Overview

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In 1913, Sigmund Freud observed that "money questions will be treated by cultured people in the same manner as sexual matters, with the same inconsistency, prudishness, and hypocrisy."  Therefore, to avoid inauthenticity, I am straightforward about payment for treatment.

 

Depending on clinical needs and coverage, treatment may be structured through select in-network plans, out-of-network benefits, or private pay. While my practice maintains select insurance affiliations to preserve accessibility, many individuals elect private-pay arrangements to ensure enhanced privacy.

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Insurance-Based Care

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Many individuals use health insurance benefits to pay for treatment. If you receive health insurance through an employer, marketplace plan, Medicare, military benefit, or other health plan, I may be an in-network provider with your insurance company. This means that I have entered into contractual agreements with certain insurance companies and health plans to provide covered services to their members. Coverage varies by plan and may depend on your specific benefits, deductible, copayment, coinsurance, diagnosis, service type, authorization requirements, and whether a particular service is considered covered under your policy.

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I am currently a credentialed in-network provider with the following insurance plans and networks:

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• Aetna

• Cigna

• Community Care Behavioral Health - CCBH / HealthChoices Northeast

• Geisinger

• HMO / PPO / POS

• Third-Party Administrator - TPA

• PA CHIP

• Medicare Advantage

• Marketplace / Exchange Products

• Highmark Blue Shield - Premier Blue Specialist

• ACA Select

• Performance Blue

• Premier Blue Shield

• Preferred Provider Organization - PPO

• First Priority Health HMO

• Magellan

• Medicare Part B

• TRICARE / Humana Military

• United Behavioral Health / Optum Health Plan

• UPMC Commercial Plans

• UPMC Partner

• UPMC Value

• WBH

• VA Community Care Network - VA-CCN

 

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Private Pay and the Clinical Frame

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Private pay may be appropriate for individuals without insurance, who prefer not to use insurance, who seek services not covered by their plan, or who want a more flexible clinical frame when legally and contractually permissible. 

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Private-pay treatment can offer greater privacy, continuity, and flexibility. It may be especially useful for psychoanalysis, intensive psychotherapy, integrated psychological and psychiatric care, diagnostic consultation, trauma-focused work, or addiction-informed treatment.

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Private-pay rates generally range from $150 (psychotherapy or combined psychotherapy/medication management sessions) to $300 (initial psychological assessment/medication management consultation). Fees are reviewed before treatment begins, and payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

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​Out-of-Network Benefits

 

If I am not in-network with your insurance plan, you may still have out-of-network benefits; in that case, you pay at the time of service, and I provide a receipt or superbill you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. ​Reimbursement is determined by your insurance plan and is not guaranteed. Before beginning treatment, you should contact your insurer to discuss how to use out-of-network behavioral health benefits, deductibles, reimbursement rates, claim requirements, and any limitations that may apply.

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Reduced-Fee Availability

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I reserve a limited number of reduced-fee spaces for individuals committed to treatment but facing financial constraints. ​Reduced-fee arrangements are based on availability and are discussed respectfully during the consultation process. When insurance is involved, your insurance plan's terms and applicable contractual requirements may govern fees, copayments, and cost-sharing responsibilities.

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Reduced Fees for Psychoanalytic Students

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I offer reduced-fee arrangements for psychoanalytic candidates and students in training seeking personal analysis to meet their clinical training requirements.

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Good Faith Estimates and the No Surprises Act

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If you are uninsured or choose not to use insurance, you are generally entitled to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges before services begin. CMS states that providers usually must provide this estimate when care is scheduled at least three business days in advance or when a patient requests one. CMS also states that a bill may be disputed if it is at least $400 more than the estimate and the dispute is started within the applicable 120-day window. ​For more information about No Surprises Act protections, you may visit the CMS No Surprises Act consumer information page or call 1-800-985-3059.

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