Frequently Asked Questions for Online Therapy in Michigan.

Where are you located?

I am in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I can provide video online therapy to people in the state of Michigan.

What is online therapy and how does it work?

Online therapy also called telehealth or virtual visits refers to therapy services provided online via video. The online virtual sessions are a convenient way to access the same therapy services you would receive in office. The sessions are conducted through a website called Doxy. It is secure, HIPAA compliant, and easy-to-use. Doxy is simple to use with no purchases, no downloads and no passwords needed. When you log on to Doxy, a pop-up window will ask for your first name, and then you will be put into a virtual waiting area.

What is the free 15 minute phone consultation?

This is an opportunity for you to discuss what brings you to therapy. I can discuss my approach, background and answer questions you may have. If it is a good fit we can schedule an appointment for your first therapy session.

Ready to get started?

Do you offer in-person sessions?

No. At this time I only offer video sessions. Virtual therapy sessions are offered on a HIPAA-compliant video website called Doxy.

What can I expect during my first appointment?

In our first session we will explore what has brought you to therapy. I’ll ask some questions about this and your background, to help gain a holistic view of your unique situation. In this session we will begin getting to know each other and building trust to create a safe and supportive environment.

I’ll discuss my therapy expertise, approaches and practice policies with you. Together, we will begin the initial stages of creating a treatment plan tailored to your needs. At the conclusion of the session the goal is that you have left it with a feeling of being seen, heard, supported and hopeful about path ahead.

How long do I need to be in therapy?

This varies greatly based on each individual. It will depend on your goals and your circumstances. Some people come for brief therapy on a very specific concern. While others remain longer. We will work together to find the rhythm and structure that supports you.

Do you accept insurance? What are your fees?

Currently accepting BCBS, BCN (including UM Premier Care and Grad Care), Physicians Health Plan (PHP) and Priority Health. If you have BCBS/BCN/PHP or Priority Health Care I will bill your insurance for you.

All other insurances or no insurance the rate is $175 per 50 minute session. The initial intake is $200. Service fees are due at the beginning of session. I can provide you with a treatment summary you may provide to your insurance company for reimbursement, typically called a “Superbill” for "out-of-network".

Credit cards are required to be kept on file and will be utilized to collect balances owed for services. Credit cards will be run in collaboration with insurance processing times and/or after sessions. Late cancellation and no-show fees apply.

What is your cancellation / No Show policy?

I require that clients give at least 24 hours notice to reschedule or cancel appointments. When you cancel or reschedule less than 24 hours prior to your appointment, or do not show up for your appointment, you prevent someone else from seeking treatment.

All late cancellations occurring within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment day and time or no-shows incur a charge equal to the original cost of session, charged to the card kept on file. 

Without 24 hours notice and/or over 10 minutes late, the remainder of your session will be forfeited and you will be charged full fee of $175 (not covered by insurance) for the no-show.

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Under the No Surprises Act (H.R. 133 - which will go into effect on January 1, 2022), health care providers need to give clients or patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created. 

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes (under the law/when applicable) related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

• The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill. 

• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

  • You may contact the health care provider or facility listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can ask them to update the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available. 

  • You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill. 

  • There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount. 

• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate within the following timeframes:

  • If the service is scheduled at least three business days before the appointment date, no later than one business day after the date of scheduling;

  • If the service is scheduled at least 10 business days before the appointment date, no later than three business days after the date of scheduling; or

  • If the uninsured or self-pay patient requests a good faith estimate (without scheduling the service), no later than three business days after the date of the request. A new good faith estimate must be provided, within the specified timeframes if the patient reschedules the requested item or service.

• This is the public disclosure of the “Good Faith Estimate”

Note: A Good Faith Estimate is for your awareness only. It does NOT involve you needing to make any type of commitment.

To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059. Keep a copy of this Good Faith Estimate in a safe place or take pictures of it. You may need it if you are billed a higher amount.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out.