Talking about money can feel awkward, especially when you're already working up the nerve to reach out. So let's just put it all on the table. I see adults online throughout Virginia and West Virginia, and my practice is self-pay. That means you pay me directly, and an insurance company doesn't get a say in how long we work together or what we focus on.

Session fees

Initial intake - $195
Standard session - 55 minutes - $175
Extended session - 90 minutes - $260

Your first session is a little different because we’re getting to know each other and mapping out where you want to go. Extended sessions give us more room for deeper work, like EMDR, with time to land before heading back into your day. After the first few weekly sessions, some clients choose 90-minute sessions every other week instead of 55 minutes weekly. We can talk about what makes the most sense for you.

Reduced-fee spots

A limited number of reduced-fee spots are available. Please ask if cost is a barrier. I'd rather have that conversation than have money be the reason you don't reach out. If those spots are full, I'm glad to point you toward other options.

Insurance and superbills

I don't take insurance, and I'm not a Medicare or Medicaid provider. You may still be able to get some of your money back, though. Many PPO plans include out-of-network mental health benefits. Each month I'll send you a superbill, which is a detailed receipt with the codes your insurance company needs. You submit it to them, and they reimburse you based on your plan.

Before you start, it's worth a quick call to your insurance company. Ask them:

• Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health?

• What's my deductible, and how much have I met this year?

• What percentage do you reimburse for out-of-network sessions?

• Are telehealth sessions covered, and is there a limit on sessions?

• How do I submit a superbill?

Good Faith Estimate

Before your first session, I'll give you a written Good Faith Estimate of what your care is expected to cost. It's required by federal law, and it's a good habit anyway. Here's the official notice:

You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. 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 or call 1-800-985-3059.

Payment

Payment is due at the time of each session. I accept HSA, debit cards, and credit cards.

Cancellations

Life happens. If you need to cancel or reschedule, just give me at least 24 hours' notice and there's no charge. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice, and missed sessions, are charged the full session fee. That hour was set aside for you, and it's time I can't offer to someone else on short notice.

Common questions

Why don't you take insurance? Insurance usually requires a diagnosis up front and can limit how many sessions you get or what we're allowed to work on. The kind of work I do, getting to the root of old patterns instead of just managing symptoms, doesn't always fit in those boxes. Self-pay keeps your care between you and me. (One heads-up: superbills do include a diagnosis code, so if you plan to use them, we'll talk that through together.)

Can I use my HSA or FSA? Often, yes. Therapy is usually an eligible expense, but check with your plan administrator to be sure.

Why does the first session cost more? It's 60 minutes instead of 50, and it covers a lot of ground: your history, what's bringing you in, and what you want to be different.

Let's talk

If you have questions about cost, insurance, or whether we'd be a good fit, reach out. Money questions are welcome here.