Rates and Insurance

Rates

Individual Psychotherapy: $150 (50-60 minute session); $38 each additional 15 minutes.

Couples or Family Psychotherapy: $207 (75 minute session); $42 each additional 15 minutes

Hypnotherapy: $226 per 90 minute session

Initial Intake Assessment: $300 (individuals) or $330 (couples/family) (90-120 minute session)

Telephone Intake Consultation: No Charge for initial 20-30 minute call prior to first appointment.

Ancillary Tasks, Care Coordination and Telephone Communications: $40 per 15 minutes

Legal and Emergency Services: $175 per hour

Payments

Payment is due at the time services are provided. Most major credit cards or Health Savings Account (HSA/FSA) cards, cash or check are acceptable forms of payment. Inadequate funds or returned checks will incur a $30 service fee. All clients are required to keep a credit card on file through our secure payment app for routine and ancillary/miscellaneous charges, unless other payment arrangements are agreed upon in advance.

You will receive a “good faith estimate” of services prior to starting services. Upon review of your “good faith estimate” of services, you have a right to decide whether or not to work with us. Receipt of a “good faith estimate” does not obligate you to start or continue using our services.

You have the right to discontinue utilizing our services at any time; however if your mental status, health or safety is of concern, your therapist will work with you on identifying referrals for accessing other service options to meet your needs.

Cancellation Policy

Scheduled appointments are set specifically for you.   If you have to cancel or reschedule an appointment, Essential Connections cancellation policy requires you to notify your therapist at least 24.0 hours in advance by email or text to avoid paying $150 for the missed session. Your emotional and physical well-being is important, make a commitment to yourself and get the most out of every session by being on time.  Some of our most meaningful moments in life are about showing up and being present. 

A Word on Insurance

Be advised that everything you may seek counseling for is not necessarily covered by insurance companies. If you wish to claim out-of-network reimbursement for sessions, please speak with your therapist about the criteria for doing so and request a “superbill” receipt. See below for more on how to access “Out-of-Network Insurance Benefits.”

Essential Connections chooses to be “out-of-network” and values individualized, highly trained, skillful services and personalized care. We do not to subscribe to an “illness” based medical model and prefer not to be hindered by session limits or insurance restrictions on treatment methods and time constraints. By being an out-of-network provider, our clients receive specialized treatment and the advantages of advanced cutting edge training/skills in the latest neuroscience and clinical research that support our holistic, integrative mind-body approach to care.

Out-of-Network Insurance Benefits

Essential Connections is considered an “Out-of-Network” provider with health insurances and employer benefit plans. Being “out-of-network” means we do not have a signed contract with your health plan and paying an out-of-network provider might not count toward your annual out of pocket expense limits. You may pay more for an “out-of-network” provider and should consider your current benefits and financial needs to determine if staying with “in-network” vs. “out-of-network” is best for you. Limited discount positions available upon request.

Depending on your providers plan, our services may be covered in full or in part if you have out-of-network mental health benefits. Prior to your first appointment, it is your responsibility to contact your insurance company or employee benefit plan to ensure you know and understand how and what your plan compensates you for out-of-network psychotherapy services (also referred to as mental health, behavioral health and/or telemental health services). 

Please check your coverage carefully, in advance of your first session, by calling up the member services phone number on the back of your insurance card and asking the following questions:

• Does my health insurance plan include out-of-network mental or behavioral health and/or telehealth benefits?
• Is there a pre-authorization requirement for using 90837 (individual 60+ mins) or 90847 (family/couples)?
• Do I have an out-of-network deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
• Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I am allowed? If so, what is the limit?
• Do I need written approval from my primary care physician in order for services to be covered?
• Do I have to get pre-authorized approval before I start therapy?

If you have and choose to use out-of-network benefits, let them know you will be seeing Lisa Reid, MSW, LCSW at Essential Connections (in case they require pre-authorization). Additional information can be found on your “Good Faith Estimate” of services including your therapists tax identification (EIN) number, national provider identification (NPI) number, service codes and fees. Out-of-network benefits may reimburse a percentage of fees paid for each session after meeting a deductible. Out-of-Network reimbursement benefits will vary and there is no guarantee of reimbursement. Be sure you know and understand all your mental/behavioral health and telehealth benefits before we start therapy. Clients are responsible for ensuring all follow up with their insurance company for any and all claims and reimbursements.

In order to receive reimbursement, you will need to meet the requirement of a “medically necessary” diagnosis, which if it applies, would be determined by your therapist, or other professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. It is especially important to know that a superbill receipt will include what is considered personal health information such as your diagnoses codes, psychotherapy service codes, date of birth and dates/location of service. Be certain you wish to share that information with your insurance company if you seek out-of-network reimbursement. Superbill receipts are available for clients who are paying full fee rates, discount positions are excluded.

Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills

Notice to Clients and Prospective Clients:

Under the law, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, call Essential Connections at (470) 202-4852 or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Other Questions

Please contact me for any additional questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!