Frequently Asked Questions
What about a crisis?
If this is a medical or behavioral health emergency, please dial 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. You may also call your local community mental health organization for walk-in availability. I do not provide services without a prior appointment. If you are a current client, please follow the instructions as provided in your intake paperwork or call (989) 340-1466 to speak with the after hours answering service.
What happens in counseling or "talk-therapy"?
The first counseling session is different from later sessions because it focuses on introducing the therapeutic process including confidentiality and office policies. The initial session is a time to interview me and get to know a little bit about my personality so you can decide whether or not you will be comfortable sharing your story with me. Additionally, the first counseling session helps me gain a general understanding of the problem you would like help with, share any recommendations, and start developing goals you want to accomplish through counseling. In order to help me understand your situation, I will also be asking some background information about how long the problem or situation has been occurring, what you have already tried to resolve the situation or problem, a history of your childhood family, previous relationships, traumatic events you have experienced, medical history and concerns, and other questions that may help me gain an accurate understanding of the problem. There is no pressure to share anything you are not comfortable sharing.
Each later session focuses on developing and/or working towards accomplishing your goals for therapy. I view therapy from a team-approach. I do not have all the answers, but support you in identifying strategies and making the changes necessary to improve your sense of well-being.
Are you in-network with my insurance?
In-Network Insurance—I am currently an in-network provider for several insurance companies. I accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Priority Health, and Tricare (as a non-network participating provider). For those with Tricare, it may be beneficial to obtain a pre-authorization from your Primary Care Provider to potentially lower your out-of- pocket costs.
*Please note that I do not accept Medicaid or Medicare, or any of their managed care plans.
Out-Of-Network Insurance— I do not bill insurance companies with whom I am out-of-network. If you would like to seek reimbursement through your insurance company, I will provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Payment in full will be due at the time of service.
How much does therapy cost?
Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance plan or the type of services you are receiving.
Counseling Standard Rates
1st Appointment (CPT 90791): $170.00
55 Minute Session (CPT 90837) $145.00
Family Therapy (CPT 90846/90847) : $150.00
*Private Pay Rates available upon request.
Couples Counseling
1st Appointment $160
60 Minute Session $130
90 Minute Session $175
Please go HERE for rates related to co-parenting counseling.
What is confidentiality?
Confidentiality means that information about you is never released to others without your written permission. Everything shared in counseling is confidential and will not be disclosed except when reporting is required or permitted by the HIPAA Privacy Standard or Michigan state law.
Some exceptions to confidentiality include the following: suspected abuse of a child, developmentally disabled person, or a dependent adult; potential suicidal behavior; threatened harm to another, suspected unprofessional conduct of a license holder, a license holder who may not be able to practice with reasonable skill and safety, or any unlicensed healthcare practice. Additionally, there are exceptions when required by compulsory process; and when permitted by the HIPAA Privacy Standard.
Information may also be disclosed if you sign a written authorization or in the event that you file a complaint against me. Be aware that payment by check, bank or credit card allows bank employees to view your name in connection to CHARIS Counseling Services of Northeast Michigan, PLLC. If you have caller identification on your phone, the name of the agency may appear on the monitor. Further, if you seek insurance reimbursement, you will need to sign a form allowing CHARIS to release confidential information to the insurance company in order to facilitate payment.
Charis seeks to provide the highest quality of care so in keeping with generally accepted standards of practice, supervision and consultation may be made regarding the management of your treatment with other mental health professionals who are bound by the same rules of confidentiality. Please note that cell phone records, email, and texting are NOT a confidential means of communication. Please discuss the use of these forms of communication with your counselor.
CHARIS may use outside professional businesses for billing, administrative assistance and collection purposes. These businesses are under the same HIPAA regulations as CHARIS to use appropriate safeguards to prevent the misuse or disclosure of your personal health information.