Frequently Asked Questions
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Why consider private pay?
Greater Privacy & Confidentiality: Did you know that whoever is paying for services has access to therapy documentation, unless otherwise specifically stated? This means, when using insurance benefits to help pay for therapy sessions, your insurance company may have access to all of your clinical documentation upon request. These are referred to as "audits" and are used to determine whether or not to continue covering your therapy services (more on that later!). This means you have far less control or autonomy over who and what has access to your confidential health information. On the other hand, working with a private-pay therapist means that your records will remain private between you and your therapist, with no third-party involvement. This means your therapist does not have to and will not share session notes or diagnoses with anyone without your expressed consent.
No Required Diagnosis: Did you also know that insurance coverage requires a diagnosis to "prove" that you are in need of therapeutic services? Without a diagnosis (usually in the first session), insurance will not pay for your therapy sessions. This is true regardless of what you're in therapy for, whether it be personal growth, mental health maintenance, relational concerns, grief, life transitions, or a specific or more complex concern. Additionally, diagnoses submitted to your insurance can become part of your permanent medical record, potentially affecting other dimensions of your life including certain background checks, life insurance applications, and future health coverage.
More Flexibility & Control: Self-pay allows you to work directly with your therapist to determine the length, frequency, and type of therapy that will best support you, without insurance restrictions. There are no required diagnoses or treatment plans awaiting approval by insurance, nor are there limits on the number of sessions per year or what kind of treatment options you can obtain. Additionally, private-pay allows you more autonomy in choosing a therapist, as you are not limited to in-network therapists.
Transparent Pricing: When working with a private-pay therapist, what you discuss sessions will cost is exactly what they will cost. When using insurance, claims are submitted and need to be approved by the insurance company. This process often takes weeks (sometimes even months), which means you could be weeks or months into your treatment before facing a huge surprise bill due to a denied claim. Therapists who accept insurance work with insurance claims assistants to do their best to ensure this does not happen, however, verifying insurance coverage is very complex and requires continual verification through those audits mentioned earlier. When working with a private pay therapist at New Narratives Therapy & Wellness, you will never receive a surprise bill and we will never allow your balance to accrue without your knowledge and consent. We are committed to working with you to determine a therapy schedule that best fits your budget, schedule, and need!
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How do I get started?
Taking the first step in seeking support is something to be proud of - thank you for being here. The next step is simple: complete our Contact Form to get started. One of our therapists will reach out to answer any questions you may have and to schedule either a free 15-minute consultation call or your first session. A consultation call can be especially helpful if you're unsure where to begin, have questions about the process, or want to get a feel for whether the therapist is the right fit for you. We understand that choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming or even intimidating, and we're here to help make that process easier and more comfortable.
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What should I expect in my first individual session?
Your first individual therapy session is an opportunity for you and your therapist to begin getting to know each other and to start exploring what brings you into therapy. While each therapist may approach this process slightly differently, initial intake sessions often include conversations about your goals, current challenges, personal and relational history, and any questions or concerns you may have. It is completely normal to feel nervous or uncertain in the beginning. Therapy may be new to you and is, by nature, a vulnerable experience. You are not expected to share everything right away and this first session is about beginning to build trust between you and your therapist as you lay the foundation for meaningful work together, at a pace that best supports your process.
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What should I expect in my first couples therapy session?
Much like an individual session, your first couples therapy session is a chance for you, your partner, and your therapist to begin getting to know each other and, most importantly, for your therapist to begin getting to know your relationship. While each therapist may approach this slightly differently, the first session typically involves exploring what brings you to therapy, your goals as a couple, your relationship and family histories, and any immediate concerns or questions. Your therapist may also recommend individual sessions with each partner after the initial meeting to better understand each person's perspectives and experiences. Therapy may bring up difficult emotions and it is normal to feel nervous or uneasy in the beginning - just remember that your therapist will support and guide you through the process with care and respect.
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How should I prepare for therapy?
There is no "right" way to prepare for therapy - you are welcome, and encouraged, to show up as you are. That said, it can be helpful to reflect on what is bringing you into therapy. Some questions to consider include: What is it you're struggling with? Why are you starting therapy now? What do you hope to explore or change? What goals do you have for yourself or your relationships? Keep in mind, we don't expect you to have everything figured out - many people come to therapy unsure of where to begin, and that is okay. We just ask that you come in with an open mind and a willingness to be honest, even if it feels uncomfortable at times. Therapy is a process, not a performance. We welcome you as you are.
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Does your Practice have a Cancellation Policy?
At New Narratives Therapy & Wellness, we ask you to provide at least 24-hours notice via email, phone call, or text when requesting to cancel your scheduled session. Failure to provide 24-hours notice will result in a cancellation fee of your typical session rate. We understand emergencies happen and encourage you to reach out to your therapist directly as soon as possible.