1. What can I expect in a therapy session?
- People may seek therapy for different reasons, whether it's to address long standing psychological issues, manage anxiety or depression, or navigate unexpected changes and overwhelming stressors. Many individuals turn to a therapist to support their personal exploration and growth. Collaborating with a therapist offers valuable insight, support, and new strategies for overcoming life's challenges.
- Sessions typically last 50 minutes and involve open discussions about your concerns, exploration of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with a focus on understanding of the processes that influence your current experiences.
2. How often should I attend therapy sessions?
- Sessions typically last 50 minutes and are often scheduled weekly. As therapy progresses, we can work together to determine if weekly sessions will continue to be beneficial. The frequency of sessions can be adjusted in order to best meet your needs and maintain positive change.
3. How long does therapy take?
- The duration of therapy depends on the nature of your concerns and your goals. Some clients achieve their objectives in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. The duration is flexible and can be discussed with your therapist.
4. How much does therapy cost, and do you accept insurance?
- I provide therapy to clients as “out-of-network” provider. I do not take insurance directly. I will make every effort to assist you with filing for insurance benefits and reimbursement which is based on your particular insurance policy.
Please ask your insurance company the following questions:
- Do I have out-of-network mental health insurance benefits?
- What is my deductible and has it been met?
- How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
Individual therapy sessions are $185 for a 50-minute sessions and couple therapy sessions are $200 for a 60-minute session.
I accept checks, cash, and major credit cards.
5. Is therapy confidential?
- Generally, the law safeguards the confidentiality of communications between a client and psychotherapist, prohibiting the disclosure of information without the client's prior written consent.
However, there are legal exceptions to this rule, including:
- Suspected Abuse:If there's suspicion of child abuse, dependent adult, or elder abuse, the therapist is obligated to promptly report it to the appropriate authorities.
- Threat of Harm to Others:
If a client poses a threat of serious bodily harm to another person, the therapist is obligated to inform the police.
- Risk of Self-Harm:
In cases where a client expresses an intention to harm themselves, the therapist will collaborate with the individual to ensure their safety. If cooperation is not obtained, additional measures may be necessary.
- Insurance Information:
When utilizing insurance, the client grants their insurance company access to confidential information. This access is a requisite for insurance coverage of therapy sessions.
- It's essential to be aware of these exceptions to confidentiality to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework governing the therapeutic relationship.
6. What is a "Good Faith Estimate"?
- Under Section 2799-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.
- You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
- Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.
7. How do I schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, you can call me at (202) 455-4164 or email me at paula@paulaotero.com to make an appointment.