Self-Pay More
There are several advantages to paying out of pocket. The main advantage is that treatment decisions are made by you and me and not an insurance employee. This means that we can decide when to finish treatment and how often we should meet. Clients who self-pay are eligible for an interest-free payment plan that takes therapeutic goals and your financial situation into consideration. I can accept Health Savings Account debit card payments.
Rates
$175 per 55-minute session
$200 per initial evaluation
$200 per crisis session
Insurance
I am a Medicare provider.
In-network provider for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. I have a contract with Anthem and BCBSRI to accept a lower rate in order to be considered an "in-network provider". I can accept Health Savings Account debit card payments
Out-of-network provider for United, Cigna, Aetna, and other plans. I do not have a contract with these companies, but I am happy to file claims and process payments from United, Cigna, Aetna and others. I can accept Health Savings Account debit card payments.
Currently I "accept" Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Many insurance plans will cover services provided by licensed psychologists who are "out of network". Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by calling an insurance representative and asking the following questions (document their answers):
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Do I have behavioral health insurance benefits?
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What is my out-of-network deductible and has it been met?
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How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
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What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
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Are out-of-network providers' services covered? What is the rate?
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Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Insurance Reimbursement Guide
Clients can get reimbursed for services if their insurance plan includes out-of-network provider benefits. Whenever possible, Stonington Psychology will file the claim on your behalf. Payment for your session is due at the time of your appointment.
Anthem BlueCross/Blue Shield:
I am an in-network provider for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. This means that I will file the claims for you and your in-network copayment and deductible apply. This includes the following plans: BlueCare Health Plan, Century Preferred, Federal Employee Plan FEP, Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New York HMO/POS, MediBlue PPO, Mediblue HMO, Century 90 and BlueCard Traditional, and others including PPO USA.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island:
I am an in-network provider for BCBSRI. I will file claims for you. Your copay and deductible varies according to your plan.
TRICARE
I am a TRICARE "certified provider" (non-network). Some TRICARE plans cover non-network services, but not all. I will provide you with a statement that includes the necessary information for you to file claims yourself.
Medicare:
I am a Medicare provider.
Please note that I am not able to accept United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plans.
For any further questions, contact your healthcare insurance provider.
Reduced Fee
Reduced fee services are available on a limited basis
Payment
Cash, check and all major credit cards, including Health Savings Account Debit cards, accepted for payment.
Cancellation Policy
If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session.
Contact
Questions? Please contact me for further information.
Why Self-Pay?
Insurance companies pay for healthcare services only, and therefore I have to diagnose you with a mental disorder and share my diagnosis with your insurance company during the billing process. Depending on your coverage, the insurance company may limit the number of sessions and require me to submit ongoing progress reports and treatment plans to justify the services I am providing.
Many individuals are uncomfortable with the idea of being diagnosed with a mental disorder, and they may avoid seeking treatment because it doesn't feel safe, private and confidential. Insurance companies are legally required to keep all of your information strictly confidential, but there are many more people involved in your therapy when insurance companies are involved. Clients often share with me their fear that if they "get better" their insurance will deny them beneficial psychotherapy services, which places a strange burden on the client to continue to be symptomatic. There is consistent research that shows that clients whose insurance restricts their access to psychotherapy reap fewer benefits of therapy.
If you choose to pay out of pocket, I am able to offer you a payment plan so that you can receive the long-term benefits of psychotherapy without becoming financially overwhelmed in the short-term. We will discuss your financial situation at our first in-person appointment so that we can decide together how to manage the business aspect of the therapeutic relationship. I believe that my services offer tremendous value that persists long after our session ends. I also strive to create an office environment that is soothing, serene and convenient, so that you can feel that your treatment is a "treat" and a gift that you are giving yourself.
