This is a Fee for Service practice, an arrangement for payment of services that is being used increasingly by practitioners in various medical settings.  Clients pay directly for services and the provider does not bill insurance or other third parties.  Payment by cash or check at the time of service is appreciated.

If I have insurance, why would I want to pay out of pocket?

Privacy and confidentiality - There is no need for sharing private information unless you specifically request it.  Your personal information is not entered into any database outside this practice.  Other people, including employers and family members, are not given information unless you request it.

No need for psychiatric diagnosis - Insurance reimbursement requires specific psychiatric diagnoses be given, yet many people who seek services are experiencing problems in living and do not have a psychiatric disorder.

Freedom in treatment planning - Type of treatment and number of sessions are determined by the client and provider, not a third party.

Cost reduction - Filing insurance claims raises administrative costs for the provider. Accordingly, Fee for Service allows this practice to charge lower than the usual rates in this community. When deductibles and co-payments are considered, the advantage of using insurance is reduced. 

Can I still use medical insurance?

Yes.  If you wish to file a claim, you need to check first with your insurance company to ask if they reimburse for out-of-network providers.  This practice will provide you with basic information which you may choose to submit but we will not complete forms or communicate directly with your insurance company.  You are responsible for payment at the time of service, even if you choose to file an insurance claim.

Why do you use Fee for Service?

It is increasingly difficult for insurance companies and other large organizations to prevent the theft of personal information, including sensitive data like medical and psychiatric diagnoses.  There is also a growing tendency to pathologize normal behavior and apply a psychiatric diagnosis when it is not appropriate but is required for insurance reimbursement.  Such diagnoses may have consequences for clients in terms of obtaining  future medical insurance or limiting employment opportunities.

Standard Fees for this Practice

(subject to change)

$80 - 50-minute psychotherapy session

$250 - psychological evaluation
to include history and Mental Status Examination

$100 - personality assessment (e.g., PAI)

$150 - assessment of intellectual functioning (e.g., WAIS-IV)

Rates for group sessions vary, depending on the specific group


Special rates for seniors or others on fixed incomes