How much does therapy cost, and do you accept insurance?

My rate for an initial appointment is $350, and $300 for all subsequent 50-minute psychotherapy sessions. I am out-of-network with all health insurance plans. I can provide statements you can submit for reimbursement from your health insurance company, commonly called “Superbills.” Feel free to ask me any questions about my out-of-network billing policy.

How do I learn about my out-of-network insurance benefits?

If you have an insurance plan with out-of-network benefits, you may be able to receive partial reimbursement for sessions. It’s best to call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card to learn about your specific out-of-network benefits. Here are a few helpful questions to ask your insurance provider about your out-of-network benefits:

• Do I have an out-of-network deductible for outpatient mental health? If so, what is it, and have I met it yet?

• What is my co-insurance or copay for out-of-network mental health services?

• Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?

• Will my health insurance reimburse me for 60-minute sessions (CPT 90837) or only 45-minute sessions (CPT 90834)?

• How do I submit claim forms for reimbursement?

How frequently should I come in?

Weekly sessions are ideal for most clients, particularly if a client is experiencing distress that is interfering with important areas of life like work, relationships, or academics. Research studies show that weekly visits are linked to a quicker response to therapy-- meaning that improvement happens more quickly. A weekly schedule helps to maintain progress from session to session. It is beneficial at the beginning when I am still learning about you and what brought you to therapy. Transitioning to biweekly visits (every other week) can be appropriate for clients who are seeing improvements after the initial treatment period. A biweekly schedule can also make sense for individuals with busy, challenging schedules. Meeting monthly or less frequently is not recommended, with research suggesting that therapy is less effective at this frequency, as it is much harder to follow up on therapy goals with several weeks in-between visits.

How do we get started?

The effectiveness of therapy has a lot to do with having a good fit between client and therapist. That's why I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so that you and I can figure out if we might be a good fit for one another. Feel free to reach out via the contact page to schedule a time to talk by phone about you, your goals, and how I can help.

Do you provide Telehealth therapy?

Yes, all Telehealth therapy services are delivered using a HIPAA-compliant platform so that you can see your therapist from the comfort of your home or another location. Dr. Smith is licensed to provide telehealth services to clients in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Colorado.

Do you provide in-person therapy appointments?

Yes, I provide in-person appointments at my newly renovated office in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.

What is group psychotherapy?

An interpersonal therapy group is a group of people (typically 5-8 people) who meet weekly with a therapist to work through relational issues and life stressors that lead to psychological symptoms or dissatisfaction in relationships. Each group session typically lasts 75 - 90 minutes.

What are some reasons a person may want to engage in group therapy?

People who join a process therapy group typically want to relate better with others and feel better about themselves. Some reasons a person may join a group include:

• Feeling frustrated or dissatisfied in relationships

• Feeling anxious in social settings or having difficulty trusting others

• Struggling to build meaningful relationships

• Struggling to communicate one’s thoughts, feelings, and needs directly

• Frequently experiencing loneliness

• Having trouble with self-esteem

• Manipulating others to get one’s needs met

How does an interpersonal therapy group work?

Group therapy is unstructured in that there is no formal agenda for each meeting. Instead, members have the autonomy and flexibility to shape the group discussion to address pressing topics or areas in which they seek to grow. The group facilitator supports a therapeutic dialog and assists the group in aligning with established group norms and guidelines.

How much does group therapy cost?

The group therapy session rate is $125. If you would like to seek out-of-network reimbursement, you can request that Dr. Smith generate Superbills that you can submit to your insurance provider.