FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
INSURANCE: Because we are licensed as professional social workers and counselors, our professional services do qualify for patient reimbursement under most insurance plans. Coverage varies widely from policy to policy, so you may want to review your benefits to determine your expected reimbursement. Most insurance companies will not reimburse specifically for marriage counseling, couples counseling, or relationship counseling. The procedure code I use for couples that is generally reimbursable is called conjoint psychotherapy. This procedure code is 908.47. Use this language when inquiring with your insurance about reimbursement for couples counseling. My services are provided directly to you, and your payment is made directly to me at the time of each session. If you decide to use your insurance, you can file for reimbursement with your insurance carrier, using the statement we will provide. However, before making the decision to use your insurance coverage to reimburse you for therapy, please consider the following: Confidentiality: All insurance companies require some information about the reason for psychological treatment in order to process your claim. In addition, managed care plans often require detailed information regarding the problem for which you are seeking help, history, symptoms, family life, work life, and so on. The information is entered into increasingly large information systems, and current regulations are not strong in protecting confidentiality. Control of Treatment: Managed care companies may use the information to decide if treatment is medically necessary, what kind of therapy is approved, and, later, if it should continue. Many of the insurance company employees who make these decisions have limited training, and of course have never met with you. Psychiatric Diagnosis: Health insurance is designed to pay for the treatment of illness. Therefore, a psychiatric diagnosis code must be given before most insurance companies will pay.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Academic and Personal Background My graduate degree in Social Work is from Virginia Commonwealth University and I hold an undergraduate degree in religious studies. Out-of-the-classroom training is important for any therapist to be effective and I have high standards for maintaining post-graduate, experiential training and professional review of my work throughout the year. I also think it is important that you know I am committed to maintain my own personal discipline of sitting regularly my own therapist. It always has the effect of stretching me, showing me how hard it really is to take the risk of investing in your own personal growth and also how deeply rewarding it is to stick with it. I also consider myself fortunate to be married to someone who has been willing to labor with mein the trenches of marriage therapy at timesto shape our relationship when it needs shaping and rest when its time to rest. More than any degree or gold-star training ever will, the continuous act of attempting to love and be loved by one person challenges all of my best faculties and adds a fine point to so many of the relationship tools that I offer to others. All of it yields in me a steady crop of confidence, compassion, and hope for others who seek personal and relationship growth. An important asset I bring to my work with you is my awareness of how to flexibly respond to what you need by inviting your feedback and having a comfort with changing course when needed. I share the the joys and challenges of marriage, parenting, and growing a garden with my wife of fourteen years.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I've always been interested Social Work and helping people.