Billing & Payment
I am contracted as in an in-network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and other out of state Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.
I recommend that you verify your mental health benefit under your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan before your first appointment to see if there is a deductible or copayment/co-insurance amount due per session and whether they reimburse for telemental health (or virtual) therapy as an alternative to therapy provided in an office setting.
For health insurance plans other than Blue Cross Blue Shield, please check your coverage to see if your plan offers out-of-network benefits. I do provide monthly statements to clients who wish to submit for out-of-network reimbursement by their health insurance company.
Self Pay
There are several reasons to consider self-pay for therapy rather than using your health insurance benefit for payment. When billing insurance for therapy, I am required by law to supply your health insurance company with a mental health diagnosis which can result in a loss of confidentiality and opportunities for other benefits. This diagnosis will remain on your permanent health and insurance record and unfortunately can be accessed by other insurance companies, the legal system and government agencies for service or employment. As a result, your mental health diagnosis could negatively impact the cost of life insurance, the decision by workman’s compensation to approve payment for your disability at work, the outcome of a divorce or child custody proceeding in court and/or whether you are hired for or promoted within a government job or if you are able to obtain security clearance. If you have concerns about using health insurance to pay for therapy, please contact me to discuss self-pay as an option.
Payment
I accept cash, check and credit card, including Flexible Spending Accounts. Payment is due at the time of the session unless we have made an agreement for other arrangements.
Cancellation Policy
Please provide no less than 24 hours-notice if you need to cancel your scheduled appointment with the exception of emergency situations. The charge for a late cancellation with less than 24 hours or a missed session without any notification in advance is the full fee of the session. I do require a credit card on file to be used for missed appointments.