session & fees

Fees and rates are discussed in our initial telephone call or our first face-to-face session. The hourly fees may be revised from time to time. The current standard rate is $120 for 1-hour session (45-50 minutes of actual face time, 10-15 min is reserved for paperwork & billing). A sliding scale is available for qualified individuals under certain circumstances. Please ask about the possible lower rate when you contact us. t

Telephone calls that are less than five (5) minutes for scheduling purpose will not be charged. Please be advised that all calls not relating scheduling and longer than five (5) minutes will be considered as telemedicine. Fees will be prorated for telemedicine in 15-minute intervals at $30 per interval, i.e. $120 per hour.

I also charge the same rate of $120 per hour for professional consultations. This includes phone calls, reviewing extensive reports and writing reports about your case. These are charges that insurance companies usually do not cover, please consult with your insurance carrier before requesting the services.

INSURANCE

I am currently an out-of-network provider, and I am working on getting onto insurance panels. If your PPO plan offers out-of-network coverage and you have met your mental health deductible, our services may be covered at a certain percentage under your plan. Payment are due at the time of service. Any payment exceeding charges will be reimbursed to you after payment to Lotus Circle Counseling Services. Services may be covered in full or in part by your individual health insurance or employee health benefit plan. Please see FAQs section below for more details on what information you would need from your insurance carrier before starting therapy.

I also electronically bill your insurance company instead of the common industry practice of providing you a “Superbill.” It is part of my services to you to expedite response from insurance company and avoid hassle created by mailing a “Superbill.”

PAYMENT

Ongoing clients could use this page to pay for sessions using PayPal or a major credit card. Payment is also accepted in person at the beginning of the session via cash, check or credit cards. US $120 per 50-min Session.

NUMBER OF SESSIONS

CANCELATION POLICY

Please note that when you schedule an appointment, you reserve a block of time that other clients could not request. Failure to cancel at least 24 hours in advance or be present for your appointment will result in charge for the full sesion. Please note that insurance cannot be billed for late cancellation or no shows.

questions?

Here are the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that may help.

1. Why do people seek therapy?

People come into therapy for many reasons. Therapy is an opportunity to learn how to live your life in a more fulfilling and satisfying way. Some need support to face unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping mechanism for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, spiritual conflicts, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. People seeking psychotherapy are learning and often willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.

2. Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a therapist. Both verbal information and written records can only be disclosed with a written consent from the client or the client’s legal guardian. However, there are mandatory and permissive exceptions to this rule. These exceptions are:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist client’s cooperation in insuring client’s safety. If client does not cooperate, further measures may be taken without client’s permission in order to ensure his or her safety.
  • If a client expresses threats of violence towards an identifiable person. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
  • Insurance carriers and other third-party payers (when applicable). The therapist will provide certain information that was requested regarding services to clients.

3. What can I expect in a therapy session?

During sessions you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts 45-50 minutes in general, but some people request longer sessions. Usually weekly sessions are the most effective. Those clients who are in crisis or extreme distress may need more frequent sessions, at least until the crisis passes. During the time between sessions, it is beneficial to reflect and process what was discussed at the previous sessions. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For therapy to "work," you must be an active participant, both inside and outside of the therapy sessions.

4. What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find therapies to be a tremendous asset in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and whether you put what you learn into practice. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that caused you to seek therapy
  • Discovering new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications skills – learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you
  • Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns – breaking old behaviors and developing new ones
  • Learning new problem-solving skills
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

5. What if I don't know what my goals are for therapy?

If you are not sure what your goals are for therapy, your first task is to figure that out. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of therapy, your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for therapy will help you get the most out of the experience.

6. Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

There is a confusing array of insurance arrangements. The first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

  • Do I have mental health benefits?
  • What is my deductible and has it been met?
  • How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
  • How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • Is referral and/or approval required from my primary care physician?

Once the information is gathered, you could then call the office to verify and confirm your coverage for the services.

7. How long does the therapy take?

It is your therapist’s intention to provide services that will assist you in reaching your goals. Based upon the information that you provided and the specifics of your situation, he or she will provide recommendations to you regarding your treatment.

Here at Lotus Circle Counseling Services, I believe that therapist and client are partners in the therapeutic process. You have the right to agree or disagree with my recommendations. I will also periodically provide feedback to you regarding your progress and certainly invite your participation in the discussion.

Due to the varying nature and severity of problems and the individuality of each client, I am unable to predict the length of your therapy or guarantee a specific outcome or result.

Lotus Circle Counseling