Counseling for misfits and nomads

As culture shifts with the accessibility of technology, so has psychotherapy. With virtual counseling, you can be anywhere in Illinois and still meet with your therapist.

Some requirements to know if virtual counseling is right for you:

1. Client must be within Illinois State at the time of the session.

2. Client must have access to a popular web browser or ability to download an app (via smartphone or computer).

3. Client must pay at the time of the session with a credit card, debit card, or FSA/HSA.

4. Client should have a quiet and comfortable place to hold the session.

No Surprises Act

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers are required to provide clients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for health care services. This is to reduce any unexpected medical bills.

My rates are listed above, and a written estimate can be requested that includes a description of services, session fees, and diagnostic codes.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one (1) business day before your scheduled health care service.  You can also ask your health care provider for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or print your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-877-696-6775.

 I am not in-network with any insurance company. I am considered an Out-Of-Network provider. I only offer private self-pay services for the following reasons:

• For you to be covered, I have to submit an official diagnosis. This doesn’t sit well with me. This means that if you are having a hard time or are grieving the loss of a loved one, insurance won’t cover your need for support and mental health care, if the insurance company deems it not “medically necessary.

• Additionally, the diagnosis you receive follows you on an official and permanent record. Insurance companies may consider this a pre-existing condition if you ever have to look for your own coverage, apply for life insurance, disability insurance or long-term care.

• Your records’ privacy can be compromised. Your insurance company decides when they can audit your records. A claims specialist can receive details of your case that you may not want to be shared.

• The insurance company plays a managerial role, deciding how much therapy you need, if any, and what kind. Without being in the room during sessions, many insurance companies stop covering after a few sessions, assuming you feel better and should be cured. This is not how journeys of discovery and healing works. Insurers will also require the therapist to engage in specific types of therapy that may not be a good fit for you.

That said, you can contact your insurance provider to learn their policies about Out-Of-Network providers. In many cases, they will still reimburse you for a portion of services.

Upon request, I am happy to provide a super-bill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

Did you know? Research indicates that clients who pay for their treatment have more positive outcomes than those who receive free treatment.

Upon request, I am happy to provide a super-bill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

If you’re looking to submit claims to your insurance while enjoying the benefits of private self-pay services, Reimbursify may be exactly what you are looking for.

Reimbursify is an online service that will do your out-of-network billing for you. Reimbursify will check if your insurance company will reimburse you. If they do, Reimbursify will collect your invoice or superbill and submit your claim for you. Downloading the app is free, and each claim (per session) is $2.99. Packages can be purchased at a discount. If an error comes up with the claim, Reimbursify will work with you to resolve it, free of charge.