Professional Fees

I accept Aetna, Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, Independent Health, United Healthcare, and Univera. I encourage you to call your insurance company to clearly understand your behavioral health benefits, including copay, deductible, session limit, etc. My fee may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance as an out-of-network provider.  I will only submit claims to your insurance company if I am an in-network provider.  Otherwise, I will provide statements you can submit for reimbursement after paying for services upfront.

Please check your coverage carefully before scheduling an appointment by asking the following questions:

  • Do I have mental health benefits?

  • What is my deductible, and has it been met?

  • How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?

  • How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?

  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Insurance

You should be aware that the insurance company can limit how many visits are covered if you are utilizing insurance. Approved visits must be considered "medically necessary" as determined by a documented diagnosis determined through our initial evaluation. Insurance companies advocate brief therapy, which is goal-directed and problem-focused.  Treatment is planned with specific goals in mind, and progress is made toward accomplishing that goal in a time-efficient manner.  You will take an active role in setting and achieving your treatment goals. Committing to a treatment plan is necessary to experience the most successful outcome. I will employ evidence-based interventions to support your work and growth.

Billing & Payment

Cash, checks, and most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) are accepted for payment. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards are also accepted. Payment is expected at the time of service.

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment and have not notified me at least 48 hours in advance, you will be required to pay $100 for the missed session. Insurance will not pay for missed appointment fees, and you will be responsible for covering this cost. 

If there are any concerns with my charges, my billing, your insurance, or any other money-related point, please bring it to my attention. I will do the same with you. Such problems can interfere with our work. They must be worked out openly and quickly. An appointment is a commitment to our work. If I cannot start on time, I ask for your understanding. I also assure you that you will receive the full time agreed to. If you are late, we will probably be unable to meet for the whole time, because it is likely that I will have another appointment after yours.

Inclement Weather Agreement

Your physical safety is very important to me. If you do not feel safe traveling to my office due to inclement weather conditions, please refrain from traveling. Your safety takes precedence over the Cancellation Policy (i.e., you will not be billed the session fee for canceling due to inclement weather). I still ask that you contact me by 8:00 a.m. on the day of your scheduled session.