Preparing for your first appointment

Prior to scheduling, you may wish to check with your insurance provider to see if psychotherapy is covered under your policy, and if you need a referral from your provider before an initial appointment is scheduled. If not planning to use insurance benefits, sessions would be considered private pay, and potential clients should plan to pay up front for first visits. Subsequent visits can be paid at the time of service by cash or check (preferred).

Recurring Appointments:

If convenient, it is possible to set up a regular recurring appointment time on a weekly or every-other-week basis. Sometimes this helps folks plan for therapy and make sure to carve out a small time for sessions in crowded schedules.

Late Day Appointments:

I work in the evenings in order to accommodate a variety of client schedules. After-school and evening times are the most popular - the greater flexibility you have in your schedule, the more likely I am able to find a spot. Please call or e-mail to inquire.

Note About Scheduling Minors:

If scheduling for a minor, the first appointment will be scheduled with the adults or guardians present, and a treatment plan will be developed from there.

Please call the office at 503-281-0243 for more information.

Initial Paperwork

You can download and complete the necessary forms prior to arriving at the first appointment. Please bring this paperwork with you to your first session. Or, if you prefer your paperwork may be completed in the office. Either way, we will review the forms together in the first session. Completed and signed paperwork is necessary prior to the beginning of therapy. Please read and sign each of the three forms below. Click on each link to get started.

Insurance Billing Services

If you choose to utilize the mental health portion of your insurance coverage, we will submit claims for payment on a regular basis. Copayments and deductible payments are expected at the time of service.  In the event your insurance does not pay for your treatment, you will be responsible for full session payment.

Insurance benefits have become increasingly complex.  It is sometimes difficult to determine exactly what mental health coverage is available. In addition “Managed Health Care” plans such as HMOs and PPOs can require prior authorization in order to reimburse for services. If you want to use your mental health benefits, please contact your insurance company and ask the following questions:

1. Is there an “in network” and “out of network” benefit? If so, what is the difference?

2. Is there a deductible? What is it and how much has been met to date?

3. What is the copay or co-insurance amount (dollar or percentage)?

4. Is authorization needed? How do I get authorized?

If you would like assistance with understanding your insurance benefits, please let us know. I look forward to hearing from you and to the potential of our working together.