Fees
My fees are based on my 30+ years of experience, training and best judgment. The time spent in the session along with the time required to assemble additional resources, equipment or software (for neurofeedback), nutrition support materials (for "natural mind health" clients) and case consultation & review may vary the fee. All time is charged for.
Choosing the middle ground
When you contract for services, you are expecting to be provided the best information and ideas I have to offer. The base fee is determined by the costs to provide you the service in a pleasant environment and allows the time and resources to deliver life-enhancing new technologies to you. In the current economic climate, many people look to limit their costs without limiting their services. I seek some comfortable middle ground. I am a network provider with few insurance companies currently. Most PPO plans may reimburse you for some of my services. The services that I may feel would best meet your needs may not be covered by your insurance plan.
Insurance does not cover everything
For instance, some insurance policies do not cover couples counseling and neurofeedback. Some policies cover individual psychotherapy for children but do not authorize payment for supportive consultations with parents and/or teachers. As you can imagine, providing coordinated services for both parents and children greatly improves the outcome. Some policies cover increasingly shorter sessions. This year many companies are attempting to monitor session content, direct treatment steps and guide clients to take medication rather than correct the underlying problems.
An honest appraisal of your unique needs
Your situation and your mental health may call for a mix of services, some of which your policy may cover and some which you will need to pay for out of pocket (or out of your HSA account). In budgeting your mental health costs, one should keep in mind that there may be no better aspect of your life to invest in. Without a well functioning brain, sanity and clear direction, your other activities are for naught. "A balanced brain is", as Dr. Daniel Amen says, "the foundation for a life that is happier, healthier, wealthier and wiser." I would hope that when you choose your level of services, that you are able to make your mind health a priority. In the long run, the improvement in your ability to earn and manage income should more than pay for the cost of your services.