Frequently Asked Questions

Initial intake appointment: $225

Individual session: $195

Sessions typically last between 45-50 minutes.

Empathic Counseling Center is not in-network with any insurance companies.

However, I can provide a “superbill” (specialized medical receipt) to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement based on your benefits. Insurance will often reimburse you for a portion of services, but there is no guarantee of coverage. Please contact your insurance company to verify the coverage they will provide.

You are also welcome to use your HSA/FSA account to cover the costs of our sessions.

The best way to verify if you have out-of-network benefits is to call the number on the back of your insurance card and speak to your insurance carrier.

Ask your insurance company, “Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health services?”

Your insurance company may ask you for the “service code.” If they do, you can give them the following codes that apply to the therapy you are seeking:

90791: Intake session

90834/90837: Individual session

If they say yes, note how they want you to request reimbursement. If you need any additional assistance with this process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Good Faith Estimate

Under the law, (Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act), 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.

Your clinician will give you a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges per your request or at the time of scheduling. The GFE shows the costs that are reasonably expected for services. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created. It does not take into account any reimbursement that you may receive as a result of out of network benefits.

If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

I understand that sometimes life gets in the way. Scheduling an appointment means setting aside time specifically for you. I require a minimum of 24 hours notice to reschedule or cancel an appointment. I do charge my full session rate for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice. I keep a credit card on file for this purpose.

Feeling nervous before the first session is normal, so it's helpful to know what to expect. We’ll go over practice policies and review the paperwork, and you can ask questions about me, my process, or therapy.

During your first appointment, it’s about me getting to know you. I want to get a sense of the big picture of what's happening in your life and what you want for your future. Share only what you're comfortable with; whether you dive into details or take it slow is up to you. The priority is building comfort in our connection. In the following sessions, we'll delve into your therapy goals.

This depends on the individual, and there is no fixed timeframe. At the beginning of treatment, we will set short and long term goals to create a treatment plan. Typically, we start with weekly sessions, adapting the frequency as you make progress. Once your goals are met, you may choose to end treatment.

Some clients meet their goals in about 12 to 14 sessions. Some choose to continue for ongoing support or to address emerging issues. Alternatively, we can transition to an "as needed" basis, allowing you to reach out when necessary. Flexibility ensures therapy aligns with your evolving needs.

No, I do not prescribe medication or provide neuropsychological testing. I can offer you referrals for other providers.

Generally speaking- yes. Confidentiality is one of the most important values between the client and therapist.

No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law. Licensed therapists are obligated by state laws and professional ethics codes to take necessary steps when they receive reports of abuse, neglect, self-harm, or harm to others. As a mandated reporter, I am bound by these regulations. In the event I become aware of information concerning safety or risk, I am mandated to report it to state department agencies, emergency contacts, and/or local law enforcement. This is done to prioritize your safety and that of your loved ones.