FAQ
Billing
Fundamental Psychology is considered an out-of-network provider with insurance companies. We collect the full fee at each appointment. If you choose to submit for out of network reimbursement, we then provide an invoice for you to submit to your insurance provider. Depending on your benefits plan, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Your insurance company then sends the reimbursed amount directly to you. We also offer reduced fee sessions for clients upon request.
For additional information about filing for reimbursement from your insurance provider please see the information under the FAQ “How does out-of-network billing work?”
At our practice we value your right to choose how your mental health services will be provided and therefore accept private pay or will provide you with necessary information to file with your insurance company for “out of network” benefits. You may be able to seek reimbursement from your insurance provider for some or all of the payments you make to the practice. At your request, we can provide you with invoices that contain the necessary insurance billing codes for you to submit to your insurer.
Benefits of seeing an out of network provider:
Privacy – Unless you request, and authorize so, we do not discuss your or your child’s treatment with others. Insurance companies require all mental health providers to submit a diagnosis with the insurance claim and that diagnosis remains on your or your child’s medical records indefinitely. The diagnosis on your records may impact your future insurance coverage and premium rates and may put your confidential information at risk of exposure.
Treatment Options – We are not limited by an insurance company on what types of treatment we can recommend. We are able to create what we believe to be the most effective treatment plan for each client. Insurance companies can regulate the number of therapy sessions you are able to receive, which makes it difficult at times to receive the amount of sessions required to treat your presenting concern completely. Utilizing your insurance also limits you to receive services only from a limited number of providers on that specific insurance panel regardless of wether one of those providers specializes in the area you need.
Client Control – You decide if you or your child would like to see one of our therapists, we discuss your concerns to see who the most appropriate therapist for you may be before an initial appointment is even scheduled. You do not need a referral from your primary care provider, or permission from your insurer, to begin treatment. Most importantly, your insurance provider doesn’t dictate a duration of time you and your therapist are able to work together.
Quality of Care –Insurance billing and processing of payments can often be immensely time consuming and the administrative overhead from that activity would greatly reduce the amount of time we can spend on client-focused tasks. We prefer to handle all client interactions and devote our full attention to the exceptional care of our clients.
Fees: Sessions range from $115.00- $205.00 per 55 minute session. Session rates vary per provider.
Out Of Network Information
We encourage you to contact your insurance company to inquire about your specific out-of-network coverage. Below is a step by step guide to ensure you’re obtaining the necessary information from your insurance provider. On the back of your insurance card, there should be a toll-free number for questions related to your mental health benefits.
1. Indicate that you would like to see an out of network psychologist and ask if you have out of network benefits.
a. No, you do not have out of network benefits. That would mean that seeing a provider at our practice would involve you paying for services and your insurer would provide no reimbursement.
b. Yes, you do have out of network benefits. You will want to find out the details of those benefits, and if there is any out of network deductible. Many insurance plans will pay some percentage of a bill for out of network coverage.
2. If your insurer says the out of network benefit is specific to the type of treatment you receive, then you would want to know how you would be reimbursed for the following billing codes:
90791 (Initial Intake)
90837 (Follow-up appointments)
90846 (Family therapy without client present)
90847 (Family therapy with client present)
90785 (May be used for clients under 18 when appropriate)
Code Range: 96136, 96137, 96130 and 96131 (Psychological Testing)
Codes: 96132 and 96133 (Neuropsychological Tests)
3. Once you understand your deductible and specific reimbursement amounts for the above codes, you should be able to determine what amount your insurance would reimburse you for sessions.
4. Request the insurance companies address for you to send your “Superbill”. That’s the invoice form we provide for you.
Hopefully this information is helpful in allowing you to obtain mental health services with out-of-network providers.
Thank you,
Fundamental Psychology
Therapy: Fundamental Psychology’s fee for therapy sessions is $115-$205.00 per 55 minutes. Rates vary per provider.
Testing: The cost of evaluation ranges from $350 to $2205 depending on the time and assessments required to appropriately evaluate an individual. An initial intake interview will be conducted to discuss your specific concerns and identify the areas of focus for testing. Testing packages include a clinical intake interview, administration, scoring, interpreting and reporting writing as well as a feedback session.
Out of Network Reimbursement: For additional information about filing for reimbursement from your insurance provider please see the information under the FAQ [How does out-of-network billing work?]
Speaking Engagements: Please call the office to discuss fees for speaking engagements as fees are dependent upon presentation length, preparation time, and travel expenses
Therapy:
If it is necessary for you to cancel an appointment, a notice of 24 business hours is required prior to the scheduled appointment or the full session fee will be charged.
Insurance does not reimburse for missed appointments therefore it is the client’s financial responsibility for the cancellation fee. Remember, when you schedule an appointment with a therapist, you are securing their services and time.
Testing:
Late cancelled or no show testing appointments are subject to a cancellation fee of $195.
Getting Started
If you or your child are having difficulty with daily tasks it may be time to make an appointment for counseling. Daily tasks and activities include school, work, social or home life.
Finding the right “fit” with a therapist is very important. Many studies show that it’s one of the most important factors in a client’s success. In order to be a good fit you don’t have to be the same age, gender or sexual orientation as your therapist. Most importantly, at Fundamental Psychology, our goal is to be able to understand your unique experiences. We listen closely, appreciate, and value your feelings and struggles. Many of our client’s feel that their therapist is an excellent fit for their goals and personality style however there have been some who have not. In such cases, we will help you find a therapist who better fits your therapeutic needs.
In an attempt to make sure you are with the best therapist for your needs, we offer a free phone consult prior to your initial session.
The first appointment is designed to gather information, address any questions you may have and discuss goals for your treatment. You will be asked to complete intake information in advance, using the client portal so you can spend your entire session addressing your needs rather than focusing on paperwork or finances. The first session will also give you the opportunity to get a sense of your level of comfort with your therapist before you get more involved in the therapy process.
Parents typically attend with their children for the first part of the appointment then the child may meet with the therapist individually for the remainder of the appointment.
Typically sessions are provided on a weekly basis. Although each client’s needs are individualized, the average client attends treatment for 10-12 sessions. Some clients require further sessions and others require less. Sessions last for 50 minutes.
For Young Children: Prior to the first appointment, explain to your child in an age appropriate manner that you both are going to meet with a counselor who talks to children to help them problem solve and make them feel better. Also, mention that they may have their own time with their counselor to talk and play without mom/dad present.
It may also be helpful to clarify the difference between a therapist/counselor and their regular doctor to ensure there is no fear about shots or unpleasant procedures.
For Older Children/Teens: Prior to the first appointment, explain that meeting with a therapist is nothing that can be forced. It’s an opportunity for them to have someone outside of their family and friends to confide in and process difficulties. Therapy is a judgement free and safe space. Many children and teens are initially nervous or uneasy but find it helpful to talk in therapy and end up looking forward to sessions. People do not have to have a diagnosis or be “crazy” to come to therapy. Nobody has to share the fact that they are attending therapy unless they choose to.
Confidentiality is the privileged communication between a client and their therapist. Keeping your personal information private is a priority. The exceptions to confidentiality include: if there is suspected child or elder abuse, threat to harm yourself or others, and/or if records are subpoenaed by a judge.
Confidentiality when working with children is more complicated. As legal guardians, parents technically have the right to know what occurs in therapy. However, in order to build trust within the therapeutic relationship, a certain level of privacy is requested between the therapist and child. Overall topics and progress are discussed with parents, however specific details of conversations are not. Rest assured, that parents are included in important aspects of treatment to ensure strategies and skills are utilized at home as well as in session. If any significant risks of harm to themselves or others comes about, then parents are made aware of any concerns in order to ensure safety.
Parents generally accompany younger children to each session. If the child is of driving age, it may be appropriate for them to attend sessions by themselves after the initial appointment. The therapist may check in with the parent either individually or with the child present based on the appropriateness of issues being discussed. For family therapy or family issues, multiple family members are often seen together.
Please note: Parents are expected to remain onsite for the duration of their child’s appointment.
Disclosure Documents
Click Link Below To View Fundamental Psychology’s Notice of Privacy Practices
Click Link Below To View the No Surprise Act Disclosure Statement “Good Faith Estimate”
Services
Walk and Talk therapy is conducted in the same manner as in office sessions, except instead of sitting on a couch you are walking in nature. Walks typically occur on the Venetian Waterway Park (Legacy Trail) which is located directly behind the office. Clients can always make the “weather call” if they’d prefer to stay in office due to heat or chance of rain. During walks, clients set the pace and preferred route.
Confidentiality is the privileged communication between a client and their therapist. Keeping your personal information private is a priority. The exceptions to confidentiality include: if there is suspected child or elder abuse, threat to harm yourself or others, and/or if records are subpoenaed by a judge.
Confidentiality when working with children is more complicated. As legal guardians, parents technically have the right to know what occurs in therapy. However, in order to build trust within the therapeutic relationship, a certain level of privacy is requested between the therapist and child. Overall topics and progress are discussed with parents, however specific details of conversations are not. Rest assured, that parents are included in important aspects of treatment to ensure strategies and skills are utilized at home as well as in session. If any significant risks of harm to themselves or others comes about, then parents are made aware of any concerns in order to ensure safety.
Parents generally accompany younger children to each session. If the child is of driving age, it may be appropriate for them to attend sessions by themselves after the initial appointment. The therapist may check in with the parent either individually or with the child present based on the appropriateness of issues being discussed. For family therapy or family issues, multiple family members are often seen together.
Please note: Parents are expected to remain onsite for the duration of their child’s appointment.
Therapy: Fundamental Psychology’s fee for therapy sessions is $115-$205.00 per 55 minutes. Rates vary per provider.
Testing: The cost of evaluation ranges from $350 to $2205 depending on the time and assessments required to appropriately evaluate an individual. An initial intake interview will be conducted to discuss your specific concerns and identify the areas of focus for testing. Testing packages include a clinical intake interview, administration, scoring, interpreting and reporting writing as well as a feedback session.
Out of Network Reimbursement: For additional information about filing for reimbursement from your insurance provider please see the information under the FAQ [How does out-of-network billing work?]
Speaking Engagements: Please call the office to discuss fees for speaking engagements as fees are dependent upon presentation length, preparation time, and travel expenses.
Fundamental Psychology offers outpatient psychotherapy and education services. This practice is not geared to aid in the case of emergency. While you are able to leave a voicemail after-hours, this does not guarantee the availability of emergency psychotherapy coverage. Should you require emergency services after hours, please call 911.
ADDITIONAL CRISIS INFORMATION- Available 24-Hours
2-1-1 Directory of Social Services for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto Counties. This extensive directory has information about local services such as: Addiction & Substance Abuse, Child Care & Youth Services, Abuse Treatment, Medical & Dental Services, Clinics, and Hospitals.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
SPARCC’s (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center) Helpline: (941) 365-1976
Suncoast Behavioral Health (941) 251-5000
Bayside Center for Behavioral Health (941) 917-7760
Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. (941) 364-9355
Fundamental Psychology and it’s providers do not typically provide evaluations, reports, or letters for legal matters.
If you become involved in legal proceedings that require your therapist’s participation, you will be expected to pay for all professional time, including preparation and transportation time/costs, even your therapist is called to testify by another party. Please make the office aware of any legal matters as early as possible. Professional fees for any legal work is $400 per hour billed in one hour increments. Payment is required prior to services being rendered.
