CAN I USE INSURANCE?

Through the Woods Counseling is now accepting some insurances! We are in-network with United Healthcare, Aetna, and their subsidiaries. We continue to offer what are called “private pay” or “fee for service” appointments. Providing both in-network and out-of-network services feels like the best way for us to provide person-centered therapy. There are some advantages to choosing not to use insurance to pay for therapy/mental health services:

• One reason is that submitting a claim to your insurance gives them access to your records. In some situations the insurance company will require more information than you feel comfortable disclosing. The only way to know that your information will remain private is to avoid involving a third party payor.

• In addition, insurance companies require clients to be given a mental health diagnosis in order to process payment for services. It is important to know that a mental health diagnosis becomes part of your permanent health care record.

HOW DO YOU BILL?

Payment is due at the time of service OR billed at the latest by the end of business day on Friday of the week of your session. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, debit, and HSA/FSA cards, check, or cash. There is a $50 fee for returned checks. If you are pursuing out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance, we can provide you with an invoice. Please check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for reimbursement.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT PRIOR TO MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

You will have the opportunity for a 10 minute phone consult to decide if you would like to move forward and schedule an intake session. Prior to the first appointment, you will receive a link to create a “client portal” with the HIPAA compliant electronic health record system. There, you will review and sign the following forms:

• Consent for Services

• Notice of Privacy Practices

• Credit Card Authorization Agreement Form

Please be advised these forms must be completed before services can be provided. If you are meeting in office, you will be given further instructions for how to access the secure building. If you are meeting via telehealth, you will use the same “client portal” to access a secure video platform at the time of your appointment.