FAQs
Do You Accept Insurance?
This is a common question and we understand that this can be an important decision when seeking a mental health provider. At our office, we do not offer direct billing for insurance companies. Pinellas Psychology is considered an “out-of-network” provider.
Our practice philosophy is that we truly value your privacy and confidentiality. Most people don’t realize that when mental health providers bill insurance companies directly, they are required to list a diagnosis as a reason for your visit. We want you to have the ability to choose whether or not you want to share this type of information with your insurance company.
Lastly, many insurance companies dictate the length and type of treatment that fits into your health benefit package, which is not always what is best for our clients. As a fee-for-service practice, we prefer to dedicate our time and attention to our clients rather than spending time and resources negotiating with insurance companies.
If you are interested in using your insurance benefits directly, we recommend that you seek in-network services with your insurance company. We suggest calling the number on the back of your insurance card. Most insurance carriers will provide you with a list of in-network providers in your area. If you need to use your insurance benefits, often the best place to start is to obtain their provider referral list to avoid delays in getting the help you need.
How Much Will Counseling Cost?
For counseling to be effective it does require a commitment of both time and finances. We can help to make this possible in a couple of ways. We are able to take credit/debit cards as well as Health Savings Account cards.
If you choose, we can also send you a monthly statement so you may seek insurance reimbursement for out-of-network mental health services. Our fees range based on which clinician you choose to work with, relative to their experience level on our team. In general, session fees range from $140-$225 based on therapist education, training and years of experience.
How Does It Work? What Do I Have To Do In Sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. Our goal is to tailor the therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
How Long Will It Take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place. Research does support that weekly sessions are the most effective at the onset of treatment in order to get the most therapeutic benefit and build up momentum towards your goals.
Do You Have A Cancellation Policy?
We understand everyone has unexpected changes to their schedules and will be accommodating within reason. For cancellations, please be sure to give the office at least 24 hours notice in the event you need to change your appointment. If notice is not provided, clients will be charged for missed/cancelled sessions. We appreciate your help in this process as we aim to accommodate and allow for all of our clients to receive preferred availability.
What’s The Difference Between Talking To A Professional Or My Best Friend Or Family?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.