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How long do therapy sessions last?
A standard individual session and many couples sessions last 45-50 minutes each.
Group sessions and some couples sessions (by pre-arrangement) last 85-90 minutes
each.
What are the costs of therapy services?
A 45-50 minute session is billed at $150.00
A 90-minute group session is billed at $60/person/session.
An 85-90 minute couples session is billed at $250.00.
How long does therapy usually last?
That is what everyone always wants to know and what cannot really be answered
with any precision at all. It depends very much on the issues involved and both
the skill of the therapist and the motivation /understanding/willingness of the
client. Making changes is difficult and requires much work, occasionally some
pain, and a shifting of how things in the world are viewed. This takes as much
time as it takes. That said, most people ultimately appreciate the time taken, no
matter what it turns out to be.
Do you accept insurance reimbursement?
By law, virually all insurance companies have to reimburse YOU for at least some
part of your costs. I DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY INSURANCE PANELS
so you will be responsible for your bill. I am uncomfortable with the provisions
for confidentiality made by most insurers and will not participate in systems that
require I complete and send in “treatment plans” and other information beyond
the basics allowed under the law (dates of services, diagnoses, prognosis). If you
give me the information, I will provide you with a form you can file with your
insurance company to obtain your reimbursement.
What are the costs for forensic services?
I will respond to phone and email inquiries from attorneys regarding the specifics
of my forensic practice.
What are your cancellation policies?
If you do not cancel at least 48 hours in advance of a scheduled appointment, I
will charge you for that time UNLESS I am able to fill it or unless we can
schedule another time during that same week. [Please note: most insurance
companies will NOT reimburse for a cancelled session.] Group members get 3
“free” absences each calendar year and pay for any other sessions missed.
What are your policies on confidentiality?
I have to follow, by law, four sets of regulations regarding confidentiality as well as
other practice guidelines:
District of Columbia Statute on Mental Health
American Psychological Association’s Code of Professional Ethics
US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)
All of these regulations both require confidentiality and set limits on it in specific
situations (such as child or elder abuse, or suicidal acting out). All of these
exceptions will be clearly outlined both verbally and in writing as part of
initiating any psychological treatment.
Entirely different rules and procedures govern forensic work.
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