By now you’ve found one or possibly a few therapists that you think might be a good fit for you. Yay! (Check out this post to learn how to find your perfect therapist.) You’re on your way. Now what? The very first thing is to double check that they are taking new clients. If they are, then you want to make sure you understand what this will cost you, financially.
First-Contact your insurance company and verify that your insurance covers therapy with the therapist you want to work with. Things to double check with your insurance company include:
1. Is the therapist in network? (Covered by your insurance company.)
2. What is your deductible? (The deductible is the start up out of pocket expense you have to pay.) Some deductibles are insanely high. If your deductible is high are you willing/able to pay it?
3. What will your copay be?
4. Do you need a preauth?
Second-If the therapist is not covered by insurance, find out if you can file for reimbursement. If you can get reimbursed, ask about how to do that. Some insurance companies will let you pay for sessions out of pocket and then reimburse you.
Third-If you don’t have insurance, verify what the cost of sessions are and double check you can fit the cost into your budget.
Fourth-There’s nothing wrong with asking the therapist if they work on a sliding scale. This tends to be a long shot, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
It’s always good to go over your budget to make sure you can afford therapy if you’re going to pay out of pocket. Finally, if you can’t afford therapy, check out Open Path or your community mental health center.
In addition to creating Bodhi Counseling, Melanie Sivley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Champaign, IL. She specializes in Anxiety, Depression and Trauma. She is a student of Zen Buddhism. She is EMDR trained and currently pursuing her EMDR certification.
Melanie Sivley, LCSW
206 N. Randolph, Suite 505B
Champaign, IL 61820
217-731-4638