Frequently Asked Questions about Psychotherapy
(If you don't see an answer to your question, please feel free to ask me here.)
What can I expect out of my first session?
During your first session, I will learn more about the reasons you are seeking therapy, begin to obtain a background and history from you, and start to tailor a treatment plan individually for you. I find it is helpful for clients to write down the issues they would like to discuss prior to this first session, however it's not necessary to do so.
How long do sessions last?
Each session is 45 minutes in length, and clients are generally seen on a weekly basis.
How long will I be in therapy?
This is different for every person. Some people go for a short amount of time while others prefer long-term treatment.
Do you accept my insurance?
At this time I do not contract with any insurance companies. Services are provided on a private pay basis, and therefore, I am considered “out of network.” Most health insurance plans provide some form of coverage for outpatient psychotherapy. Please contact me to discuss fees.
Out-of-network benefits cover psychotherapy with the professional you choose. Most plans require the patient to pay a deductible, and then reimburse a certain percentage of the fee after that, typically 60% to 80% of the cost.
It is very important that you find out exactly what mental health services your insurance policy covers. Even if you submit the claims yourself, you may not be reimbursed for services. I can assist you through this process once treatment has begun. I will provide you with documentation to submit to your insurance company. Your insurance company will issue a check to you, which can cover a percentage of your cost.
I suggest that you call your insurance company to find out what your benefits are for out-of-network reimbursement. Please call the toll free number (usually found on the back of your insurance card) and speak with a plan representative. If you are coming to see me for individual therapy, inform the representative that you are calling about outpatient mental health services. You will tell the representative that you will be seeing Liz Yarock, LCSW and that I am considered an “out-of-network” provider.
The following are other specific questions to ask the representative:
• Do I have mental health coverage?
• Do I have out-of-network benefits?
• Do I have a deductible?
• How much of that deductible has been met?
• Is it a calendar year or is the period calculated on a different schedule?
• For example, many plans for school or college employees run on a school calendar.
• What percentage will your insurance company pay for each session?
• Is this percentage based on the actual amount that the therapist bills for their services?
• What is the maximum number of sessions allowed per year?
Note: One of the benefits of going out-of-network is that your records remain completely private, and are not subject to in-network disclosure requirements.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check, and Ivy Pay, a HIPPA secure card payment method.
In addition, once an appointment has been scheduled, payment is due at the time of your scheduled therapy session, unless you provide 24 hours advance notice of cancellation.
What should I do if it's an emergency situation?
In case of emergencies, please note this is an outpatient service office. The office is not open or available on a 7-day/24 hour basis for crisis calls. In the event of an emergency, call 911, your local police, or go to your local hospital emergency room.
How do I get started?
I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation where I can learn more about you, your reasons for seeking therapy, as well as tell you about my approach and background in therapy in order to determine if we may be a good fit working together. If you decide that you want to move forward and work together, we will schedule a mutually convenient time to meet for our first session.
How do I contact you?
For more details, please call me directly at (201) 298-8725 or email me at [email protected]. I will provide a free 15 minute phone consultation to learn more about you and answer any other questions that you may have.
Book a Consultation Today
I am happy to offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to help you gain a sense of who I am and my approach to therapy in order to determine if we will work well together.