Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions about working together that I’m most frequently asked.

If you have other questions, please click here to send me a message through the Contact Form.

Services

  • Choosing the right therapist is an important decision. To determine if I’m the right therapist for you, I’d encourage you to explore my website to learn about my approach. If it resonates with you and you think we might be a good fit, click here to send me a message and schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

    We’ll explore how I can support you and discuss if my approach aligns with your needs.

  • Therapy sessions occur via a secure, confidential, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform. Prior to the session, you’ll receive an email with a secure link to the video session. At the time of your session, you’ll click on the link to join the meeting, and we’ll get started!

    All of my sessions are conducted online, so I can work with adults who live anywhere in Massachusetts. Due to licensing regulations, you must be in Massachusetts at the time of our sessions.

  • You’ll need:

    • A comfortable, private place for your session - a quiet room in your living space, at work, or your parked car.

    • Computer or tablet with camera and microphone. Your phone would also work, but most people prefer a computer or tablet to have a bigger screen.

    • Reliable internet access


    It’s helpful to have:

    • Noise canceling headphones that connect to your device

    • Paper and pen in case you’d like to take notes

  • Before your first session, you’ll complete intake documents in a confidential online client portal.

    You’ll receive a secure link to your video session 48 hours prior to the appointment. If you choose to receive text reminders, you'll also receive a reminder 24 hours before the session.

    During the initial session, we'll get to know each other and discuss your therapy goals.

  • You can schedule a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation with me directly from the Contact page.

    During our consultation, we’ll discuss your therapy goals, I’ll answer any questions you have, and we’ll determine if we may be a good fit! If so, we’ll schedule your intake session. If not, I can point you in the direction of other therapists who might be a better fit for your needs and goals.

    If you have any questions before you schedule a consultation, please send me a message through the Contact page.

Fees

  • 15-minute phone consultation: Free

    Intake Session: $200

    Individual Therapy: $185

  • Effective January 1, 2022, a ruling went into effect called the “No Surprises Act,” which requires all health care providers to provide a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) in advance of services to individuals who do not have health insurance, those who have health insurance but choose not to use it and elect to self-pay (including those seeking services from a provider who is not in-network with their health insurance plan), and those who are seeking information about the cost of services.

    Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), health care providers are required to provide a GFE before the first appointment.

    Timeline Requirements

    • If the appointment is scheduled at least 3 business days in advance, the GFE must be provided within 1 business day after the date of scheduling.

    • If the appointment is scheduled at least 10 business days in advance, the GFE must be provided within 3 business days after the date of scheduling.

    • If an uninsured or self-pay individual requests a GFE (without scheduling a service), a GFE must be provided within 3 business days of the request. A new GFE must be provided within the specified time frames if the individual reschedules the requested service.

    Note: The PHSA and GFE do not currently apply to any individuals who are using insurance benefits, including "out of network” benefits (i.e., submitting superbills to insurance for reimbursement).

    Make sure to save a copy or photo of your GFE. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your GFE, you can dispute the bill.

    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.

Payments

  • Ivy Path Counseling PLLC accepts all major credit/debit cards, as well as Flexible Savings Account (FSA) and Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) cards.

  • Ivy Path Counseling PLLC is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA.

    If you have a different insurance, I am considered an “Out of Network” (OON) provider. Many insurance companies provide out-of-network reimbursement for mental health services. Please call your plan directly to inquire about your OON benefits.

    Upon request, I will provide you with a monthly “superbill” (itemized receipt of therapy services). You may be able to submit this for out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance company.

  • For maximum privacy, confidentiality, and flexibility, many individuals prefer to not directly involve their health insurance company in their mental health treatment. Here are some reasons why people may prefer to work with an Out-of-Network provider:

    • Privacy from their health insurance company

    • Having a high deductible plan

    • Not being limited to a certain amount of sessions per year

    • Getting highly personalized treatment not dictated by the insurance company

    Note: Insurance companies require a diagnosis for billing purposes when individuals use out-of-network benefits. A superbill will include a diagnosis.

  • If you have a PPO or POS plan, your health insurance may offer out-of-network benefits. To find out details of your specific plan, call the phone number on the back of your insurance card.

    Here are some questions to ask:

    • Does my plan cover out-of-network providers for outpatient mental health via telehealth?

    • Do I have an out-of-network deductible? (The amount you must pay before the plan begins paying at all)

    • How much of my out-of-network deductible has been met for the year?

    • Does my plan limit the number of sessions I can have per year?

    • Does my plan require a referral from an in-network provider (like my PCP) for outpatient mental health counseling?

    • Does my plan cover services with Ivy Path Counseling PLLC (NPI #1225745540)?

    • What is the out-of-network reimbursement for CPT codes 90791 and 90837?

    • How do I submit monthly invoices for reimbursement?

    • Can you give me a Reference Number for this call?