Fees and pricing
Dr. Peterson is an out-of-network provider. Meaning that he does not bill insurance directly. You may consider using out-of-network benefits which your insurance policy may provide. Dr. Peterson will happily provide you with a super bill for reimbursement of services with your insurance provider.
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All fees will be collected at the beginning of each session in full.
About insurance
Insurance companies require in-network providers to sign contracts that determine a number of different factors that limit the options of service for clients within counseling. Insurance companies control rates, the number of sessions, and their right to determine or influence treatment planning. Insurance companies regularly require the submission of intake assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, and progress notes. Most insurance company policies will not cover couples or family counseling. In-network providers and their clients work with many restrictions.
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When you pay out-of-pocket (or work with an out-of-network provider) you work in conjunction with your counselor to determine the best course of counseling, the content, frequency, and intensity. Details of your mental health information have a greater degree of privacy. If you pay entirely out-of-pocket, your information never leaves our office (except on rare occasions when required by law).
Paying out of Pocket
Reasons for persuing out of pocket services
By paying for counseling out-of-pocket you can rest knowing that your protected mental health information has the highest level of confidentiality and privacy. It gives you the maximum amount of flexibility, and your mental health information remains ‘off-the-grid’ so to speak. Your records remain free from insurance reporting or compliance audits which could prematurely terminate your services. Additionally, you have a wider range of providers and can choose someone who has the expertise you want and can provide you with the high quality of counseling you seek.
Billing for out-of-network counseling
If you have out-of-network benefits, and you want to use those benefits, Dr. Peterson can provide simple documentation (a super-bill) which you can submit to your insurance company yourself, for direct reimbursement. Out-of-network reimbursement is generally about 50-67% of what in-network coverage is.
In-network example: Dr. Peterson’s fee is $150. As an in-network provider, the provider agrees to receive the insurance company's fee for service of $100, (taking a 33% reduction in fee/income). The client’s copay is $30, and the insurance company reimburses the counselor $70, for a total of $100.
Out-of-network example: Dr. Peterson’s fee is $150. You bill the insurance company out-of-network. The insurance company sets a fee for counseling service at $100 and reimburses at 60%, or $60. Your payment is $90 per session.
To determine your benefits, check your policy, or call your insurance provider and ask the following questions:
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Do I have mental health benefits?
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Is there a deductible, and has it been met yet?
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How many sessions per year does my policy cover?
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How much does my policy cover for an ‘out-of-network’ provider?
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How do I obtain reimbursement for an ‘out-of-network’ provider?
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Is approval required first?
Using the above examples, your fee would be $90 instead of $30. Dr. Peterson bills for services out-of-pocket to provide his clients with the high-quality care that they desire and to have a more predictable income for the sustainability of an ongoing counseling practice.
Counseling as an added value to your life
You’ll need to decide what value to put on your counseling experience. Dr. Peterson encourages you to consider the following:
You are probably seeking help for something of great importance to you, i.e. your marriage, your kids, important relationship decisions, or mental health issues you are struggling with. These factors include much personal information. As mentioned above, out-of-network providers are better able to protect your health information and keep it confidential and private.
Additionally, you will get the value that you are willing to pay for. Dr. Peterson encourages you to research and compare providers. Dr. Peterson brings over a decade of professional leadership and counseling practice experience, over seven years of teaching and supervising counselors in training, he is a national awardee, a content expert, and a nationally invited speaker on the mental health impacts of climate change, and has experience in successful counseling treatment in a broad range of issues. Dr. Peterson wants you to have a positive experience with your counseling and to make sure you are getting the best value for your investment.
Fees
Individual Counseling
$150 per 50 minute session
Couples Counseling
$150 per 50 minute session
Speaking Engagement
Negotiated by request
Consultation Services
Negotiated by request
Terms of Service
Cancelations
Dr. Peterson has a 48-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or reschedule you must contact Dr. Peterson 48 hours before your appointment. All missed appointments canceled with a time frame under 48 hours will be charged a full session fee.
Good Faith Estimate
All clients are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate describing the cost of care. Anyone who is not using insurance may receive an estimate of the bill for services.
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You have a right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of non-emergency services.
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For questions or more information about the right to a Good Faith Estimate, go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises