INVESTMENT & PAYMENT:
I understand that your participation in counseling involves a significant investment of both time and money, and I value this commitment. Throughout our sessions, we will regularly evaluate your personal goals to ensure your needs are being met.
- Fee for Individual Psychotherapy: $140 per session, regardless of the treatment modality.
- Session Duration: Standard session lasts 53-60 minutes.
- Payment Methods: Cash, checks, and all major credit cards are accepted. All clients must keep a credit/debit card on file through our HIPAA-secure practice management software.
INSURANCE:
- I am in-network Blue Cross Blue Shield.
- HSA accounts are accepted.
- Benefit coverage quotes provided by our office are sourced directly from your insurance company but do not guarantee payment or benefits. You are responsible for fees as outlined in your insurance contract.
- If your insurance details change, it is your responsibility to inform us for an updated benefits quote.
- If your insurance plan is not accepted, you may file sessions with me as an “Out-of-Network” provider with your insurance company.
- I do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
- Insurance and billing questions can be emailed directly to Deborah.Pettus@therapysecure.com
CANCELLATIONS:
- Cancellations or rescheduling must be done at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged the full session fee of $140. This is necessary due to the time commitment held exclusively for you.
- For late arrivals, only the time spent together will be billed to the insurance, and you will be responsible for the difference in reimbursement
- If you’re more than 15 minutes late, the session will be canceled and you will be billed the full session fee for the missed appointment.
ACCESSIBILITY:
- Emailing me at shelbysipe@therapysecure.com is the best way to contact me.
- I am not immediately available for calls but will attempt to return your message within two business days.
- Face-to-face sessions are preferred. Phone sessions may be utilized for crisis situations, but will depend on availability.
- In emergencies, use the coping skills discussed in sessions, utilize the resources page of my website, call 988 or 911, or visit a local emergency room.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND TELECOMMUNICATION:
- To protect your confidentiality and minimize dual relationships, I do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on social networking sites. You may follow my professional social media, but I will not follow back.
- For any questions about this policy, feel free to discuss them with me.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION:
- I cannot ensure the confidentiality of electronic communications (e.g., text messages, emails). Such methods should be used only for scheduling or cancellations, not for discussing therapeutic content or emergencies.
- I utilize a HIPAA-secure email: shelbysipe@therapysecure.com
TERMINATION:
- Ending relationships can be difficult. Therefore, it is important to have a termination process in order to achieve some closure.
- I may terminate treatment if it is not being effectively used or if you are in default on payment, but not without prior discussion.
- If therapy is terminated for any reason or you request another therapist, I will provide you with a list of qualified psychotherapists to treat you. You may also choose someone on your own or from another referral source.
- Failure to schedule an appointment for three consecutive weeks without prior arrangement may result in the discontinuation of our professional relationship for legal and ethical reasons.