I am an out-of-network* provider. If you have out-of-network coverage on your health insurance plan (people often do without knowing it’s there), you would be able to receive reimbursement from your insurance for some or all of the session fees (this can often be anywhere between 30%-100% of the session fees, depending on your plan benefits). I am not covered in-network on any plans.
*Many are unaware of the differences between seeing a therapist out-of-network versus in-network. When deciding on the therapy relationship you wish to begin, it’s important to know the differences and how they impact you and your therapy. For example, in-network therapists work for the insurance company, which has an impact on who you can see, and how your therapy is conducted (as the insurance company maintains controls over your therapy when seeing someone in-network). Seeing a therapist out-of-network provides you with more control over your therapy and helps to sustain a consistent relationship with a therapist. Read this article if you’d like to know more about the differences between choosing a therapist out-of-network, versus seeing a therapist in-network.
What questions should you ask your insurance carrier?
To know if you’re covered out-of-network, call the member services number on the back of your insurance card to check your benefits, and ask the following questions:
1) Do you have out-of-network coverage on your plan? 2) If so, what is the out-of-network deductible? 3) After the deductible, what is the coinsurance (the percentage of the fees you cover and they cover) for out-of-network outpatient mental health?
I will provide you with a monthly invoice that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement (it generally takes a couple of minutes to submit to them and is usually done online through their website). Ask your insurance member services how to submit invoices for reimbursement and they will walk you through it.
If your insurance does not cover you out-of-network, private pay is accepted for therapy or coaching. Contact me to discuss.
Do you offer a free consultation?
I offer a free 15-minute consultation, generally via phone call (sessions are on video online). In this call, we will discuss a bit about your situation and we’ll also go over logistics (including fees, scheduling, et al). Contact me if you wish to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Do you offer teletherapy or virtual therapy?
These terms are used interchangeably and are essentially the same thing. I offer virtual therapy (video sessions) in NY, NJ, MA, CA, DC, PA, and IL. All other states and internationally are private coaching. My office is in NYC, and in-person sessions can be arranged, if preferred. Virtual therapy is also okay if even you are in NYC.
What is the difference between therapy and coaching?
Therapy is only available in states where I am licensed to provide therapy (NY, NJ, MA, CA, DC, PA, and IL). However, private coaching is available in all states and internationally.
The process itself has a lot of crossover between the two and the conversations we would have are actually quite similar. People often worry that one or the other means they are getting “less” or a “watered down” version of what we are working on. However, this isn’t the case. Either way we work, we will have conversations about your life, learning about you, what you struggle with, your emotions and thoughts, patterns that stand in your way, and more. Both processes will involve understanding you on a deeper level and helping you work through your struggles in a safe and supportive environment.
The main difference between the two is that therapy adds the mental health treatment focus to it. Therapy is considered a “mental health treatment” (which is why health insurance can apply). The formal concept of therapy is to bring a diagnosable mental health issue into remission (for example, bringing the symptoms of an anxiety “disorder” to a place of no longer qualifying as a diagnosable disorder). Coaching doesn’t focus on a mental health treatment (though we can still talk about anything you’re dealing with in coaching, the goal wouldn’t be to treat your mental health). Therefore there wouldn’t be a diagnosis, clinical assessments or mental health treatment planning with coaching. Some people prefer this instead of therapy. We can discuss which approach you prefer, if you have a preference). Otherwise, our conversations will still focus on you and your life just as they would either way.
