FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Fees and Insurance:
Fees
My fee policy is discussed in more detail and set when you call to arrange an appointment. My fee is consistent with other practitioners in the area at $200 per session for individuals, $225 for couples. I have a limited number of sliding scale slots available. I accept fees in the form of cash, check, HSA or FSA accounts, and all major credit cards, and do not accept insurance at this time. Although the length of sessions are tailored to meet the individual's needs, most clients utilize a 50-minute weekly therapy session. For an initial couple's session, I ask that we meet for 75 minutes in order to gather information and get a clear view of where we are going. For that initial session, I charge the equivalent of 1.5 sessions.
Insurance
I am not currently a contracted provider for any insurance companies at this time. Many insurance companies will (at least partially) reimburse for out-of-network providers. If an insurance carrier is used it is your responsibility to pay for services in full and request a basic monthly receipt (referred to as a “superbill”) for you to submit directly to your insurance company to obtain out-of-network reimbursement. Often times, insurance carriers require a diagnosis code for reimbursement. I will discuss with you any and all diagnoses given before adding it to your receipt. It is your responsibility to confirm the limits of your insurance coverage, and I cannot guarantee reimbursement by your insurance carrier.
Cancellation Policy
Continuity is important in the therapeutic process, but if you need to cancel an appointment, please contact me at least 24 hours prior to the session or you will be responsible for paying for the missed session.
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance (“private pay”) an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• 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, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800.985.3059.
Confidentiality
The session content and all relevant materials to the client’s treatment will be held confidential unless the client requests in writing to have all or portions of such content released to a specifically named person/persons. Limitations of such client held privilege of confidentiality exist and are itemized below:
Occasionally I may need to consult with other professionals in their areas of expertise in order to provide the best treatment for you. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name or significant identifying information.
If we see each other accidentally outside of the therapy office, I will not acknowledge you first. Your right to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance to me, and I do not wish to jeopardize your privacy. However, if you acknowledge me first, I will be more than happy to speak briefly with you but feel it appropriate not to engage in any lengthy discussions in public or outside of the therapy office.
Fees
My fee policy is discussed in more detail and set when you call to arrange an appointment. My fee is consistent with other practitioners in the area at $200 per session for individuals, $225 for couples. I have a limited number of sliding scale slots available. I accept fees in the form of cash, check, HSA or FSA accounts, and all major credit cards, and do not accept insurance at this time. Although the length of sessions are tailored to meet the individual's needs, most clients utilize a 50-minute weekly therapy session. For an initial couple's session, I ask that we meet for 75 minutes in order to gather information and get a clear view of where we are going. For that initial session, I charge the equivalent of 1.5 sessions.
Insurance
I am not currently a contracted provider for any insurance companies at this time. Many insurance companies will (at least partially) reimburse for out-of-network providers. If an insurance carrier is used it is your responsibility to pay for services in full and request a basic monthly receipt (referred to as a “superbill”) for you to submit directly to your insurance company to obtain out-of-network reimbursement. Often times, insurance carriers require a diagnosis code for reimbursement. I will discuss with you any and all diagnoses given before adding it to your receipt. It is your responsibility to confirm the limits of your insurance coverage, and I cannot guarantee reimbursement by your insurance carrier.
Cancellation Policy
Continuity is important in the therapeutic process, but if you need to cancel an appointment, please contact me at least 24 hours prior to the session or you will be responsible for paying for the missed session.
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance (“private pay”) an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• 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, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800.985.3059.
Confidentiality
The session content and all relevant materials to the client’s treatment will be held confidential unless the client requests in writing to have all or portions of such content released to a specifically named person/persons. Limitations of such client held privilege of confidentiality exist and are itemized below:
- If a client threatens or attempts suicide or otherwise conducts him/her self in a manner in which there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.
- If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.
- If the therapist has a reasonable suspicion that a client or other named victim is the perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 years.
- Suspicions as stated above in the case of an elderly person who may be subjected to these abuses.
- Suspected neglect of the parties named in items #3 and # 4.
- If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.
- If a client is in therapy or being treated by order of a court of law, or if information is obtained for the purpose of rendering an expert’s report to an attorney.
Occasionally I may need to consult with other professionals in their areas of expertise in order to provide the best treatment for you. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name or significant identifying information.
If we see each other accidentally outside of the therapy office, I will not acknowledge you first. Your right to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance to me, and I do not wish to jeopardize your privacy. However, if you acknowledge me first, I will be more than happy to speak briefly with you but feel it appropriate not to engage in any lengthy discussions in public or outside of the therapy office.
Sarah Harkness, MA, RDT, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #88566 and Registered Drama Therapist #631 with a private practice in San Mateo and online. She has worked with people from all walks of life regarding relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, religious trauma, taming the inner critic, and life transitions.
