Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for counseling with my HSA or Flex Spending card?
Yes, absolutely. This enables you to pay for mental health services with tax-free funds. Since health insurance often doesn’t cover all of your mental health treatment costs, using your HSA can be financially savvy. Please note that the rules governing HSA and FSA accounts does typically consider marriage or relationship counseling as eligible for reimbursement. Many insurance plans will cover family counseling, you can call and ask your insurance company if “family counseling” is a covered service.
Can I use my insurance to pay for counseling?
Yes, I am an in-network provider for Aetna, Medical Mutual, Luminare Health (formerly OSU Trustmark), Optum, and United Healthcare. I am working on adding Med Mutual and OSU Trustmark. I strive to keep this list updated, but feel free to contact me at [email protected] to see if I’ve added any of the aforementioned insurances.
For other insurance plans, I would fall under your out-of-network mental health insurance benefits. To find out what your benefits are for out-of-network services, here are some important questions to call and ask your insurance company:
1. Do I have out of network benefits for outpatient mental health counseling? Is my policy still active or set to terminate soon?
2. What is my out-of-network deductible? Have I met any of that for the current year?
3. What is the percentage of reimbursement that I can expect when my deductible has been met? Do I also have a copay?
4. Do I have a limited number of visits per year?
5. Do I need to obtain authorization for out-of-network care? If so, how do get that authorization?
6. Does my policy cover my counselor’s credentials? (Note that the Oak Harbor counselor’s credentials are Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor or LPCC in Ohio.)
What are the fees for counseling? What can I expect to pay?
Oak Harbor charges a set rate for services of $170 for the initial intake session, and $150 for ongoing 45 to 60-minute sessions. There is a $4.00 transaction fee for the use of credit or debit cards. Other fees may be incurred in the event of a request for court, deposition, preparation of formal written reports, etc.
How will my insurance claims be processed?
Your claims can be submitted electronically by Oak Harbor, or you may be given a Superbill, which is a form you can submit to your insurance company yourself in order to receive reimbursement. I will discuss the method of payment submission with you in advance of your first appointment.
What if I tried counseling before, and it didn't help?
Many of my clients share stories of trying counseling previously, even for years, and making no progress. It could be that the therapist you worked with just wasn’t the right fit for you.
In working with clients, I only use techniques that are proven to empower clients to heal and grow. From the first session, I will share skills with you that can help you make the progress you desire.
What if I don't want to be in therapy for years?
I don’t want that for you, either. I strive to equip my clients with the skills they need to achieve their goals, so they can move on with their life. Without needing endless therapy.
For some people, it is necessary to do long-term therapy work. But that isn’t the case for many people.
What if I don't have time to do weekly counseling sessions?
I don’t often recommend that people do weekly sessions. I see many clients every two weeks, and other clients every three or four weeks depending on their schedule. I always collaborate with clients to figure out a rhythm for sessions that fits their needs and availability.
What if I found therapy in the past to be uncomfortable and confusing?
One of my biggest goals as a counselor is to make therapy as comfortable and understandable as possible. I always encourage clients to ask any questions or raise any concerns that they may have. I aim to remove any obstacles that may try to hinder you from achieving your therapy goals.
What if we aren't a good fit to work together?
The counseling relationship is an unique professional relationship, but it’s still a relationship. In other words, not every counseling is a fit for every person. I offer free 15-minute consultations for potential clients. This often gives people enough time to get a feel for whether they want to work with me. However, if we have a few sessions together and it seems like we aren’t a good fit, I will get you in touch with other local counselors who may be a better fit.
Does my insurance cover marriage counseling?
Most insurance plans will cover family counseling or individual counseling that includes the presence of a family member in the same session. Plans generally don’t cover “marriage counseling” in and of itself. You can call your insurance company and ask if “family counseling” is a covered service.
Have further questions that I didn’t address? Feel free to email me your question at [email protected] or give me a call at 614.210.3815.