Therapy Session Costs
Dr. Bernadette Smith, LPC-S, NCC - $170
Donetta Shelby, LPC, NCC - $150
Journe' Dupree, LPC, NCC -$150
Brittany Boudreaux, LPC-Associate,
NCC - $100
LPC- Associate Supervision
Guest Lecturer/ Special Events
Insurance
Aspen Counseling & Wellness therapists accepts the following insurances:
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Oscar Health
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Oxford
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United Healthcare
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Cigna
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Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
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Lyra
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Modern Health
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Aspen Counseling & Wellness is an Out-of Network provider with all other insurances. (Out-of-Network and Private Pay are often used interchangeably.)
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This means you have the option to file a claim through your insurance for reimbursement. It will be important for you to contact your insurance company to find out what and how much is covered.
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You will be provided with the necessary documents to submit a claim, should you chose to do so.
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There is a third-party service that can assist you in filing your Out-of-Network benefits: Get Better
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Why Would I Want to Pay-Out-Of-Pocket vs using my Insurance?
Simply, paying out of pocket or private pay gives you more control. In order to use your insurance, the clinician will need to complete an assessment and diagnose the client. That diagnosis becomes a part of your health records and becomes a documented pre-existing condition. The diagnosis determines medical necessity which is used by insurances to determine how many sessions the client will need and course of treatment.
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A client who chooses to pay-out-of-pocket (also called private pay), maintains control over their records and course of treatment. There are many clients who don't have a diagnosis, instead they just need additional support as they develop new skills to assist with life transitions.
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Searching for a Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield Therapist or United Healthcare Therapist?
Ask Your Insurance Company
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Do I have out-of-network outpatient mental/behavioral health benefits?
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Is there a limit on how many mental health visits I receive per calendar year?
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Do I have a deductible, and how much of the deductible has been met?
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What is the patient co-insurance per therapist session? (Co-insurance is the percentage of the fee that you will ultimately be responsible for after your deductible is met. Your insurance company will cover the rest.)
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Is there an out-of-pocket maximum? (This means that after you pay a certain amount out-of-pocket, your insurance company should fully cover the cost of your visits.)
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Do I need pre-authorization from my doctor?
Out-of-Network
Benefits
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More privacy - while your records are private in accordance to HIPAA and Texas HB300, insurance companies require diagnosis information and will appear in your medical claims history. Insurance companies can also audit your treatment plan and therapy notes, which can compromise confidentiality.
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More control - you along with your counselor will be able to determine the number of sessions needed to reach your therapeutic goals. Insurance companies limit the number of sessions and course of treatment depending on the mental health diagnosis.
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What is telemental health ?Simply put, it is counseling using video chat. Unlike traditional video chat, the video platform used for telemental health is HIPAA compliant and secure. Telemental health is a way to receive the counseling that you desire, in the comforts of your own home or office. The only difference between telemental health and face-to-face is the location.
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Is online therapy right for me?Absolutely! Telemental health is great for people who may be busy or their daily lives make it more challenging to meet a counselor in the office. A traditional session is 45-50 mins, which can occur during a lunch break without the headache of traffic or rushing back. Simply put, it is a convenient way to seek the help and guidance you desire. You can always do a 15 min consultation at no cost to see if telemental health is right for you. At this moment, I do not accept telemental health clients who have a personality disorder or are actively suicidal. However, there are some counselors who specialize in providing therapy for clients who may be experiencing the aforementioned.
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How does telemental health work?Once your appointment is confirmed, you will receive an email providing you with next steps. Prior to your session you will want to do the following: Ensure you have a video capable device such as a smart phone, laptop, tablet, or web-cam. Complete all paperwork prior to your first appointment Find a private space in your home, office, etc Follow the directions in the email to connect to your secure telemental health session It is that simple!
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Does it cost more than face-to-face counselingNo! Telemental health does not cost more than face-to-face counseling. For more information about fees, click here.
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How can I get started with online therapy?You can schedule your appointment online today! Once you schedule your appointment, you will receive an email providing you with next steps.