Privacy & Practice Policies
Confidentiality Privacy Policy
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
Insurance companies and other third-party payers are provided information requested regarding services to the client that may include type of services, dates and times of services, diagnosis, and medical records.
Fee Policy
This practice is fee-for-service, with payment due at the time of your appointment. Payment may be made by credit card or cash.
I currently accept CenCal Health insurance and Sutter EAP. If you plan to use insurance or EAP benefits, please confirm that your mental health benefits are active prior to beginning therapy.
For all other insurance plans, I am considered an out-of-network provider. Upon request, I can provide you with a superbill that you may submit directly to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Reimbursement varies by plan and is not guaranteed. Please be aware that some diagnoses, services, or circumstances may not qualify for insurance reimbursement.
Before your first session, I strongly recommend contacting your insurance company to learn about your mental health benefits and any out-of-network coverage available under your plan. Because insurance policies vary considerably, it is important to understand your specific benefits, deductible, reimbursement requirements, and any limitations on coverage.
When speaking with your insurance company, you may find it helpful to ask the following questions:
Does my plan include out-of-network mental health benefits?
Do I have an out-of-network deductible? If so, how much is it, and how much have I met?
What percentage or amount will I be reimbursed for an outpatient psychotherapy session?
Is reimbursement based on the therapist’s full fee or your plan’s “usual and customary” or “allowed” rate?
Is there a limit on the number of therapy sessions covered each year?
Is prior authorization or a referral required?
Are there specific diagnoses or services that are excluded from coverage?
Sliding scale is available on a limited and for need basis.
Cancelation Policy
Appointments canceled less than 24 hours before the scheduled start time, as well as missed appointments, will be charged the full session fee.
Good Faith Estimate Notice
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health 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 expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. 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.