What is the fee for a session?

If you pay at the start of the session, the charge is $200 for a 45-minute individual or couple session. The charge represents a $100 disount from my full fee. For your convenience I take most forms of payment: Cash, Check, Apply Pay, and VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards. I am also able to keep your credit card information on file.

If you are unable to pay at the the start of the session, I do not discount the session, as full payment will not be made until a later date. My full fee (non-discounted) rate is $300 for a 45-minute individual or couple session and is due within 30 days. Please note: If you choose to pay at a later date, I require a credit card and a valid state identification in order to guarantee payment.

What about insurance?

My services may be reimbursable by most "traditional" indemnity-type plans (such as "fee-for-service" and "point-of-service" plans), but I have chosen not to be a member any HMO or PPO provider panels.

If you have a PPO or HMO plan and wish to bill your insurance, it is best to check with your insurance company as soon as possible to see if they have an "out-of-network" benefit for mental health. A diagnosis will be required on your receipt if you are submitting it for reimbursement.

PLEASE NOTE: I do not directly bill your insurance. Rather, you pay me and use the receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR INSURANCE CARRIER: If you are calling your insurance company to see if my services are reimbursable, they may ask you some or all of the following information. The following will only provide an example, but will let you know the minimum amount your insurance plan will pay for my services.

TYPE OF CONTRACT: No contract. Out-of-Network Provider (No PPO or HMO contract with insurance company).

TYPE OF PROVIDER: Licensed Psychologist (California License Number PSY15781)

TYPE OF DEGREE: Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology (APA-Accredited Program)

TYPE OF SERVICE: Individual Psychotherapy 45 minutes (CPT Code: 90834)
Conjoint (couple) /Family Psychotherapy (CPT Code: 90847)
Diagnostic Interview (Initial Consultation) (CPT Code: 90791)

ADDRESS OF SERVICE PROVISION: 566 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
(note: please do not come to this office without an appointment or send mail to this address)

NATIONAL PROVIDER IDENTIFIER NUMBER: 1619180049

DIAGNOSIS EXAMPLE: 309.9 Adjustment Disorder, Unspecified (minimum reimbursement amount)*

*Some diagnoses may be reimbursed at a higher rate

Also, I am not a Medicare or Medi-Cal provider. If you are a Medicare recipient, I will ask you to sign a contract acknowledging that I have opted-out of Medicare and neither you nor I will seek reimbursement for my services from Medicare

What is the fee for an Initial Consultation?

The charge is $300 for a 45-minute individual or couple Initial Consulation (CPT Code 90791). After that all sessions are charged at $250. For your convenience I take most forms of payment: Cash, Check, Apply Pay, and VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards. I am also able to keep your credit card information on file for future sessions. There is not a discount for the initial consulation. Full payment is due at the start of the consultation, or at the start of the first session, if spread over two seperate 45-minute appointments.

Do you have a sliding-fee scale?

Sorry, I do not offer a sliding-fee scale for my services.

If money is tight, we could see each other every other week. If that option is not workable, I suggest you do one of the following:

1. Seek an insurance contracted therapist. If you have either a PPO or HMO health insurance policy, call your insurance company for a provider list in your area. Providers on this list have signed a contract agreeing to be paid less per session in order recieve referrals from the insurance company. As a result, you pay less.
2. Call around. Other therapists may have different rates than I do -- some charge more and some charge less. This could be because of therapist education, experience, license, certification, or expertise. Be sure the therapist you choose is not just cheap, but meets your requirements as well.
3. Seek services from a community or training clinic. Community or Training Clinics are usually able to provide services to individuals at very low fees in exchange you see therapists who are either paid by county contracts, grants, or are working for free because they are students in a local university counseling program.
4. Seek services from a county clinic. In addition to free-standing community or training clinics, most counties offer mental health services at very low or no cost for those that financially qualify. To find a clinic near you in Los Angeles County, call the Access to L.A. County Mental Health line at (800) 854-7771. The line is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.