How do I get started?
It is super simple! Send me an email at Jessica@wavesofmotherhood.com we'll determine a day and time for your first appointment after answering any additional questions you may have. My current schedule allows for appointments Tuesday through Friday 8am-3pm. Prior to your first appointment, I will send introductory paperwork through an online HIPAA compliant portal to be completed before we meet.
What is telehealth?
Let me offer a bit of reprieve and meet you where you are in the comfort of your own home or wherever you happen to be on that day! You might feel more comfortable in the familiar setting of your own living room and enjoy the ease of simply opening up your laptop; whether on a lunch break from work, during a child’s nap, or even while feeding baby- whatever is the best time for you. Telehealth is convenient for you and takes the stress of travel, childcare, and finding time amidst busy schedules out of the equation. I utilize a HIPAA Compliant platform for video, allowing a secure and safe place to connect online virtually.
What does a therapy session look like?
The first session looks very much like an interview. I ask questions to get to know you and the issues you are facing. Then, I allow you to share about whatever is going on and we work together to figure out a game plan moving forward. Ongoing sessions are less formal and are more of a conversation. We discuss the issues you are facing with a focus on finding solutions. Every session is a little different, but you are always provided a safe and non-judgmental space to let it all out and figure out how to cope a little better.
Is therapy confidential?
Absolutely (with a caveat)! Confidentiality is crucial to the trust in our relationship. You have a legally protected right for confidentiality, except in situations described by law which mostly revolves around safety of you and others. Limits for confidentiality are described in a Consent for Treatment Form and in HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices. You will receive those forms and discuss the limits of confidentiality at your first visit. For instance, if I am seeing you for therapy and John Smith calls and asks about what you said in yesterday's session; I will not reveal that you are even a client of my practice as it is against the law. Another example of when I would need to break confidentiality is if it is found that you are in immediate danger to your self.
What if I cannot make it to our scheduled appointment?
Life happens...I get it! If you cannot make it to a session, please let me know as soon as possible so that we can reschedule your appointment. Please provide at least 24 hours notice of your cancellation in order to avoid being issued a fee equal to the full cost of session.
How much of an investment is therapy?
Therapy feels like a huge investment; I understand. When you invest in yourself and your own mental wellbeing, it is worth it. Each session is 45-50minutes at $150. I accept credit card payment (or HSA credit card payments) through a secure online system.
How long will I be in therapy?
My goal is to work myself out a job with every client. Unless you decide to continue therapy for maintenance, I will not see you forever. Some Mamma's stay in therapy for a specific wave of their life and others come and go as their experience in motherhood changes. I will walk alongside of you, guiding you through each wave to build your confidence as a mother and an individual, offer tools and strategies, and support you to a more well-rounded self. To do this, I keep my caseload low to provide you with my best self and dedicated focus. When you commit to therapy; I commit to you and help you learn to surf through motherhood instead of feeling swamped by the waves.
Do you take my insurance?
No, I am not in-network with insurance. I am an out-of-network provider with all insurance panels. However, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement. I will not bill your insurance directly, yet, I will provide you with a Superbill (which is an insurance-specific receipt) for any services provided. You can then submit this Superbill to your insurance company directly. Insurance companies will typically reimburse you for a portion of your expenses from therapy. Each insurance company reimburses at different rates; please call your insurance provider to ask about your specific out-of-network benefits for therapy. Here are some questions you will want to ask your insurance provider: Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health services provided via telehealth? What is my yearly deductible? Has it been met? Do I need to meet my deductible prior to reimbursement? How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover? (i.e. is there a limit?) How much does my insurance plan reimburse for an out-of-network provider for CPT codes 90837 and 90834? Do I need approval from my PCP?
What should I do if I cannot afford therapy?
There are several options! (1) If you have a Flexible Spending or Health Savings account you may be able to pay with pre-tax dollars. Just make sure you check with your financial institution to make sure it’s available. (2) Check with your workplace regarding Employee Assistance Programs(EAP). Often these programs are accessible for up to 8 sessions and are covered by the employer. (3) Ask your tax preparer if you can claim therapy as an out-of-pocket healthcare expense. (4) Ask if I currently have any sliding scale fee slots available. (5) I will be happy to provide you with referrals of providers in the area who are in network with your insurance.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
Effective 1/1/2022, providers are required to give a "good faith estimate" of healthcare charges to every new and continuing client who is either uninsured or is not planning to submit a claim to their insurance for healthcare services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your mental health care will cost, therapy sessions included. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including therapy sessions. As an example, the cost of each session is $150, a client receiving weekly services for six months can expect to pay $3,600 for six months of weekly therapy. You may ask Jessica for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule therapy. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you may dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy of your Good Faith Estimate. The Good Faith Estimate does not account for late cancellations, no-show fees, crisis sessions, non-therapeutic charges, case management fees, court litigation fees, or other financial arrangements determined on a case by case basis. For questions or more information, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Do you have more questions?
Send me an email (Jessica@wavesofmotherhood.com) and I will answer to the best of my ability.
Phone:
(314)730-3954