I am in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Partners, Cigna, Preferred One, and Aetna. For all other insurance providers, I am considered “out of network.” Depending upon your insurance carrier plan, you may be able to fund your therapy through your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). If you will be using such an arrangement, please speak with me to ensure you receive the necessary documentation.

 

Contact your health insurance carrier to see what the out-of-network coverage is for mental health counseling.  I am happy to provide you with the information your insurance agency needs to reimburse you.

Be sure to ask your carrier the following questions when you contact them:

 

• What sort of mental health benefits do I have?

• What is my deductible?

• How many sessions am I allowed per calendar year?

• How much do I pay for an out-of-network provider?

• Do I need a referral or approval from my primary care physician first?

 

It is also important for you to know that generally, health insurance companies will not pay for therapy unless a client is given a diagnosis (e.g.: Major Depressive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder etc.). Insurance companies have the right to periodically review progress, if they are paying for treatment, and inquire about any shifts in the focus of treatment to determine whether or not they will continue to pay for therapy. Couples therapy, where the relationship is the focus of the therapy, is not usually covered by insurance unless one person in the relationship has a diagnosable condition and couples therapy is a legitimate and recognized treatment. Please note that medical or psychological diagnostic codes are a matter of your permanent medical record. 

 

Be assured that I do assess for diagnosable conditions, create treatment plans, and keep regular progress notes. At any time you can inquire about these. If you are not using insurance to pay for therapy, you do not have to meet criteria for a formal diagnosis to receive therapy, and have much more freedom to choose the issues you would like to focus on in therapy.