INVESTMENT & PAYMENT:
- I understand that participating in counseling involves a significant investment of both time and financial resources, and I value this commitment. Throughout our work together, we will regularly evaluate your goals to ensure your needs are being met and that therapy remains effective.Fee for Individual Psychotherapy: $140 per session, regardless of treatment modality
Session Duration: Standard sessions last approximately 53–60 minutes
Payment Methods: Cash, checks, and all major credit cards are accepted. All clients are required to keep a credit/debit card on file through our HIPAA-secure practice management software.
INSURANCE:
- I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Uprise/American Behavioral Health.
- HSA/FSA accounts are accepted.
- Benefit quotes provided by our office are obtained directly from your insurance company but are not a guarantee of payment or coverage. You are ultimately responsible for all fees as outlined in your individual insurance contract.
- It is your responsibility to notify our office of any changes to your insurance coverage so that updated benefit information can be obtained.
- If your insurance plan is not accepted, you may choose to submit claims independently as an out-of-network provider, depending on your benefits.
- I do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
CANCELLATIONS:
- Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged the full session fee of $140. This policy is necessary because appointment times are reserved exclusively for you.
- If you arrive late, only the time remaining in the scheduled session will be available. When insurance is used, reimbursement may be reduced, and you are responsible for any uncovered portion.
- If you are more than 15 minutes late, the session will be considered a no-show, canceled, and the full session fee will be charged.
ACCESSIBILITY:
- Emailing shelbysipe@therapysecure.com is the most reliable way to contact me.
- I am not immediately available by phone. Messages will be returned within two business days, when possible.
- In-person sessions are preferred. Phone sessions may be used in limited circumstances, such as clinical need or crisis, and are subject to availability and clinical appropriateness.
- This practice does not provide emergency services. In emergencies, please use coping skills discussed in session, consult the Resources page of my website, call 988, 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND TELECOMMUNICATION:
- To protect your confidentiality and avoid dual relationships, I do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on personal social media platforms. You are welcome to follow my professional accounts; however, I will not follow or interact with clients online.If you have questions about this policy, please 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 OF SERVICES:
Ending therapeutic relationships can be difficult, and when possible, a termination process is encouraged to support closure and continuity of care.
- I may initiate termination of services if therapy is not clinically appropriate, not being effectively utilized, or if there is ongoing non-payment, but this will not occur without prior discussion whenever possible.
- If therapy is terminated for any reason, or if you request referrals, I will provide a list of qualified providers. You are also free to seek referrals independently.
- Failure to schedule or attend sessions for four consecutive weeks without prior communication or arrangement may result in the discontinuation of services for legal and ethical reasons.