Frequently Asked Questions

Couples Therapy

Insurance does not typically cover couples’ therapy. The reason for this is that insurance only covers the medically necessary treatment of mental health disorders and couples work doesn’t fall into this category.

Couples who come to see us seek improved relationships. They want to effectively communicate, rebuild trust, strengthen their partnership, improve intimacy and enjoy each other again. Unfortunately, insurance views this the same way they view cosmetic surgery – it’s wonderful but it’s not medically necessary.

Other therapy practices may allow you to use your health insurance for couples work. When they do that, they choose one partner and give them a mental health diagnosis. Sessions then are required to meet insurance documentation guidelines for the treatment of the diagnosis rather than follow a structured model of couples therapy.

Individual Therapy

We have a limited number of therapists accepting Optima and Anthem BCBS. We are out of network with all other insurance companies. However, we are happy to provide an invoice to submit for any out of network benefits you are entitled to with your plan. Sliding scale appointments are available on a limited basis with our clinical intern.

Payment

We keep a credit card on file in a HIPAA compliant portal and charge your card following each session. Other options include health savings account, check and all major credit cards.

Cancellation Policy

We respectfully ask for 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment as who have reserved that time and date exclusively for you. No Shows and late cancellations will result in a charge equal to the therapist’s session fee. If an unexpected emergency arises we will try to reschedule you as soon as possible (not always possible!).

Why Is Therapy So Expensive?

These articles provide great insight into the cost of therapy and explain the reasons for the high cost.

• “Why You Can’t Find A Therapist That Takes Your Insurance”
• “What Therapists Wish You Knew”
• “Why Is Therapy So Expensive?” 

Superbills

A superbill is a document that contains all of the information necessary for an insurance company or other third party to make a decision on reimbursement for health expenses incurred by a client. It is not a receipt. It is not an invoice. It is not a claim.  A superbill provides the client with the information they need to work directly with their respective plans.

Help Filing Insurance Claims & Superbills

We suggest  Reimbursify, a website and app, which uses an image/screenshot of the Superbill well provide. They file the claim and follow up for you. The charge is approximately $2 per claim.

Why We Do Not Accept Insurance

Quite simply, the main reason is that our specialty, couples, marriage and relationship counseling, does not use diagnosis. Medical insurance is for medical and mental health diagnoses.

Another reason is that, unfortunately, insurance companies pay therapy generalists a contracted rate that’s 50% – 65% less than the going market rates for services. At the Relationship Center we are not counseling generalists. We’ve completed advanced trainings and continuously receive ongoing training in our respective specialization as well as twice monthly training and consultation in couples’ therapy. You are paying for a higher level of commitment, training and experience.

Good Therapy is an Investment

Your emotional well-being is paramount to enjoying quality relationships, cultivating meaning and building sustainable self-esteem. An investment in your mental health is an investment that pays large dividends. You owe it to yourself to start the work of creating the life of your dreams.  

If you have ANY questions that we haven’t answered, please contact us here.