I think I want to start therapy, but I’m nervous and keep putting it off. Is that normal?

It can be so difficult to begin therapy. In this culture, we tend to feel very vulnerable when we want help. So I recommend taking it slowly. Come meet me and we will talk. You can tell me a lot or a little of your story and then see how I respond. The point, in the beginning, is to feel safe talking. We usually feel safe when someone really listens and tries to understand. Building a relationship that feels safe can take awhile, but you should know pretty quickly whether you feel heard and understood.

How often do I have to come?

I prefer to see people each week at a regular time. If someone is in a crisis I may suggest coming in more often. Sometimes after our relationship is established and people are feeling more stable, they choose to come in every other week. We work this out together.

Will we meet in person or on video?

I offer in-person sessions on Wednesdays only. Other days our sessions will happen online using a secure (HIPAA compliant) video platform. I will work by telephone when necessary, but I find video or in-person sessions to be most effective.

What is your fee?

My fee is $400 per 50-minute session.

Can I get my fee reduced?

This is an excellent question because therapy works best when you attend regularly, so it is important to work with a therapist whose fees are affordable to you. I do not offer lower fee appointments, but I can offer you referrals to my clinical associates who do excellent work under my direct supervision.

Both of these clinicians are able to offer a range of fees. In addition, they can direct you to very low fee clinics if that is more within your budget.

James Dvorak, M.S., AMFT http://DvorakTherapy.com

David Watson, AMFT http://davidwatsontherapy.com

Both Jim Dvorak and David Watson come to their study of psychotherapy and work as psychotherapists as a way to align more fully with their interests in the human condition, in alleviating suffering, and in living well. Both Jim and David have solid clinical and life experience. I feel inspired to work with them. Please contact them directly for a free 15-minute consultation.

Health Insurance Questions

Do you take insurance?

I do not accept insurance directly for payment, however, if you have a PPO health plan, your company may reimburse a percentage of what you have already paid. Please contact your healthcare provider to see if they reimburse for services rendered by an “out-of-network Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist”. Please check your coverage carefully by calling your company and asking questions!

Do I have to use my insurance?

No, you do not. Some people want to use their insurance for reimbursement, but others prefer not to put therapy through their insurance. In order to get reimbursed, I have to share your diagnosis with your insurance company. Some people do not feel comfortable with this, other people do not mind at all. It is up to you.

What questions should I ask my insurance company:

Below please find questions you may find helpful when speaking to your provider. These are provided for your convenience—no need to ask them all.

Questions:

• What are my mental health benefits?

• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

• Do the sessions need to be preapproved or certified for payment?

  • If yes, how often do they need to be preapproved? Or,

  • What is the procedure for preapproval?” (They may give you preapproval number/code that you will need for the reimbursement form.)

• What is my deductible period? Is it a calendar year?

• Is this percentage based on the actual billed amount?

• What is the coverage amount/percentage per therapy session?

  • The CPT code is 90834 for a 50-minute individual psychotherapy session

  • Is this percentage based on the actual billed amount?

• If you are seeking information about couples therapy:

  • Is couples therapy covered?

  • The CPT code is 90847 for a 50-minute conjoint (couples)/family psychotherapy

• Is there a maximum number of sessions per calendar year?

• Are any diagnoses excluded? Which ones?

• How long does it take to get reimbursed?

• What is the address to mail claims for payment?