, Medicare, Metropolitan Healthcare Plan (MHP), and United Behavioral Health (UBH). I will submit claims to your insurance company for reimbursement -- deductibles and copays are due at the time of your session.

Insurance (Out-of-Network Coverage): Payment will be due in full at the time of your session. You will be provided with a "superbill", which is an insurance-ready receipt you can use to collect any out-of-network benefits due to you from your insurance company. You can contact your insurance company for more specific information about your out-of-network benefits and their procedure for submitting claims for reimbursement.

The insurance industry is constantly updating their benefit packages. Please contact your insurance company to receive accurate information on your mental health benefits, whether for in-network or out-of-network services and obtain an authorization if needed. If you are using out-of network benefits obtain information on how to submit for your reimbursement.

Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions.

• Do I have mental health insurance benefits?

• What is my deductible and has it been met?

• Do I have copays or coinsurance?

• Is a referral or prior authorization required by my insurance before my first appointment?

• Is there a limit to the number of sessions available under my plan?