Frequently asked questions
Insurance
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Ask them about your out-of-network benefits? -
What is my deductible? Why is this important? Because if your deductible is $2,500 that means that if you see a counselor in-network from the limited list your insurance approves, you will pay the first $2,500 and that person will have to give you a diagnosis that will stay on your permanent record. Or you can choose your therapist and pay out of pocket. Does that make sense?
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Assistance in any way possible sorting through the in and out's of insurance. -
Assistance in contacting your insurance. -
Submitting bills to insurance (when possible) -
Giving you receipts to submit for reimbursement. -
Access to Better a free way to submit your receipts for reimbursement through your insurance.
Should I use my health insurance to pay for therapy/counseling?
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Depending on your coverage, you will either pay for a portion of your sessions, the entire amount, or will at least apply the amount towards a deductible you currently have.
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Whether you are self-employed or work for an employer, you effectively pay a lot of money to have health insurance and it may make sense to get the most out of your benefit package by using insurance for therapy.
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Allows you access to mental health services you otherwise could not afford.
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There are many circumstances in which you might want to keep the fact that you are in treatment, as well as any information about that treatment, completely private between you and your therapist.
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In order to qualify for benefits you must surrender a level of confidentiality to the insurance company that would otherwise remain between you and your therapist.
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Since the insurance company pays, they have a right to audit clinical records on you and have access to all of your information. They do this to ensure that a therapist is not committing insurance fraud, providing appropriate services to the given diagnosis and for quality assurance. However, what they do with that information is unknown, and a therapist has no control over how they use it once it is in their hands.
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In order for insurance to reimburse your treatment you will receive a mental health diagnosis that goes in your permanent medical record. There is some level of concern that mental health diagnoses can be used to deny life insurance, jobs or viewed as pre-existing conditions allowing a future insurer to deny coverage.
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Insurance policies often limit the number of sessions you are allowed to attend each year. They may or may not authorize more sessions based on what they determine is a “medical necessity”. Your therapist will have little say in this decision and making your case may involve a lot of paperwork and footwork on your part.
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Employers often change insurance companies to save money. You may form a bond with your therapist only to find out that he or she is not a provider on your new plan.
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They determine modality of therapy. i.e. if your interested in Telemental Health(phone, video therapy) you will not be able to utilize that service if your insurance does not authorize or deem necessary.
What if multiple members of my family need to be seen?
We are an advocate of strong and connected families and offer a 20% discount to help off set the cost of therapy when more than one family memeber is seen within the same household.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
Yes, some of the therpist offer discount pricing based off of annual income. Proof of income may by requested (including pay stubs or tax returns) to determine if you qualify. These slots are avialable to clients who are experiencing financial hardship and are HIGHLY committed to therapy. Reduced fees will be re-assessed every 3 months.
Payment
Payment for services may be made by cash, debit or check to Traveling Light Counseling. A receipt will be provided upon request only. You may also use your HSA to pay for counseling services and Bringing Home Baby Workshops
Rates
Traveling Light Counseling is out of network provider, in addition to accepting self paying clients.
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Phone Consultation: $63.50; 30 minutes -
Our initial session rate starts at $177;75-minutes ($194.50 for couples and families; 90- minutes) -
All subsequent sessions start at $127; 45-minutes ($167-$187 for couples and families; 60-90 minutes) -
Parent Coaching Sessions: $142; 60-minutes -
**For clients using Insurance: the negotiated rate with each insurance
Cancellation Policy