Many people have questions about therapy before they start. Below are some FAQs. If you have queries or concerns not answered here, please call to get your questions answered directly (929)367-0161.
Do you take insurance?
Dr. Scott-Ward is an Out-of-Network provider. We do take a few cases on a sliding scale (less than the normal cost), but these slots are limited. If you have financial concerns, give us a call and we can discuss your options.
How do I find out if I have out-of- network coverage?
You can find out what your insurance plan covers by reaching out to your insurance provider by calling the number on the back of your insurance card. Here are some questions to ask:
Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health services?
Do I have a deductible for out-of-network mental health services? How much is it? What’s the remainder on my deductible?
What is the reimbursement rate for mental health services? (The usual rate is 50%-80%).
What is your approved visit cost for mental health services.
If your insurance plan does not have out-of-network coverage, then it won’t cover your visits with Dr. Scott-Ward.
How does out-of-network coverage work?
The answer to this question will vary depending on your plan. Many plans that cover out-of-network services have a deductible (more on this below), and provide reimbursement for the cost of our services.
The deductible is the amount you have to pay up front until your insurance will begin reimbursing you. When you start coming to therapy, you pay for the full cost of your visits up front until you’ve met your deductible. This amount is different for every plan. You will provide proof of payment for all of our sessions to your insurance provider so they will know when your deductible has been met.
Once you hit your plans deductible amount, your insurance will start to pay a portion of your visits. The insurance company will reimburse you for a percentage of the cost of your visits.
The percentage covered will vary by plan, but usually the amount is around 50-80% of their “approved visit cost” or “customary amount” for a session. That approved amount may or may not be as much as the actual cost of the visit.
So, if your therapist charges $250 per session but your insurance plan’s approved visit cost is only $150 per session, they will only reimburse you for 50%-80% of $150.
You’re responsible for paying the difference. You’ll pay the full amount at the office, and your insurance company will send you a reimbursement check in the mail.
If you have a deductible, you’re responsible for paying in full for visits until the deductible is met. After the deductible is met your insurance will reimburse you for the portion of the visit cost that your particular plan approves.
How often would I come to therapy? How long would therapy last?
The frequency and duration of therapy all depends on your reasons for looking for support and how you define your goals. Some people come every week, and others come less frequently. During a particularly significant transition or challenge, some people may choose to see Dr. Scott-Ward twice in a week.
Some support seekers need short-term therapy because their issue requires only a few new skills that are easy to learn and implement. In other cases, a person might want or need more sessions to explore more deeply how their early life or personal history led to the patterns they want to change. Gaining new skills to cope with your concerns and deepening insights are processes that can’t necessarily be predicted. What is most important though is that there is consistent and regular dialogue about your reasons for being in therapy and how you will know that gains are being made.