Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule an appointment?

 

If you are interested in receiving counseling with Blue Sky Personal Growth Counseling, please call 848-466-0185. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation.

 

How do I know you are the right therapist for me?

 

Therapy is an investment of time and energy for everyone participating in sessions. Finding the right fit is a very important part of therapy since it’s the relationship that helps motivate and create change. It is critical that you chose the right therapist for you. Consider availability, training and expertise, and “your gut”. Initial consultation can provide answers to some of this process.  The “therapeutic relationship” has been proven to be one of the most effective parts of therapy.

 

 

How do you “do therapy” what is your style?

 

Client ‘s who work with me endorse my warmth, sense of humor, compassion and directness as traits they feel have benefitted them. As we work together, taking time to smile and laugh is helpful when unpacking the hard stuff and being brave is something to be proud of. The only way to find out if we’re a good fit is to reach out. What you choose to do after that is always up to you.

 

 

How long are your sessions and what is the cost?

 

Each session is 55 minutes, cost is $190 per session. If you are opting to use Out of network benefits, I can provide you a superbill for you to remit to your insurance company to cover a portion of your costs. Please note Blue Sky Personal Growth counseling will not submit for OON benefits it is the responsibility of the client to complete this.

 

Payment is collected at time of service.

 

 

Cancellation policy: If you are not able to attend a scheduled session, please be sure to provide 24 hours’ notice otherwise you will be charged for the full fee of missed session.

 

 

Does insurance pay for therapy?

 

This is a great question and an important one when considering your investment.

 

After the initial consultation if you decide to proceed your insurance information will be collected for “prior authorization”. I can answer questions during our consultation call as needed. I am in network for BlueCross/Blue Shield of NJ and Aetna insurance, I use a private biller and Headway to help process claims for payment.

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Some clients prefer not to use insurance due to not wanting a diagnosis on their medical record. Please note not all circumstances that individuals experience in life are covered by insurance. As a therapist it is my preference to have a discussion with my clients regarding their choice of using insurance or not, I consider this a personal decision not a one size fits all need. Different individuals have different needs and goals for their own personal growth.

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For those who are using Out of Network Benefits or “OON”. It is recommended that your call your health insurance company to discuss how your out of network benefits work.

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Some questions to ask your insurance company regarding your insurance benefits:

1) Does my health insurance plan include out of network mental health benefits?

2) Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?

3) Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year? If so, what is the limit?

4) Do I need written approval from my PCP for services to be covered?

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NOTICE OF GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost 

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance
an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. 

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items
  or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. 

• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before
  your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose,
  for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. 

• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. 

• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. 

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call
1-800-985-3059.

 

 

How do you provide therapy services?

 

I provide both in person and tele-health services. For tele-health services I use a HIPAA compliant platform called Simple Practice, you can access the "therapy room" using the link I send you. You can access the link on your smartphone, tablet or computer.

 In person sessions are held at my office located at 44 Apple Street, HQ Building, Tinton Falls NJ 07724.

 

How do I get started in therapy with you?

 

The first appointment scheduled after the 15-minute consultation call is an INTAKE appointment. At this appointment I will ask questions about your treatment needs and treatment history along with other important information about you. This is an important part of our work together and I will ask many questions to become familiar with your treatment needs. After Intake we then create a treatment plan this includes frequency and duration of sessions, treatment goals and diagnosis. Diagnosis is a requirement for insurance claims.

 

How long does therapy last?

 

My goal is to help you meet your goals and I believe length of therapy is an individual process agreed upon in our sessions. Sessions are weekly; to begin I will work with you to teach skills to manage your specific treatment needs and goals, and we can adjust frequency on your individualized need. Most clients are then seen every other week.

Some clients prefer short term therapy to address a specific concern. Others have chosen to remain in therapy as their goals and needs change. Overall, I believe therapy is forward motion towards a goal of personal growth with the goal of working myself out of work.