Frequently Asked Questions
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I’m in Bakersfield, California. I offer online therapy for Women in Kern County and throughout California. All therapy sessions are currently online.
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All therapy sessions are currently online. I will continue to assess in-person therapy services in the near future.
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Access therapy from anywhere in California via a secure online video platform. This platform will be HIPAA compliant to protect your privacy. You will need a private space to speak freely and a good internet connection.
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Yes! We will be using a HIPAA compliant video platform and you will see and hear what you would experience in-person. My therapeutic skills are the same in person and online.
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During our 1st session we will “chat” to build comfort and trust. We will complete and review needed documents such as, informed consent, HIPAA notice, financial agreement and assessment tools to gather more details about your mental health needs. We will identify symptoms, struggles, strengths and areas you are wanting support with. This will be a collaborative process between you and I. We will go at your pace.
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The following are the insurances I am credentialed with through Hello Alma:
Optum
United Health Care
United Health Care shared Services (UHSS)
GEHA-United Health Care Shared Services (UHSS)
United Health Care Global
United Health Care Exchange Plans (ONEX)
Oscar
Harvard Pilgrim
Oxford
UHC Student Resources
UMR
All Savers (UHC)
Health Plans Inc
Surest (formerly Bind)
Aetna
Meritain
Nippon
Allied Benefit Systems
GEHA-United Health Care Shared Services (UHSS)
Trustmark
Trustmark Small Business Benefits
Health Scope
Christian Brothers Services
For all other insurances (not listed above), I am considered an out-of-network provider (OON). I do not bill OON insurance. If your insurance allows, you can see me as an out-of-network provider and I will provide you with a receipt, also known as a “super bill”. You can then submit this super bill to your insurance for full or partial reimbursement. Your insurance member benefit services can advise you if you have out-of-network coverage and the respective reimbursement for out-of-network. I can explain this in further detail if needed. The final verification will be made by you.
By law, I am required to provide you with a “Good Faith Estimate” if you are not using your insurance. This estimate will give you a per session cost and yearly cost if attending therapy weekly or biweekly.
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Initial Evaluation/1st session: $185 (50-80 minutes)
Follow up sessions: $145 (45 minutes)
Couples’ sessions: $185 (60 minutes)
Schedule a free 15-minute, no obligation consultation to see if we are a good fit for each other.
I am bilingual. I speak Spanish and English fluently and can provide mental health services in both languages.
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Payment will be accepted the day of service before or at the beginning of your therapy session. A HIPAA compliant payment system will be used for your credit card or debt card payment. You will be provided with a receipt/”super bill”.
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Through our weekly or every-other week 50-minute sessions, you will take control of your life, understand your options, and empower yourself to meet your needs. You will decide when you no longer need therapy.
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1st, secure your free 15-minute consultation. If we are a good fit, we will schedule your initial evaluation and subsequent therapy sessions.
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You are the expert of you, and you can take your time making this decision. Reach out when you are ready.
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Good Faith Estimate Notice
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your mental health services will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using their insurance an estimate of the expected charges for therapy.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency mental health service.
It will be my responsibility to issue you a Good Faith Estimate.
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 screenshot of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.