How Can I Best Assist You?
This website and related communication are not monitored regularly and are not intended for obtaining emergency or urgent assistance. Your safety and the best fit for your care are of primary importance.
If you are currently or persistently having thoughts of suicide, thoughts of self-harm, or thoughts to harm someone else, then please go to your nearest hospital/medical care center or local police/law enforcement agency for immediate safety and assistance. Remote telehealth assistance is not appropriate for your care.
If you live in the United States, you can call 911. For additional support you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
If you experience frequent or persistent suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, or psychotic symptoms, then remote telehealth care is not the recommended option for your care. Instead, finding a mental health provider in your local community who can assist you with face to face or office visits is highly recommended.
If you do not struggle with any of the above circumstances, and you would like to request an appointment, then please select the button below. You will be taken securely to my service options and appointment request page.
But before you request an appointment consider:
Insurance vs. Private Pay for Counseling Services
If you have healthcare insurance that covers your mental health care, then you may consider using your insurance to pay for services. I am a mental health provider contracted with several health insurance companies in the State of Florida. So, should you decide to use your insurance coverage with one of these companies, I would bill your insurance and you would usually be responsible for a co-pay and in many cases a deductible. If you choose not to use your insurance and I am a contracted provider with your insurance provider, I am obligated to provide you with services at my contracted rate. If you choose to use your insurance and I am not a contracted provider, you would want to know whether or not you have an “out of network” coverage benefit which may give you a reduced rate responsibility. Otherwise, services would be at private pay rates. I am able to provide you with a “superbill” for services that you can then submit to your insurance for reimbursement. It is important for you to review your coverage, or contact your insurance provider, so that you will know ahead of time what your financial responsibilities will be. This may all seem confusing, and I am happy to discuss and clarify any questions you may have when we speak during our appointment set up time.
Many individuals instead choose to use private payment for counseling sessions to maintain control over their therapeutic experience. When your therapy is covered by insurance, your therapist must ensure that your discussions align with the diagnosis they have given you. If your conversations deviate from this diagnosis, your therapist may need to redirect the focus or assign additional mental health diagnosis codes to justify treatment to the insurance company, or else limit the topics explored in therapy to only those relative to your diagnosis.
Furthermore, with most insurance providers, there are additional multiple hurdles. You are usually allowed a limited number of sessions to address a particular concern that you bring to therapy. If you surpass your allotted session limit, your insurance company may demand a review of your mental health records, potentially questioning the efficacy of your treatment. In some cases, if they conclude that you aren’t benefiting from your sessions, they might discontinue coverage. Some insurance companies may also insist on medication as a prerequisite for approving more therapy sessions.
Insurance companies require thorough documentation before reimbursing for your therapy sessions. Federal law mandates therapists, counselors, and psychologists to maintain confidential records. When you choose to use your insurance, you are typically required to sign a waiver allowing these insurance companies access to this confidential information. At a minimum, this information includes service dates and a mental health diagnosis. If your insurance company requires preauthorization or conducts file reviews, additional personal information, such as session notes, must be shared, and your diagnosis may become a part of your permanent health records.
It’s extremely important to recognize that this information becomes part of your record and can be used by insurance companies to raise your rates. As well, it might hinder your ability to secure life insurance, disability insurance, or private health insurance if you decide to become self-employed later on.
Insurance companies are affiliated with the Medical Information Bureau (MIB), where they report medical conditions and mental health diagnoses. This information can not only impact future insurance coverage for you but can also influence your eligibility for the armed forces, affect your driving record, and limit your participation in certain activities. When you apply for health insurance, life insurance, or disability insurance, your prospective insurance provider often obtains a report from the MIB.
The decision between insurance-based and private pay options for mental health counseling involves some trade-offs:
1. Out-of-Pocket Costs:
When you choose to pay for therapy privately, you will typically be responsible for covering the full cost of each session. This can be a significant financial burden for some individuals, especially if they require ongoing or intensive therapy.
2. Freedom and Control:
Private pay clients often have more control over their therapy sessions. They can collaborate with their therapist to set treatment goals, determine the frequency of sessions, and explore various therapeutic approaches without insurance constraints.
3. Confidentiality:
Opting for private pay can enhance the confidentiality of your therapy experience. You won’t need to sign waivers allowing your therapist to share your records with your insurance company, protecting your privacy.
4. Flexibility:
Private pay arrangements often offer greater flexibility in terms of session duration and frequency. You can work with your therapist to create a customized treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and goals.
5. Quality of Care:
While insurance networks aim to maintain quality standards, the limited reimbursement rates and administrative burdens placed on therapists can potentially affect the quality of care they provide. Private pay therapists may have more time and resources to invest in your treatment.
6. Long-Term Planning:
If you foresee needing long-term or ongoing therapy, private pay can provide more stability, as you won’t be subject to insurance-imposed session limits or potential disruptions in coverage.
In summary, insurance can help mitigate the cost of therapy but may come with limitations, paperwork, and reduced control over your treatment. On the other hand, private pay offers greater autonomy and privacy but may require a higher financial commitment.
The choice you make depends on your individual circumstances, including your budget, the level of control you want over your therapy, and the availability of therapists in your area. It’s essential to weigh these factors carefully and consult with mental health professionals to determine the most suitable approach for your mental health needs.