Frequently Asked Questions
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius
What to Expect
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To get started, fill out a contact form online, or call to schedule an appointment. (Email is our Preferred method)
You may also choose to start counseling with a 15-minute consultation via either a phone call or a telehealth video call. This consultation comes at no cost to you and is designed to help us connect and explore how we might work together in a therapeutic relationship. It's important to note that this consultation is not a therapy session.
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You will receive intake documents via a secure and HIPAA-compliant web portal. This portal ensures your privacy and data security. Through this platform, you can review practice policies, provide the necessary consent for treatment and billing, and respond to background questions before our sessions begin. We will also request a copy of a photo identification card and if you're using insurance, we kindly request you upload images of the front and back of your insurance card. These forms must be completed before your initial session.
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After scheduling your first session, you will be provided with the link to the HIPPA-compliant virtual meeting via email. Please ensure that your internet connection is working and that you are in a safe private space. You may want to check into the virtual meeting space 5 minutes early in case there are any issues that arise.
If you are having trouble with getting set up, please contact your therapist to get assistance.
Your initial session might feel like a chance to unload your thoughts and feelings. During this time, you'll talk about important things such as your family background, significant life experiences, your aspirations, and how often you plan to have sessions moving forward.
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Choosing virtual therapy can offer you a unique and advantageous approach to achieving your mental health and well-being goals. Here are some compelling reasons why virtual therapy might be the perfect fit for you:
Convenience: Virtual therapy allows you to receive professional support from the comfort of your own space. You can schedule sessions without the need to travel, saving you time and eliminating the stress of commuting.
Flexibility: With virtual therapy, you have greater flexibility in scheduling sessions. Whether you have a busy work schedule, family commitments, or other obligations, you can find time for therapy without major disruptions.
Access to Specialists: Virtual therapy opens the door to a wider range of expert therapists. You're not limited to local professionals, which means you can connect with a therapist who specializes in your specific concerns, even if they're located in a different region.
Privacy and Comfort: You have the option to engage in therapy from a location where you feel most at ease. This can enhance your sense of privacy and make it easier to open up about personal matters.
Reduced Stigma: For some individuals, the stigma associated with seeking therapy in person can be a barrier. Virtual therapy offers a more discreet and confidential way to receive support, eliminating potential social discomfort.
Travel and Accessibility: If you live in a remote area or have mobility challenges, virtual therapy ensures you still have access to high-quality mental health care without the need to travel long distances.
Continuity: Virtual therapy allows for consistent sessions, even during travel or relocation. You can maintain your therapeutic progress seamlessly, ensuring that you don't miss out on essential support.
Technology Integration: Virtual therapy often involves user-friendly platforms and tools that make communication and engagement easy. You can choose from various mediums, such as video calls, phone calls, or messaging, based on your preference.
Remember, the decision between virtual therapy and in-person sessions ultimately depends on what suits your lifestyle, needs, and preferences. Virtual therapy provides an innovative and effective way to receive the support you deserve while accommodating the demands of modern life.
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A typical session is about 55 minutes.
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While the frequency of your meetings will be entirely up to you, It's typically recommended that new clients attend weekly sessions, unless there are special circumstances that prevent weekly appointments. Regular sessions are designed to support your progress by addressing challenges as they emerge and assisting you in achieving your goals promptly. If your situation requires more intensive treatment, we're also equipped to provide multiple sessions per week. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to ensure you receive the support you need in the way that suits you best.
Payment & Billing
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We accept BCBSM PPO plans
Please note that we are out-of-network for Blue Care Network. It's advisable to review your insurance coverage for out-of-network mental health benefits. We are also more than willing to discuss self-pay options in detail with you.
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If you do not want to use your insurance for coverage of your sessions the rates are $175 for the initial intake (55 minutes) and $155 per 55-minute psychotherapy session after the intake.
EMDR intensives are $600 for 4-hour sessions and $870 for 6-hour sessions
Per Michigan law, you have a right to receive a good-faith estimate if requested.
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We function as an out-of-network provider of psychotherapy. We gladly assist you in seeking reimbursement from your insurance for our services by providing you with a superbill.
To explore your out-of-network benefits for mental health care and the corresponding reimbursement percentages, connect with your insurance provider. Some clients have secured full or partial fee coverage, typically ranging from 60% to 100%. Feel free to reach out if you'd like assistance throughout this process.
If you see PPO on your insurance card, it is likely that you have OON benefits. If you see HMO, Medicaid, or Medicare, then you do not.
This app can help you with submitting your claims without having to mail them https://reimbursify.com/individual-page/
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Call your insurance provider located on the back of your insurance card or look on their website to check your coverage. make sure to ask the following:
Do I have mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
What is the co-pay or co-insurance amount?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
Does my insurance cover telehealth?
How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
For those without BCBS:
Does my insurance cover out-of-network providers?
How can I submit claims to get reimbursed?
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A credit/ debit card is required to be kept on file for all clients.
You may put your FSA/HSA card on file to use towards your copays and deductibles, however, an active credit/debit card is still required to be on file to cover any no-show/ late cancelation fees or any fees denied by your HSA/FSA.
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For clients using insurance, the billing department will handle claim submission after your session. All copays and deductibles will be charged at the time your session is completed. If insurance is not being used, your card will be charged the private pay rate after the session.
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your time is valuable, and so is ours. All counseling sessions require a 48-hour cancellation notice, by email, phone, or text. Failure to give 48-hour notice will result in a fee $100.
The fee is not covered by insurance and you will be subject to the private pay rate.
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What is a deductible?
A deductible is the initial payment you make for medical services before your insurance starts contributing to cover your medical expenses.
How does it work?
For example, if your insurance plan has a $1000 deductible and you receive a medical bill of $600, you're required to pay the initial $1000. Only after that will your insurance company start assisting with the remaining amount.
What is a copay?
A copay is a set payment you make for a particular service before your insurance contributes to the remaining expenses.
How does it work?
For example, if your insurance plan mandates a $35 copay for a medical visit, you need to pay this amount upfront before your insurance starts covering the remaining charges.
What is coinsurance? What is an out-of-pocket maximum?
Coinsurance represents the percentage of a medical bill you're responsible for when a service is covered by your insurance. An out-of-pocket maximum is the total cost you pay for medical services after fulfilling your deductible.
How do they work?
Imagine you have a $1000 deductible, 20% coinsurance, and a $1,000 out-of-pocket maximum. If you receive a $600 medical bill post-deductible, your 20% coinsurance entails a $620 payment since you haven't reached your $1,000 out-of-pocket maximum yet.
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Opting for private pay empowers you to choose your therapy goals and duration without explaining to an insurer. It also ensures greater confidentiality, especially vital for individuals in sensitive roles. Insurance necessitates a mental health diagnosis on your permanent record and dictates session numbers and formats.
General Questions
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A lot of people start counseling with specific things they want to work on. You’ll work together with your therapist at a pace that feels right to achieve those things. It's also okay if you're not exactly sure what you want to work on – sometimes you’ll figure that out as you go along. Therapy offers a supportive and confidential space where you can work through a wide range of emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. The goal of psychotherapy is to help you better understand yourself, your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to equip you with effective coping strategies to improve your overall well-being.
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Psychotherapy can make a significant impact on your life in various ways. It can help you:
Cope with Challenges: Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or other difficulties, psychotherapy offers effective strategies to manage and overcome these challenges.
Get to know yourself better: Through self-reflection and therapeutic discussions, you'll gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, leading to personal insight and growth.
Improve Communication and Relationships: Therapy can enhance your communication skills, allowing you to express yourself more effectively and build healthier relationships with others.
Enhance Emotional Regulation: Learn techniques to manage intense emotions, reduce intensity, and cultivate emotional balance.
Change Negative Thought Patterns: Discover ways to challenge and modify unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Boost Self-Esteem: Build a more positive self-image and enhance your self-confidence through self-acceptance and self-compassion.
Navigate Life Transitions: Whether it's a major life change, loss, or transition, therapy can provide support and guidance during times of uncertainty.
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The duration of psychotherapy varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some clients experience improvements in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. You will work together with your therapist to create a personalized treatment plan and discuss a timeline for achieving your desired outcomes.
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Psychotherapy is beneficial for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. If you're struggling with emotional distress, relationship issues, personal growth, or simply want to enhance your well-being, psychotherapy can be a valuable tool. The first step is reaching out to a therapist and having an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and goals.
Remember, the therapeutic relationship and your commitment to the process play a crucial role in the success of psychotherapy. It's a collaborative journey toward better mental and emotional health, offering you the tools and insights to navigate life's challenges more effectively.
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Sometimes you’ll know right after the first session if you don’t feel a connection, but most times it takes a few meetings before you know that the connection or your goal with the therapist’s treatment approach does not align. But know, it’s completely normal.
If you feel that a different therapist or a different approach to therapy would be more helpful for you, we are here to support you by offering recommendations to connect you with the right therapist. It's completely okay to explore different therapists or approaches until you find the one that aligns best with your preferences and needs. Remember, seeking the right fit is important when investing in therapy – it's about investing in yourself!
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Deciding whether to seek therapy can feel overwhelming and perplexing. It's natural to have questions like "Can I really open up to someone I don't know?", "Will they judge me?", and "Can they actually help?". Many individuals turn to therapy after trying various solutions to their problems. Often, people wait longer than they should. If you've been struggling with ongoing emotional issues, relationship challenges, or behaviors that concern you or are harmful, consider scheduling an appointment.
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No, we do not. However, in cases where medication is necessary for treatment, we have preferred psychiatrists and coordinate care with them to get you the help you need as soon as possible.
Check your insurance.
We take BCBS PPO and common insurance with Out of out-of-network coverage.
Fill out the form with your insurance information and we’ll be in touch shortly.
