Further questions about insurance and confidentiality

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to 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?

(this can be confusing to navigate but I can help you if you like)

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:

* Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist     is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

* If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.

* If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety

* Using your insurance may compromise confidentiality. It is standard practice to sign a “release of information” when a third-party payer is involved.