Frequently Asked Questions

There are several advantages to not using insurance to pay for therapy. 

1. Privacy

When you pay with insurance, your therapy becomes part of your permanent medical record. I am required to share information about your diagnosis and treatment and provide access to psychotherapy notes with insurance companies. There are many reasons this could be an issue for someone. For example, I have seen therapy records information be ordered by the court in custody disputes. When you privately pay for therapy, that information does not become part of your medical record.

2. Optional Diagnosis

Many people who seek therapy do not meet criteria for a diagnosable mental health disorder, and many are not seeking a diagnosis in the first place. A diagnosis can be helpful to understand your symptoms and find appropriate treatment, but it is not the purpose of  The managed care model of treatment that came about when insurance companies began covering pscyhotherapy  Insurance companies require that therapeutic services be “medically necessary” so therapists are required to diagnose and  treat a client for a specific mental health issue. When I bill your insurance, a mental health diagnosis has to be given whereas this is not true in the case of clients who pay privately.

3. Access

Insurance companies put limitations on the length of services, number of sessions they will authorize payment for and the reasons why services can be rendered. This is not an issue when you private pay.

Clients who want to be here!

In my career, I have worked with hundreds of involuntary clients involved with DCS, probation and parole. And while some of these clients were the most incredible, hardworking, humbling clients I’ve ever had, it is not my preference to force therapy on anyone. I believe therapy should be about the client and their needs, and that they should be making an active choice to be there.

I enjoy working with clients who have a clear picture of what they want to achieve, are intentional about their sessions and who show up because it’s worth it to them, even on days it’s difficult or painful. 

I may refer out if a client has the following: 

1. A substance use issue or an eating disorder would be considered a primary diagnosis or their primary reason for seeking services. While I do work with individuals who have these issues, but I would encourage anyone looking to treat substance and eating disorders specifically to seek out a provider specially trained to do so.
2. A client is too young or has specialized needs that would be better met by a therapist whose practice focuses on children or specific behavioral issues.
3. You are seeking family therapy. I generally don't work with families.
4. Severe mental illness/ high needs/ is in crisis and requires intensive services better provided through a larger mental health agency where close collaboration between a team of providers can occur. 

Appointments must be canceled at least 48 hours before your appointment. This allows me time to offer your spot to other clients who may be waiting to be seen. If you cannot make the appointment, you can reschedule within 5 business days or do telehealth. Appointments not canceled within 48 hours will be charged a $75 fee (this does not apply to Medicaid clients.) Exceptions may be made for emergencies. More than 2 no shows/ late cancellations in 6 months may result in discharge or being placed on same-day scheduling.

If you have insurance, it generally will allow you to bring another person into your session with you. You must sign an ROI for anyone you bring into session. If you are private pay, I may charge a couple’s rate if another person is present on an ongoing basis. 

If I do not accept your insurance and you opt to private pay, I can provide a "superbill", or itemized receipt of services, that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement or to count towards your out-of-pocket amount.

You are responsible for consulting your insurance company to determine your out-of-network coverage. Your insurance company will inform you about whether your sessions will be paid for, what your copay will be, and their procedures for out -of-network reimbursement.

I have limited spots for accepting clients on a sliding scale. You can contact me for more information.

Most clients who have income low enough to qualify for a sliding scale fee also qualify for Medicaid. Many Indiana residents do not realize they qualify for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) or do not know how to apply. You can apply for benefits here on the FSSA website. Click on "Apply for Health Coverage" and then "Start application." The application takes around 20 minutes. After you apply for benefits, be sure you check your mail as you will likely be asked to provide them with additional information. Indiana HIP provides excellent healthcare coverage (including therapy services) so please take advantage of this program if you can.

I protect my clients’ privacy by utilizing software that is HIPAA compliant. Your records can only be disclosed via court order or with your written consent. If you use insurance, your insurance company may request to view your progress notes as part of an audit or billing dispute. Minors are not obligated to share details of therapy sessions with their parents. Parents may be involved in treatment planning for minor children. However, I do not provide parents with copies of progress notes that reveal details of their children’s sessions. Minors are protected by HIPAA and the same legal and ethical rights to privacy as adults. 

Unless you give me specific permission to disclose to another party, everything discussed in our sessions is confidential. The legal exceptions to confidentiality are:

When a client is a significant danger to themselves.
When a client is a significant danger to others.
When a client discloses abuse or neglect of a minor or elderly/ disabled person.

While I do not prescribe medication, I can provide a referral for a prescriber I trust. I can also work with your doctor to ensure you are receiving medication management appropriate to the diagnosis or issues we determine require treatment.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, which means I am independently licensed to practice therapy in the state of Indiana. To meet the requirement for my license, a person must complete a master's degree, at least 3,000 hours of supervised post-graduate clinical work under another licensed individual and pass a state exam.

My license number is 34010374A.