Fees
Rates and Insurance
We are currently accepting new clients. Here is how payment works, in plain terms.
Insurance We Accept
We are in network with these plans. Coverage varies by plan and by clinician.
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Optum
- Medicare
- TRICARE
- Curative
Coverage varies by clinician.
Verification of Benefits
Before your first session, the office checks your benefits so you know what your plan covers and what you may owe. Bring your insurance card to the consultation call.
Self-Pay
Prefer not to use insurance, or don't have it? Self-pay sessions start at $50, and a sliding scale based on income is available. See the rates below.
Superbills
If we are out of network for your plan, we can give you a superbill to submit for possible reimbursement. Your plan decides what it pays back.
Free 15-Minute Consultation
Your first call is free. We talk about what is going on, answer questions about cost and match you with a clinician.
How to Check Your Benefits
Ask your plan: Is this clinician in network? What is my copay? Does a deductible apply, and how much remains? Are telehealth counseling sessions covered? The office verifies benefits before care starts, since coverage depends on both the plan and the clinician.
Paying Without Insurance
Self-pay is an option, and a sliding scale based on income is available. Ask for a Good Faith Estimate before your first appointment. If you have out-of-network benefits, ask your plan about submitting a superbill. Reimbursement is possible, not guaranteed.
Rates by Clinician
Self-pay rates depend on the clinician's licensure.
| Licensure | Sessions Start At | Session Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Counselor Intern | $50 | $50 for 30 minutes, $75 for 45 minutes |
| LPC Associate | $100 | $100 for 45 minutes, $125 for 60 minutes |
| LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) | $150 | $150 for 45 minutes, $200 for 60 minutes |
| LPC-S (Supervisor) | $215 | $215 for 45 minutes, $250 for 60 minutes |
Couples and family sessions are an additional $50 for each additional member, and each additional person adds 15 minutes to the session.
Sliding scale based on income is available; ask us.
Tara Franklin, LPC, and Jason Sherman, LCDC, MA, see private-pay clients only and do not bill insurance. Their rate is $100 for 45 minutes or $125 for 60 minutes.
Melisa Smith accepts every plan above except Medicare and TRICARE. Our LPC Associates and Graduate Counselor Interns accept every plan above.
If you use insurance, what you pay depends on your plan's copay or deductible. The office verifies your benefits before your first session.
Cancellation Policy
Please give 24 to 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. A call, text or email to the office is enough. Life happens, and we would rather you tell us early so another client can use the time.
Missed sessions without notice carry a $75 no-show fee. Insurance does not cover this fee.
Good Faith Estimate
If you are not using insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges. Ask us for one before your first session. For questions, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
No Surprises Act
Federal law protects you from unexpected medical bills. If your final bill is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute it.
Fees Questions
- Do you offer a sliding scale?
- Yes. We offer a sliding scale based on income. Call, text or email the office to ask.
- How long is a session?
- Session lengths are listed in the rates table above: 30 or 45 minutes with a Graduate Counselor Intern, and 45 or 60 minutes with an LPC Associate, LPC or LPC-S. Couples and family sessions add 15 minutes for each additional person.
- Will being in network cover the whole fee?
- Not necessarily. Your plan may have a copay or deductible. Ask your plan and let the office verify your benefits.
- Do you charge for the consultation?
- No. The 15-minute consultation is free.
More answers on our FAQ page.
Real Therapy for Real People
Questions About Cost?
Call, text or email the office. We will check your benefits and walk through your options.