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." With that in mind, I am straightforward about payment for treatment.

 

Financial arrangements are discussed clearly before treatment begins, so the practical side of care feels transparent and manageable. Depending on your coverage, clinical needs, and the services provided, treatment may be arranged through in-network insurance, out-of-network benefits, or private pay.

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My practice participates with select insurance plans because access to care matters. Some individuals also choose private pay when they prefer greater privacy, flexibility, continuity, or services that may not be covered by insurance.

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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.

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As an in-network provider, 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

 

Because insurance coverage can change, you are encouraged to contact your insurance company before beginning treatment to confirm your behavioral health benefits, deductible, copayment or coinsurance, and any authorization requirements. Participation with an insurance company does not guarantee that every service is covered by every plan.

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Private Pay and the Clinical Frame

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Private pay may be appropriate for individuals who do not have insurance, prefer not to use insurance, are seeking services not covered by their plan, or 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 to $300 per hour, depending on the service provided. 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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Private pay is not a rejection of insurance. It is simply one pathway into care -- one that may better support certain clinical needs, privacy preferences, or treatment goals.

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​Out-of-Network Benefits

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If I am not in-network with your insurance plan, you may still have out-of-network benefits. In that case, you pay directly at the time of service, and I can provide a receipt or superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

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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 who are committed to treatment but experiencing financial constraints. I also offer reduced-fee arrangements for psychoanalytic candidates and students in training seeking personal analysis to meet their clinical training requirements.

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Reduced-fee arrangements are based on availability and are discussed respectfully during the consultation process. When insurance is involved, fees, copayments, and cost-sharing responsibilities may be governed by the terms of your insurance plan and applicable contractual 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.

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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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A Note About Medicare and Insurance Contracts

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Some insurance plans, including Medicare, have specific rules about when a patient may privately pay for covered services. Federal Medicare regulations describe requirements for properly opting out of Medicare and entering private contracts with Medicare beneficiaries.

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Because these rules can be plan-specific and service-specific, private-pay arrangements are reviewed carefully to ensure they are clinically appropriate and consistent with applicable insurance, Medicare, and contractual requirements.

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Transparency Before Treatment Begins

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Whether you use insurance, out-of-network benefits, or private pay, the financial frame of treatment will be reviewed before care begins. My goal is for you to understand your options, expected costs, and insurance-related responsibilities clearly, so the practical aspects of treatment feel as steady and respectful as the clinical work itself.