The first visit is different than sessions moving forward. The initial visit is about getting to know each other and developing an understanding of what is bringing you to therapy and what goals you have for therapy. I use a semi structured approach in the first session to help guide us, but what you choose to share is entirely up to you.

Once your first session is scheduled you will receive an email from Greater Milwaukee Therapy Services Client Portal containing a link to sign into your client portal. From here you can sign all required initial paperwork including consents, payment authorization, and a good faith estimate. The client portal is very user-friendly and easy to follow. 

In follow up sessions we will discuss relevant concepts and how these may apply to your primary concerns. We will use the time to process information and identify helpful coping skills. There may be times where you are asked to focus on certain things, apply concepts, or complete homework assignments in between therapy sessions. Keep in mind that everyone's therapeutic process is different. 

I am currently in network with Quartz, WI Medicaid/ Badger Care, United Healthcare/United Behavioral Health/UMR, and Molina. If you are not an enrolled member of Quartz, WI Medicaid, UHC/UBH/UMR, or Molina all sessions are self-pay or out-of-pocket.

If you have another insurance provider I can provide a superbill which includes language and diagnostic codes insurance companies recognize. If your insurance company accepts out-of-network mental health providers you *may* be reimbursed for a portion of your cost after submitting the superbill to your insurance company.

It is the client's responsibility to pay the full agreed upon fee for service at the time services are rendered if paying out-of-pocket or using out-of-network-benefits. 

Insurance companies require a diagnosis and often detailed information about your treatment including goals and progress. With this information they can also set limitations for session frequency and length.

Paying out of pocket provides more privacy and confidentiality as therapists are not required to provide diagnostic codes or detailed information about your sessions to insurance companies. It also allows for a more personally tailored approach designed specifically to meet your individual needs and preferences.

I believe counseling decisions should be made by you and your therapist rather than insurance companies.

I ask that you provide me with 24 hours notice for the need to cancel or reschedule a session. If you cancel within 24 hours or no show, my fee is the full rate of your hourly session and is due at the time of the missed appointment.

I work with adults of all ages and teens age 12+

Professional counseling code of ethics, licensing boards, and the law require communications between licensed therapist and client remain confidential unless given express written permission.

There are a few limited exceptions to this rule: if a client is intending to harm themselves, if a client is intending to harm others, or if there is suspected child abuse or dependent adult abuse. In these situations confidentiality may be broken if it is required for the safety of the client or others.

If you're uninsured or not using insurance, you have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" of the cost of your medical care. This estimate should include the total expected cost of your medical services, including related expenses like tests, medications, equipment, and hospital fees.

Your health care provider should provide you with a written Good Faith Estimate at least 1 business day before your medical service. You can also request a Good Faith Estimate from any provider before scheduling a service.

If your final bill is $400 or more higher than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. It's important to keep a copy or photo of your Good Faith Estimate for reference.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.