Policies and procedures

Privacy

The relationship between patient and psychologist is confidential and protected by law. In order to release information about treatment, a Consent to Release Information form must be completed and signed by the patient and only then can coordination of care with other healthcare professionals or relatives be initiated as needed. The exceptions to the confidentiality law are suspected child or elder abuse, harm to self or others, and when patient records are being subpoenaed as evidence during legal proceedings. Disclosure of confidential material may also be requested by patient’s insurance company in order to process a claim. In this circumstance, only the minimum amount of patient information will be provided and an attempt will be made from psychologist’s part to limit disclosure to only necessary information.​

Payment

Payments for psychotherapy services are out-of-pocket, out-of-network or with Aetna or Empire health insurances. Payment for treatment is billed monthly and due upon receipt of invoice, except for patients with insurance, for whom copay is due at the time of each session and insurance company is billed directly. ​Accepted forms of payment are cash, personal checks or Venmo.

Out-of-pocket payments range from $250 to $350 per individual session.

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Out-of-network behavioral health benefits are covered by most health insurance companies, meaning that psychotherapy service payments will be covered in full or in part by your insurance company. Please contact the insurance company directly to inquire about out-of-network behavioral health benefits.

Aetna and Empire health insurance patients are responsible for deductibles and copays and should contact Aetna or Empire directly for all insurance matters.

Cancellation

Psychotherapy sessions may be cancelled 24-hours in advance by telephone or email in order to avoid incurring the charge of a full session fee. If a session is cancelled late due to a true emergency, such as, for instance, death in the family or patient ER visit, a full session fee will not be charged. If a session is canceled late and not due to a true emergency, an attempt to reschedule will be made before charging a full session fee. 

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