"Do you accept insurance for mental health services ?"
Austin Psychology does not accept insurance. However, insurance may still cover much of your cost...
First, most insurance companies have two levels of mental health coverage:
1) 80% payment of mental health services rendered by a clinician on their insurance panel
2) 60% payment of mental health services rendered by a clinician not on their insurance panel. Austin Psychologywould be considered "mental health services rendered by a clinician not on their panel". This means that you may be reimbursed 60% of the mental health fees. (Call your insurance company to find out your mental health reimbursement rate.)
Second, it is important to note that the difference between the 60% and 80% reimbursement for services rendered at Austin Psychology is only $26. This means that for $26 you can choose your own therapist.
"Last, many insurance plans have no mental health coverage. This means that Austin Psychology is the same cost to you, whether or not you have "insurance".
Austin Psychology is happy to assist you by providing needed paperwork for insurance reimbursement.
"Why does Austin Psychology not accept Managed Care reimbursement for mental health services?"
There are several reasons for this:
Lack of Confidentiality
§ Managed care plans (MCP) require direct clinical management by the plan's
case mangers. If you access therapy through your MCP, your therapist is required to dislose personal information about your case to your MCP. The critical thing to understand is that these practices may impede your right to confidentiality. Austin Psychology believes that maintaining your confidentiality is of paramount importance.
Difficulty Getting Treatment Authorized
§ Due to the managment style employed by MCPs, as well as their desire to keep costs at a minimum, getting therapy sessions authorized is often cumbersome and time consuming. Every plan has different requirements and standards for authorization. Usually, MCPs require many hours per week of paperwork and phone calls by the therapist in order to get authorizations. Some will even deny therapy in lieu of your taking prescription medications.
§ MCPs allow a certain number of treatment sessions per year for each plan. Clients are initially authorized for only 4 to 8 sessions. These initial sessions are used for assessment (i.e., determining the diagnoses). After these sessions, the therapist submits the diagnoses to the MCP. The MCP then decides if the patient's problems require therapy as a "medical necessity." If the MCP determines that treatment is required, additional sessions are authorized. This determination often entails weeks of phone calls and paperwork between your therapist and the MCP.
§ Last, some MCPs want to control the treament plan. MCPs often dictate the specific treatment methods that must be used in therapy. In addition, the length of treatment is typically determined by the MCP. This means that although the patient's issues may not been sufficiently resolved, the MCP may give no further authorization to see the patient.
Misdiagnosing / Overdiagnosing for Treatment Authorization
§ Some MCPs will not cover treatment unless it is a "medical necessity." For example, most MCPs do not cover personality problems, autism, learning disabilities, mental retardation, marriage counseling, family counseling, or adjustment counseling, unless they are part of the treatment plan for a serious mental disorder or drug/alcohol problem. This puts both the therapist and client in a difficult situation.
"Do you have a sliding scale for fees?"
*I reserve several slots for sliding scale clients. I am happy to talk with you about your individual situation to determine the best possible financial solution.
| |
WHY AUSTIN PSYCHOLOGY?
*Compassionate and knowledgeable
*Confidential and safe environment
*Effective therapy
Co-ed Group
Mondays 5:00-6:15PM
Social anxiety, relationships, communication
Co-ed Therapy Group*
Wednesdays 6:00-7:20 PM
Relationships, communication
*Previous individual counseling recommended |
