The Process...

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I know that taking the first step and reaching out for therapy may be overwhelming.  I will do my best to make this an open and comfortable process.  I offer prospective clients a ten minute phone consultation to address questions, explore options and figure out if we are a good fit. The therapeutic relationship is significant and if we choose not to move forward, I will do my best to provide referral options to best meet your needs. 

If you decide to schedule, I will take information from you over the phone to get your appointment set-up and you will be invited via email to activate your client portal and fill out initial paperwork prior to the first appointment.   You will also need to decide if you want to seIf-pay for services or utilize your insurance benefits. There are advantages and disadvantages to using either option.  Self-payment offers increased confidentiality, within legal limits, as your diagnosis and information is not shared with your health insurance provider (third-party payer), along with increased flexibility in choice of provider, duration and treatment options.  No treatment records are released unless you instruct us in writing to do so, however the out of pocket cost may be higher.  Please call to inquire about self-pay rates and current insurance networks with which I am paneled. You may also contact your insurance company to explore your Out-of-Network (OON) benefits options.  Please note that all payments are due at the day of your appointment.

If you choose to use insurance.

1. Call your insurance provider to confirm you have outpatient mental health coverage (outpatient psychotherapy) and I am in-network with your insurance.  If I am not in- network, you can check your out-of network benefits.
2. Ask whether or not you will have a co-payment at the time of service and if so what is the amount.
3. Ask if you have a deductible plan, and if so what is the deductible (amount you will pay out of pocket, prior to you insurance providing coverage).  
4. Find out if you are required to have pre-authorization or a physicians's referral prior to being able to utilize mental health services coverage.  

You are responsible for understanding your insurance benefits and coordination prior to scheduling.

You will activate your client portal, at least 72 hours prior to your initial appointment and complete the necessary paperwork.  Please bring your driver's license/state ID and insurance card to the first session.  If you have an appointment for a minor child please bring a copy of the most recent Court Ordered shared parenting agreement or divorce decree.

For your first session, I will complete an assessment to explore biological, psychological and social history, and we will work on creating therapeutic goals that will drive the therapeutic process.  Therapy is initially scheduled on a weekly basis  to build rapport and establish momentum in working towards your goals.  We will discuss scheduling options that would be most appropriate for your needs at the first session and continue to have dialogue.  Sessions typically are 55 minutes. 

I accept cash, credit cards, HSA cards and personal checks.  If for any reason you are unable to attend an appointment, I ask you to provide 24 hours notice.

Current insurance networks with which I am paneled:

Aetna 

Cigna

Medical Mutual of Ohio

United Healthcare