FAQ

Duration of Treatment

During the consultation period (1-3 visits), we will spend some time getting to know each other, understand your concerns, and determine how I might be helpful. Once this is accomplished, we will design a treatment plan and begin to address the problem. As the treatment plan is highly personalized, the duration of treatment is correspondingly variable, depending on the nature of the issue being addressed, your goals for treatment, and the therapeutic modalities used.

Confidentiality

The guarantee of confidentiality is essential to effective treatment. I am strongly committed to protecting your privacy under my care so that you feel safe. Your protected health information, which includes the mere fact that you’re my patient, as well as the details in your medical record and the content of any psychotherapy sessions, will not be shared with anyone without your written consent. Keep in mind that my firm privacy stance can also be an inconvenience at times. For example, I will not return phone calls or emails from your partner if they’re trying to schedule an appointment for you, or letting me know you’re ill and not coming to your appointment, or want to speak with me because they’re concerned about you. Please keep a signed release form on file with me if you want me to be able to communicate with your spouse or partner, and if you want me to coordinate care with another medical provider.

In some cases, I’m legally and ethically obligated to breach confidentiality and share your medical information without your consent. This includes situations in which I believe you pose an immediate and violent threat to yourself or another person, or if I suspect you are involved in domestic violence, abuse of a child or abuse of a vulnerable adult. If one of those situations occurs, I will seek outside assistance to protect you and/or the at-risk or vulnerable individual.

I also have to release your protected health information if I receive a court order to do so.

Getting In Touch With Me

Telephone is the best way to reach me; I typically respond within a few hours and nearly always within 24 business hours. You can also choose to contact me by secure message. Bear in mind that messaging is encrypted to protect your privacy, but no electronic communication is ever completely secure.

I welcome you to text message me for time-sensitive communications, e.g., to let me know you’re running late for your appointment. Usually, texting isn’t the best means for scheduling appointments or communicating about your care.

It’s my policy not to engage on social media or in online communities. Doing so can compromise your treatment in unexpected ways.

Payment & Insurance

Payment is expected at the time of service. I accept credit cards and cash. I will ask your permission to keep your credit card on file, using secure encryption.

I’m not an in-network provider with any health insurers. However, most plans will reimburse for my services at the “out-of-network” rate, and I can help you estimate what your ultimate cost will be.

Many insurance policies provide out-of-network benefits that reimburse 70-80% of provider fees and sometimes 100% (fairhealthconsumer.org).

Click here for a step-by-step guide to estimating your reimbursement rate. I can supply any necessary paperwork for submitting a reimbursement claim to your insurer.

Fee Schedule

Initial evaluation (60min): $400

Second opinion consultation (90min): $450

Follow up appointment (20min): $200

Psychotherapy (45min): $250

Many insurance policies provide out-of-network benefits that reimburse 70-80% of provider fees and sometimes 100% (fairhealthconsumer.org).

Click here for a step-by-step guide to estimating your reimbursement rate.

Cancellations & Late Arrivals

Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. I never double-book and generally run a very punctual practice. I understand that life happens, and if you arrive late, I’m happy to see you for the time remaining in your appointment. An exception to this is if you arrive 10 or more minutes late for a 20-minute medication management visit. Because the remaining time is inadequate for providing good care, I may choose to have you reschedule the visit instead.

3 business days notice is requested for appointment cancellations or changes. If less notice (or no notice, in the case of no-shows) is given, the full appointment fee will be charged.