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In-Network Coverage
I am credentialed and considered “in-network” with most BCBS (Blue Cross Blue Shield) and Harvard Pilgrim Plans.
I will verify coverage and will discuss the anticipated costs in full transparency prior to our initial sessions. Each plan has its own costs (copays, deductibles, etc), so I encourage you to reach out to your insurance company to confirm your coverage ahead of our sessions.
If you have a deductible, you may be responsible for paying $150 per session until you reach the amount at which your insurance takes over paying for coverage.
Please also make sure to update me with any insurance coverage changes. I will do my best to confirm details ahead of time; that said, in the event that insurance does not pay due to coverage issues, it is your responsibility to cover costs for our sessions.
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Out-Of-Network Reimbursement
Some insurance plans cover services for out-of-network providers.
You can contact your insurance company to access information regarding your mental health benefits to ask about this option.
If your health insurance agrees to reimburse you for out-of-network therapy sessions, you will pay the self-pay rate for our sessions directly to me and I will provide you with a document called a SuperBill—a detailed receipt that includes all necessary information for submitting a claim to your insurance provider, which you can then submit to your insurance to reimburse you.
Why might you opt to not use insurance?
Insurance companies require a diagnosis to justify that mental health services are a "medical necessity." While a diagnosis can be helpful in some contexts, I do not believe that is always warranted and the effect of forcing this model of care can be stigmatizing and reductive.
Insurance companies can deny a claim or even retroactively take money back from providers who they have already paid, often due to them not considering services essential or “medically necessary.” This overrides the provider/client relationship and collaborative decision making process. It may also mean that if insurance denies coverage, then the client would be responsible for those session fees.
Reimbursement rates from insurance companies are far below standard rates, and are determined fully by the insurance company without input from their in-network providers. While agreeing to work with insurance companies provides important access for clients, this results in significantly lower rates for therapists.