Therapy Sessions
Before your first appointment, I will send a secure link to create a patient portal for you to complete required paperwork. The paperwork/forms will consist of demographic information, questions about your background and the struggles you are experiencing, and credit card information. Once I receive confirmation that all of the paperwork has been completed, we will be able to schedule our first session. During the initial visit, we’ll explore what brings you into therapy, your present concerns and challenges, and what you hope to gain from therapy.
Therapy sessions are approximately 50 minutes and typically occur on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. A typical session involves a check-in about the week, a follow up on issues and concerns discussed previously, and addressing areas of importance for the session. During our time together, I will help you outline some of your current and past challenges, work with you to identify unhelpful patterns and provide you with techniques and skills while you begin to create the changes you want in your relationships, in your career, and within you. Sessions can become emotionally intense and at times uncomfortable, which is normal. This is how I like to view it: like most types of therapies (think physical therapy), it can be uncomfortable or painful, however, it is important to respect your emotional limits. Sessions can also be on the lighter side, depending on the topic and your emotional resources.
I work with clients that are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, life transitions, conflict management, and those who want to strengthen their sense of self or are recovering from traumatic experiences.
Many people find they can address their goals with 6-9 months of therapy. Concerns such as complex PTSD or trauma may require longer treatment. As you gain mastery over your life, you may find yourself booking sessions further apart, you may take a break and come back, or you may stop attending altogether. Whatever you choose, my door will remain open should you feel you want or need to come back.
Insurance / Cost
and Good Faith Estimate
I do not accept any insurance. Many insurance plans provide out-of-network mental health coverage. For clients who wish to use their insurance and have out-of-network coverage, I provide a monthly statement that can be submitted to insurance companies for partial reimbursement.
If you are interested in using your insurance to cover a portion of the session fee, I recommend reaching out to your insurance company and asking them if they cover out-of-network mental health services, and if so, at what rate they reimburse. It is also helpful to know if you have a deductible that you have to meet before your insurance company will provide reimbursement. Additionally, if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you may often use this to help pay for your mental health services.
Insurance companies can require certain diagnostics or only approve a certain amount of sessions, which can have a negative impact on the therapeutic relationship. Insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis in order for a session to be billed. With a private pay counselor, a mental health diagnosis is not mandatory and is not submitted to your private health records. When choosing to private pay for counseling sessions you get to choose a therapist that is best suited to your needs rather than the insurance company telling you who to see.
A 50 minute individual therapy session is $135.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours (on the business day prior to the session) are subject to a $75 cancellation fee. However, I also acknowledge that life does happen. If I am given at least 24 hours notice, I will attempt to provide a make up session the same week or the week after if our schedules align. A no-show to an appointment is subject to the full session fee.
Disclaimer for Good Faith Estimate for Self Pay and Out of Network Patients
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance, an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, which includes mental health care. The Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for services provided by Duball Counseling and Wellness. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created. It does not take into account any reimbursement that you may receive as a result of out of network benefits.
The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.Telehealth
I moved fully online during the COVID-19 pandemic and discovered how many people appreciate the convenience of telehealth. You save time by not driving to therapy and can meet at non-traditional hours such as right before work or over a lunch break. Video sessions offer more accessibility for clients who cannot drive to an office or live in areas where there are not many mental health providers. Services are available to anyone within the state of Florida or Pennsylvania.
Research suggests and experience shows that telehealth is just as effective as in-person sessions. Additionally, the added convenience and accessibility can help reduce the stigma of mental health treatment in general. It can be scary and difficult to visit a therapist in an office or otherwise clinical setting, and telehealth allows for more access to quality care to support this courageous step.
I offer two types of sessions: phone or video through a HIPAA compliant video platform. Some people are not comfortable being on camera or are burned out on Zoom calls throughout the week whereas others need video for them to feel connected. I will leave it up to you to decide what you are most comfortable with.
I do not provide court-mandated therapy service; however, I am always glad to identify appropriate resources and referrals for people seeking therapy. If you would like some support, please reach out!