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Private Insurance

I am now in-network with the following insurance plans:

  • Optum- United Healthcare (UHSS, GEHA, Global, ONEX), Oscar, Harvard Pilgrim, Oxford, UHC Student Resources, UMR, All Savers (UHC), Health Plans Inc., Surest (Formerly Bind)

  •  Aetna- Meritain, Nippon, Allied Benefit Systems, GEHA- United Healthcare Shared Services (UHSS), Trustmark, Trustmark Small Business Benefits, Health Scope, Christian Brothers Service 

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas

  • Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey 

  • Quest Behavioral Health 

  • Magellan

  • Cigna

  • Carelon Behavioral Health

  • Anthem EAP- Bank of America​

Insurance billing is handled by Alma & Headway. These are third-party billing agencies who will confirm your coverage and your co-pay. 

Tricare

I am a Tricare East & West (Select) certified out of network provider (OON). This means that Humana/Tricare has fully vetted me, therefore I'm an approved provider for "Select" plan members only. Please keep in mind that you will have a co-pay of $25-$45 per session. Copay is based on your plan's coverage. Copay takes effect after your yearly deductible has been met. Deductible and copay is determined by Humana/Tricare.

Private Pay

If you do not have any of the above plans, please keep in mind that most private insurance companies reimburse up to 100% of your paid bill, after your deductible has been met. If you would like to explore that option, I encourage you to call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask if you have out-of-network (OON) benefits for a mental health counselor/therapist and how much do they reimburse per session.

 

Remember, insurance companies will require a diagnosis which will become part of your medical record for life and they may ask for your therapy records. As a private pay client, I am not obligated to provide it to them. I will give them to you to provide to them if you wish. 

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An added benefit of private pay is that sessions can take place: virtually, over the phone, in-office or walk & talk (only in the North Fort Worth area).

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I accept all major Credit and Debit Cards via Ivy Pay: (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), HSA/FSA. I also accept Venmo, CASHAPP and Zelle.

When using insurance benefits

When using your insurance benefits, please keep in mind of the following:

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  • No Confidentiality/Privacy- When billing insurance, counselors must not only submit a mental health diagnosis (DSM-5) that will be attached to your medical records for life but may also have to provide ongoing treatment notes and plans as required by insurance companies.

  • For children and adolescents- a mental health diagnosis may follow them into adulthood and limit future opportunities for some military or government positions. Parents, please keep in mind that most children who come to therapy are dealing with adjustments to life's difficulties and not necessarily a mental health illness. 

  • Cookie-cutter treatment- Did you know that insurance companies require certain diagnoses in order to authorize treatment?Insurance companies only pay according to the "client's diagnoses" and their "authorized treatment". This means, treatment is dictated by someone who doesn't know you, someone who has never even met you. They decide what treatment you are allowed to have.  

  • Lots of paperwork- Insurance companies require lengthy intake assessments that have to be updated yearly or any time major changes occur. They require lengthy and again, cookie-cutter treatment plans and notes for every encounter. They may also require pre-authorizations in order to receive certain treatment.

  • Have you ever wondered how insurance companies determine your rates? When submitting ANY claim to your insurance company, they require access to your records in exchange. They review your records and make increases based on usage and diagnoses. 

  • Under Pay- Insurance companies under pay most providers including licensed counselors. Many counselors have to undertake many clients to make a living wage. Also, submitting claims to insurance companies has been made very confusing and time consuming. Often times, counselors are forced to hire billing agencies such as Alma (who I use) who can help them jump through hoops to collect on the claims that are already paid at a much lower rate.

No Surprise Act

Good Faith Estimate

On January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act went into effect in the United States. This legislation requires all healthcare providers to notify clients of their Federal rights, protections against potential “surprise billing” and an estimate of services.

In compliance with the No Surprises Act, we will provide each private pay client an estimate of services during their intake appointment and every January.

Private Pay vs. Private Insurance

Paying out of pocket versus using your insurance, is a personal choice. I always encourage clients to evaluate their circumstances, finances and the information I shared above. Remember, if your insurance covers out-of-network benefits, paying out of pocket doesn't mean you are out the money. Your insurance may reimburse you and you have a bit more control of your therapy record. 

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