Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when looking for a therapist?
Finding the right fit is important for successful outcomes. Therapy is very much an investment. Though it is important how your therapist shows up, it is also important to consider your readiness to make the investment in yourself. Consider what you want to gain out of therapy. You may not necessarily have goals in mind, but a good starting point is to think about what you want out of therapy or what kind of approach you’d want your therapist to have and see where you and your prospective therapist align. Set up consultation calls, browse their bios and websites to get a good feel of their approach, experience, specialties and see if they align with your needs.
Where should I start?
I look forward to meeting!
What happens during my free 15-minute consultation call?
During our call, I want to learn about what brings you to therapy, understand the nature of your struggle and determine how my approach and experience can best support you. Ask me all your questions. If you feel confident about working together, we will schedule an intake session.
What can I expect during our first therapy appointment?
You can consider our first session a deeper “get to know you” session. You can start where you’d like in your story, but it is also an opportunity for me to ask more specific questions about the issues you expressed during our consultation call. This will also be a time for us to go over paperwork as well as practice policies, such as confidentiality. Please ask any questions you may have as well.
What type of sessions do you offer?
I offer both in person and virtual sessions. Our in-person sessions will take place at my primary office: 2500 Regency Parkway, Cary NC 27518 and virtual sessions take place on my HIPAA compliant platform or by phone. I am open to the needs of my clients and can also offer hybrid sessions.
How does Telehealth or online therapy work?
Telehealth or virtual therapy sessions are available for individuals living in North Carolina only. There are many reasons someone would opt for virtual sessions over in-person. I appreciate the convenience to move to a virtual session if an in-person session is not possible. Considering how comfortable we all became with virtual ways of connecting during COVID, virtual sessions are just as effective as in-person sessions. Sessions are held over a HIPAA-compliant platform or by phone. When having a virtual session, it is required that you have a private and secure space.
What are your fees and how long are the sessions?
I provide a complimentary 15 minute consultation call. Intake session are 60-90 minutes amd $180. Individual therapy sessions are 60-minutes and $170. I require 48 hour’s notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Late cancelations or missed appointments will be charged the full session fee. I use a HIPAA-compliant payment service called IVY Pay, which accepts credit cards, HSA (Health Savings Accounts), or FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) cards.
Do you take insurance?
Your wellness is my first priority, but I am not an in-network provider for any insurance companies. I accept payment at the time of service. I provide “superbills” for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement towards your out-of-network benefits. Many of my clients use their out-of-network benefits for their therapy. It is important for you to research your insurance benefits. Questions to ask your insurance provider to find out if your plan has out-of-network or non-participating provider benefits: What is authorization and is it required for me to start servces? Do I need a referral for psychotherapy appointments? What is my coinsurance amount? (This is the percentage amount that your insurance company will reimburse you for each visit (after your out-of-network deductible is met) Do I have a deductible? What is it and how much of it have I met? When does it reset? Do my plan have a limit on the number of sessions or the total amount that is reimbursable? Does my plan reimburse for Telehealth psychotherapy sessions (video and phone)? Does my plan reimburse for 90791 (psychotherapy intake) & 90837 (psychotherapy individual session)? What is the process for submitting a superbill?
What is the No Surprises Act and a Good Faith Estimate?
Beginning January 1, 2022, Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges. The act aims to reduce the likelihood that patients may receive a “surprise” medical bill by requiring that providers inform patients of an expected charge for a service before the service is provided. These protections not only address emergency care but include disclosure requirements for all uninsured or self-pay services. A Good Faith Estimate is not binding. However, if the actual amount charged is substantially higher-defined as being $400 or more than the good faith estimate- the client has the right to dispute the charges through a new federal patient-provider dispute resolution process. 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
How is paperwork completed?
This practice utilizes an electronic health record called Simple Practice. It is a HIPAA compliant software that is responsible for the scheduling, paperwork, telehealth service, maintaining client records, and billing for the practice. New and existing clients are provided secure access to their paperwork, appointments, telehealth sessions, and billing through their client portal. Upon scheduling your intake session, new clients are provided a link to create their client portal to complete and submit intake paperwork.
How are sessions charged?
The practice utilizes IVYPAY, a HIPAA compliant electronic system that keeps your payment information secure. You are able to use a debit, credit, HSA or FSA. Your clinician nor the practice have access to your financial information – it will be on file and securely maintained through Ivy Pay. On your card statement it will appear as “I V Y Labs, Inc.”
What is Thrizer for OON reimbursment?
While I don't accept insurance directly, your insurance plan may have out-of-network benefits, which means that they will reimburse you for portion of our session cost. You can use Thrizer to verify your out-of-network benefits and submit superbills. They will manage the reimbursement process end-to-end for you to save you the insurance headache. Once you meet your deductible, you can request an instant reimbursement to skip the insurance wait or receive reimbursements in a few weeks via direct deposit. You can create an account and get started at www.thrizer.com. How it works: Create an account at www.thrizer.com and verify your out-of-network benefits Upload the superbills that I provide you onto Thrizer for $2/session submission fee Upon meeting your deductible, request an instant reimbursement or receive reimbursements via direct deposit after a few weeks