Fees, payment, and cancellation policy
I charge $290 for the first full session and for each subsequent 50-minute session, and payment is required at the time of service. Once an appointment hour is scheduled, you will be expected to pay for it unless you provide 48 hours (2 days) advance notice of cancellation, or unless we both agree that you were unable to provide 48 hours advance notice due to an unanticipated circumstance that could reasonably be called an emergency. Whenever possible, I will try to find another time within the same week to reschedule the appointment.
Initial consultation
I offer a free 20-minute consultation by phone or video call to briefly discuss what you are looking for and to make sure that I am a good fit for your preferences and goals. If it seems like we are a match, we’ll schedule our first full session, and I’ll send you an intake packet with full information about my practice and questionnaires for you to complete and return prior to our first session.
First session
Our first full session is a 55-60 minute meeting in which we will discuss more in-depth what you want to work on and what you would like to get out of our time together. We will also review important parts of my practice policies, and we will make time for you to ask questions and share any concerns. This session provides us both an opportunity to see what it’s like to work together, and to decide whether we’d like to move forward.
Therapy sessions
If we agree to begin psychotherapy, our sessions will typically be 50 minutes long and scheduled on a weekly basis, although some sessions may be longer or more frequent. As warranted by progress toward your goals, session frequency may reduce to bi-weekly, monthly or on an as needed basis.
Teletherapy considerations
I practice exclusively through teletherapy and because of licensure regulations, my psychotherapy clients are required to be physically located in California, Wisconsin, or a PSYPACT-participating state during our voice and video sessions. Teletherapy has many benefits, but it also has risks and limitations – we will review these further during the phone consultation and intake process, and if it seems like teletherapy is not a good fit for your particular concerns and treatment goals or needs, I can provide referrals to trusted colleagues in your area.
Insurance
I am an out of network provider, which means I am not on insurance panels. Therefore, you (not your insurance company) are responsible for full payment of my fees at the time of service. I can then generate weekly or monthly statements that you can submit for reimbursement.
Many health insurance plans will reimburse for treatment provided by a licensed psychologist. However, plans vary widely, and you are responsible for determining what insurance benefits you receive for out of network telepsychology and obtaining reimbursement.
If your insurance doesn’t cover, reimburse, or fully reimburse out of network mental health, you may be able to use funds from a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or health reimbursement account (HRA). If this is a form of payment you would like to use, please consult with the provider of the account to confirm eligibility of services.
Finding a provider who is in-network
If you need or prefer to use a therapist that is in-network for your insurance, the best thing to do is to call your insurance company and request a list of mental health providers in your area. Checking these providers’ websites can help you figure out where to start. Another option is to search provider profiles on therapist directory sites such as Therapy for Black Girls or Therapy Den, as you can filter according to the insurance plan you would like to use.
Other services offered
In addition to providing psychotherapy, I also provide professional consultation to individuals and organizations located in California. Please contact me to discuss further.
Good Faith Estimate (GFE)
You have the right to receive a GFE explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
- You have the right to receive a GFE for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.
- Make sure your health care provider gives you a GFE in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose for a GFE before you schedule an item or service.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your GFE, you can dispute the bill.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your GFE.
For questions or more information about your right to a GFE, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call Dr. Lawhon at 415-903-6603.
Consumer Notice for California Clients
