How much is therapy and do you accept insurance?
Counseling sessions are approximately 50-55 minutes in length. Rates vary based on the therapist’s experience, licensure and training. We accept debit, credit and FSA/HSA cards for payment. Several of our therapists are in-network with Humana. Our psychiatric nurse practitioner is in-network with Humana, United and Cigna commercial plans through an employer. (We are not in-network with any Medicaid/Medicare plans). We are able to provide you with a superbill if you have out-of-network benefits and wish to be reimbursed by your insurance company. We believe it is best to make an informed decision when considering using your insurance benefits or paying “private pay.”
Some of the benefits of private pay include:
- Your counselor does NOT have to diagnose you with a mental illness. In order to file a claim with insurance companies therapists are required to include a mental health diagnosis. The therapist must document that therapy is “medically necessary” and that your sessions focus on decreasing symptoms of the diagnosis. As a private pay client, you have the freedom to discuss any concern you would like including issues not related to a mental health diagnosis like parenting struggles or concerns about your relationship. When you use your mental health benefits through an insurance company you are consenting to allow the insurance company to audit the therapist and review your file including progress notes. In addition, private pay clients are not limited to a certain number of sessions per year.
- Your personal information stays private. When you are a private pay client your sessions are confidential (unless your counselor is mandated to break confidentiality because of legal or ethical concerns such as disclosing a child is being abused). When you bill insurance your mental health diagnosis and progress notes become a part of your permanent health record. Insurance companies can use this information against you if they choose by preventing you from obtaining life or disability insurance. It could also prevent you from obtaining private health insurance should you make the decision to become self-employed in the future.
In addition, your insurance company can share personal information with a nationwide database called the Medical Information Bureau. The database is used by insurance companies to assess an individual’s risk and eligibility during the underwriting of life, health, disability income, critical illness, and long-term care insurance policies.
How long will I need to attend therapy?
While there is no “magic” number of sessions, many clients report a decrease in symptoms after 3-4 sessions. Research shows clients experience lasting change after 12-16 sessions. Because every client and every situation is unique it is helpful to discuss the process and what you can expect with your therapist. We do recommend meeting with your therapist once per week, especially in the beginning, so your therapist can get to know you and help you develop a plan to meet your counseling goals.
What happens in the first session?
Your therapist will go over information from the electronic paperwork you completed and ask you questions to help her get to know you and your situation. During the session you will have the opportunity to discuss your reasons for seeking counseling and your goals for treatment. The therapist may ask you more questions to get a better understanding of your symptoms. The initial session will also provide you the opportunity to ask your therapist any questions.
Do you offer a sliding scale if I can’t afford your full rate?
We are unable to offer any sliding scale appointments at this time.
What type of training do your providers have?
Our counselors are all Master’s level therapists who are hold a state license to provide counseling. Therapists are required by their licensing board to complete continuing education units (CEUs) each year. In addition, the therapists at Bloom have completed specialized training through Postpartum Support International (or equivalent) to diagnose and treat pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders. Many of our clinicians also have training in perinatal loss and grief.
Our psychiatric nurse practitioner is board certified and has completed specialized training through Postpartum Support International (or equivalent) to diagnose and treat pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders and prescribe medication.