Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment fees vary based on the type of session, session length, and your specific insurance coverage. I am an in-network provider with certain insurance plans and also see clients as an out-of-network provider or on a private-pay basis. Fees will depend on your insurance coverage and whether or not you’re using insurance.
Type of Session | Fee |
Initial consultation 15 minutes | No Charge |
Intake session 60 minutes | $300 |
Individual therapy session 53-60 minutes | $250 |
I work with the following insurance companies: Aetna, America’s PPO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, HealthEZ, Medica, Optum, United Healthcare. I will soon be in-network with other major health insurance plans.
Payments are due at the time of service and the following methods of payment are accepted: all major credit cards, debit cards, check, cash, HSA and FSA cards.
I am currently a provider for Aetna, America’s PPO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, HealthEZ, Medica, Optum, and United Healthcare. I will soon be in-network with other major health insurance plans.
Before our first session, please call your insurance company – the contact number listed on the back of your insurance card – to find out what level of coverage is provided under your plan. Ask your insurance plan representative:
Do I have mental/behavioral health benefits?
Is Wild Hope Psychological Services (Provider: Dr. Nora Halverson, PhD, LP) on my plan’s list of in-network providers?
Is there a limit on the number of therapy sessions per year?
Is the full cost of treatment covered, or only part, for CPT billing code 90791 (intake diagnostic evaluation) and 90837 (60-minute therapy session)?
What are my in-network copays, deductibles, and coinsurance for mental health visits?
Have I already met any part of my deductible or out-of-pocket max this plan year?
Do I need a referral or prior authorization to begin therapy?
Is teletherapy covered, and are copays or coinsurance different than in-person appointments?
If my plan only covers “medically necessary” treatment, how is that determination made?
What can I do if my coverage is denied or cut short?
If I am out-of-network with your insurance plan, you can elect to submit for out-of-network insurance reimbursement. Depending on your health insurance plan, it is possible that your services may be covered in full or in part. Insurance coverage rates for out-of-network providers vary across plans, but typically PPO plans cover 40-70% of the session cost after you’ve met your deductible. To submit for out-of-network coverage, I would provide you with a Superbill receipt which you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Whether or not you are reimbursed and the amount you are reimbursed depends upon your plan and coverage details. I suggest investigating this prior to scheduling with me. To find out more, when you call your insurance company ask the following questions:
If I go out-of-network for mental/behavioral health services, what is the deductible, copay, coinsurance, and reimbursement rate?
What do you reimburse for CPT billing code 90791 (intake diagnostic evaluation) and 90837 (60-minute therapy session) from an out-of-network licensed psychologist?
These questions will help you gauge what your out-of-pocket investment will be.
If you are not using insurance, either because you're uninsured or choosing to pay privately, you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of the expected cost of your care under the federal “No Surprises Act.” This written estimate outlines the expected cost of services so you can make informed decisions about your care. You’ll receive this estimate before we begin therapy, and you can always ask questions or request updates as your needs evolve. Please note that the number of sessions and overall cost may vary depending on how therapy progresses. Your Good Faith Estimate may be updated over time and we’ll discuss any changes together. The Good Faith Estimate is not a bill or contract. You may stop therapy at any time.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services within 120 calendar days of the date on the original bill. Make sure to save a copy of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights or call the Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059.
If you have questions about your benefits or which option is best for you, I’m happy to help you explore them.
Payments are due at the time of service and the following methods of payment are accepted: all major credit cards, debit cards, check, cash, HSA and FSA cards.