Fees and FAQ’s

FAQ’s

IS THERAPY REALLY HELPFUL?

I truly believe therapy is helpful for everyone. Our modern world does not allow the time to slow down and process our feelings, thoughts, and how we’re operating in the world. Life is also hard and can be unkind. We may feel stuck or unfulfilled. Trauma happens. Relationships struggle. We experience grief and loss. All of this is can be overwhelming and hard to deal with alone. Therapy can offer a non-judgmental space to take time and mindfully work through the hard stuff.

But is it helpful for you? YES! If you’re looking at this site, that means you’ve got a need, and the ways you’ve usually attempted to cope are no longer working.

FINDING THE RIGHT THERAPIST

Therapy only works if you feel connected to your therapist.

Some key elements:

• The therapist treats the symptoms you’ve been experiencing.

• You like their vibe/feel a connection and chemistry.

• You feel safe, respected, and can be vulnerable.

I am always open to feedback in our sessions about what is working for you and what might not be working.

TELEHEALTH

At this time, I currently only work with folks via telehealth. Statistics have proven, over the pandemic especially, that many folks find virtual therapy to be just as effective, and often more convenient than in person therapy. How does it work—through Simple Practice, my electronic health record and which also provides HIPPA secure video sessions. You’ll get a video link via email or text to join sessions at any place that feels safe and secure for you. Another benefit of telehealth, is that Seattle Queer Therapy extends across the state of Washington, from larger cities like Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and Spokane, to outskirts like Bellingham, Walla Walla, Vancouver and Yakima. As a queer person, it can be especially hard to find a queer therapist in smaller cities. Telehealth allows for that access as well as easier access for folks with mobility challenges.

CRISIS & AFTER HOURS

I am unable to support those who need after-hours or crisis services, it will not be a good fit for you if you need a higher level of care.

If you are in crisis, please go to your local emergency room or call the National Crisis Line at 1-866-427-4747.

CANCELATION

Since the scheduling of an appointment involves the reservation of time set aside especially for you, a minimum of 24 hours notice is required for rescheduling or cancellation of an appointment. If for any reason a session is canceled less than 24 hours prior, the full fee will be charged.

Late to sessions: All treatment sessions have a specific time schedule with clients before and/or after your appointment time. Therefore late arrivals will not receive an extension of time for their scheduled appointments and the original reservation fee will be charged. I always attempt to connect with you via email if you are late to session and will stay logged into our virtual room for 15 minutes before signing off.

Good Faith Estimate for Cost of Therapy:

Beginning January 1, 2022, federal law requires health care practitioners to provide current and potential clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) on the cost of treatment.

This new law is designed to provide transparency to clients regarding their expected medical expenses and to protect them from surprises when they receive their medical bills. While it is not possible for a therapist to know, in advance, how many therapy sessions may be necessary or appropriate for a given person, this formula provides an estimate of the cost of services provided for 6 and 12 months of therapy.

 You can estimate your potential out-of-pocket cost for therapy by using the following equation:

• 26 weeks (6 months) x cost per session= Total estimated cost

• 52 weeks (12 months) x cost per session= Total estimated cost

At my current rate ($175/hour), you can estimate the total out of pocket cost for 6 months of therapy to be $4,550 (26x175) and for 12 months of therapy to be $9100 (52x$175). If you receive a bill $400 greater than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. You are entitled to disagree with any recommendations made to you concerning your treatment and you may discontinue treatment at any time.

For questions, more information, or steps to dispute your bill, please review your Estimate, or visit cms.gov 

Insurance
I am happy to submit insurance claims for any company with whom I am in-network. Ultimately, however, you are responsible for knowing your plan benefits and for paying any fees, co-pays, co-insurance, or sessions that were not covered. I am unable to bill insurance for any late cancellations or no-shows, so you are responsible for those fees. Please let me know immediately of any changes to your insurance, contact, or payment information

Important Considerations For Using Insurance
Insurance companies will only pay for clients who have a diagnosable mental health condition that is severe enough to meet medical necessity. Even if you have insurance coverage, we may not be able to bill your insurance company if you do not meet (or stop meeting during the course of therapy) the requirements for diagnosis and “medical necessity.” Working with insurance companies means that they have some say in whether and how long you can stay in treatment. 

Additionally, you have less confidentiality when using your insurance to pay for therapy. We have to give them your diagnosis/diagnoses every time we send them a claim. Insurance companies may ask us to provide clinical information about you, such as treatment plans or copies of your clinical record. Essentially, they have the right to audit our files to verify that they should be paying for your services. In such situations, we will make every effort to release only the minimum information about you that is necessary for the purpose requested. You always have the right to pay for our services out of pocket to avoid your information being released.

Here is a list of insurance plans that we are either in network for or have had success getting coverage: 
Premera/Lifewise
First Choice
Kaiser PPO only

Please note that this list does not guarantee that you will be able to use your insurance to pay for therapy.

Out of Network benefits
If you have other insurances than what is listed, I’d be happy to give you a receipt, or “superbill” for potential reimbursement for therapy.

Washington State License Number LF60791690

NPI Number 1427324649