PRICING & FAQ’S
NO SURPRISES ACT
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.
Under the No Surprises Act implemented in January of 2022, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for therapy and psychiatry services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including therapy and psychiatry services. You can ask your provider for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
FAQS
How long is therapy going to take? How often do I need to come?
I hate to start with “it all depends,” but… it all depends. There are many factors that go into the length and frequency of therapy. We will check-in often about the effectiveness of our time together and adjust so you spend the least amount of time in therapy as possible. So that could be 5 sessions or 72. Typically I see folks on a weekly or bi-weekly basis at first then as needed such as monthly or every 6 weeks.
Do you offer in-person and virtual sessions?
My practice is 100% virtual at this time. While some folks may prefer in-person, I have adjusted my practice and skill to provide the same level of care and effectiveness within a virtual format.
The following is a review from one of my clients (I have received permission to share) that has only seen me through a virtual setting.
I’ve been seeing Stephanie virtually for about a year and a half and have never seen her in person. She is the most effective therapist I’ve ever had. She is authentic, intuitive, to the point, funny, compassionate, and incredibly skilled at guiding me through healing I’ve never, ever been able to experience. I trust her. I’ve told her things I’ve never been able to utter to another soul. She makes me feel comfortable. I have tried so many other therapists in the past. None helped me move through the trauma I’d been struggling with for decades. I’d often leave those sessions feeling worse, defeated, sometimes like a spectacle. With Stephanie, I leave our sessions feeling capable and equipped with new perspective and tools. I’m experiencing confidence, hope, an empowering narrative that is permeating throughout, and within, my daily life. It’s amazing what we can accomplish together in one hour through a computer screen. I’m finally experiencing the changes I’ve hoped for. Thank you, Stephanie.
How long are sessions?
Therapy sessions are 55 minutes in length. Couples may find it beneficial to plan some two hour therapy sessions, which we’ll plan in advance.
What do I do if we don’t click?
If you find that therapy isn’t clicking for you, it’s certainly okay to say so! Making sure that you get what you want out of each session is important to your growth, and I want to create a space where open dialogue is welcome. In fact, I will check with you on how you feel about your progress from time to time. Of course, you are welcome to shop around (Psychology Today is a great resource), or I can help you with referrals to other great therapists.
Can I contact you between sessions for help or in a crisis?
Yes and no. You can contact me between sessions for scheduling changes or if you need an emergency session. I will try to respond to any message within 24 hours. You should plan on working on your personal issues and goals within our time together in session. For emergency and life-threatening situations, please call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis hotline by dialing 988.
Can I come with a list of specific things I would like to talk about?
Abso-fucking-lutely. It makes my day when someone pulls out their phone with a list!
I will ask you at each session what your intentions for the session are. It really helps the process to come with something to explore and work on.
What should I expect during my first session? How about subsequent sessions?
During our first meeting, you will begin telling your story and discuss what you'd like to get out of therapy. From the first meeting, I'll listen and begin to organize the information you provide into hunches I share with you about what might be causing your distress or difficulty in life at the moment.
Next, you and I will work to help you build awareness around the thoughts, feelings, belief systems, and behavior patterns that are getting in the way of feeling satisfied in life and relationships. We do this by exploring family of origin and childhood history, previous relationships of all types, uncovering limiting beliefs systems, and working to change underlying coping habits and strategies we developed to keep ourselves protected and essentially cut off from ourselves.
Additionally, we work with immediate stressors and life challenges as they arise. Working to help you build awareness around triggers and create effective coping habits rooted in self love and acceptance.
Do you take insurance or will sessions be an out-of-pocket cost?
I accept some insurance plans with UCare and Hennepin Health. Otherwise, I have income based pricing meaning you pay what you can afford between $85 and $140 no questions asked.
Clients are responsible for checking their insurance coverage before scheduling. Please reach out to me if you need assistance.
Will I/we have homework?
The answer is yes, but not the traditional homework you might think of. You will always leave with some specific action steps such as:
- To think more about a specific topic
- Pay more attention to a feeling
- Have conversations with your loved ones about particular things
- Practice specific self-care techniques
- Many other possibilities
- The hour that we spend together is important, but the work you do outside of my office is where you get the real bang for your therapy buck.
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