Let's be honest - we all like to save money. Me too! I get it. You have a lot of money taken out of your check each pay period to pay for insurance and you want that insurance company to actually get you something!
But here's the truth:
Insurance companies reimburse therapists at a lower rate than they're really worth. Due to the lower reimbursement, agencies who rely on insurance referrals often push therapists to see more and more people each day, leading to burnout and compassion fatigue. Sometimes these therapists will see 8-10 people a day. (I know, I used to be one of these.)
And what happens when you're the 8th session of the day? Less personalized care for you. More generic "and how does that make you feel?" questions and "that must be so hard" responses.
45 minute session: $150
90 minute session: $300
Group Counseling: $75
HSA cards can be used to cover therapy costs.
United Healthcare
Optum
UMR
Out of network billing -
I can provide you with a superbill to submit to insurance.
Since I charge a higher amount, I am able to serve a smaller number of people with the highest quality care and be emotionally present with you. I believe you deserve my full attention for the time you commit to therapy. You are not just paying for a product or a session. You're paying for an experience.
Do you know what the number one most effective therapy intervention is? It's actually not an intervention. Research studies have shown over and over that the most powerful part of therapy is the relationship between you and the therapist, no matter what therapy modality is utilized. So whether you choose to schedule with me or not, I encourage you to go with who you feel most connected to, regardless of the price.
I used to pay a $35 copay for my own therapy but when my therapist went out of network, I had to decide how much my mental health was worth to me. I'm no longer willing to let an insurance company dictate who is the best fitted provider for my personal care, just based on whether or not they agree to a contract. There are several therapists in Chattanooga who do accept multiple insurance plans. If you absolutely must use your insurance, I'm happy to refer you to those I trust as qualified clinicians.
Compare this decision to other investments you make, such as taking a vacation. What happens when you buy the cheapest flight? You generally get crappy seats, and your trip takes 2 or 3 times as long as if you pay more money. You still get from point A to point B, but the process is slower and more frustrating. You could stay at a Super 8 Hotel and walk 2 miles to get to the places you really want to visit. But is that really a vacation? You'd probably be willing to pay extra to either rent a car or get that resort right on the beach so there's no headaches of waiting on an Uber. When you get back home, you'll be glad you actually rested on your vacation, even if it was more expensive.
Sure, maybe. You can certainly try out the cheapest option and see how it works. However, if you've had other therapists that just weren't exactly what you needed and you're connecting with what you see here on my site, I'd encourage you to consider where your priorities lie and where your mental health is on that list. Is saving money really the most important thing when it comes to finding a therapist?
Have you ever been to a doctor that works for a big practice and tried to call them? Whether it’s to schedule an appointment, follow up on test results, or just ask a basic question, it can take 15+ minutes to actually get someone on the phone. Then you have to wait for a call back and by that point you’re probably busy and miss their call. You never talk to the same person twice if you call because they have so many people working there. You’re just one in a million of needy patients.
Because I run a smaller practice, I’m more available to address questions in a timely and efficient manner. With a small caseload, each and every client is important, significant, and gets quality service. While I am only one person and can’t be available 24/7, I have systems in place like online scheduling and a client portal for us to communicate even outside of my office hours.
Quick response for your calls, texts, & emails
Automatic appointment reminders
Online scheduling
Complimentary consultation
Online therapy option
Specialized training
Homework assignments emailed
Coordination with your other providers
Remembering small details about your story
Referrals to other care providers
Email summary of session if requested
Obtain your notes at any time upon request
Having trouble booking an appointment? Just use my contact form instead.