Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate

Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected cost of your mental health care before your first appointment and upon request at any time during treatment. This notice explains what that means for you as a client of this practice.

 

What Is a Good Faith Estimate?

A Good Faith Estimate is a written document that outlines the anticipated costs of your psychotherapy services. It is not a contract or a guarantee of the total cost of treatment — mental health care is individualized, and the number of sessions you may need will depend on your unique circumstances, goals, and progress.

 

Session Fees

Individual psychotherapy sessions are billed at a rate of $195 per session. Sessions are typically 50 minutes in length and are scheduled as clinically appropriate.

Other services and their fees may include:

• Initial intake/diagnostic session: $195

• Extended sessions (75–90 min): $295

• Phone or email consultations exceeding 15 minutes: $50 per 15 minute increments

• Letters, documentation, or record preparation: $50 per 15 minute increments

The total cost of your care will depend on the frequency and duration of treatment. For example, a client attending weekly sessions for one year would pay approximately $10,140 over that period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

 

Insurance & Out-of-Pocket Information

This practice is out-of-network with all insurance plans except for Aetna and Medicare. Payment is due in full at the time of each session.

You may be eligible for partial reimbursement through your insurance plan's out-of-network mental health benefits. Upon request, I can provide a monthly superbill — a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. I encourage you to contact your insurance provider directly to ask about your out-of-network benefits before beginning treatment.

If you are uninsured or do not plan to seek reimbursement, you are entitled to receive a Good Faith Estimate in writing before your first appointment.

 

How to Request a Good Faith Estimate

You may request a written Good Faith Estimate at any time — before scheduling, before your first session, or at any point during treatment. To request one use either:

• Email: elena@elenascherlcsw.com

• Phone: 512 745-5927

I will provide your written estimate within 3 business days of your request, or no later than 1 business day before your first scheduled appointment.

 

Questions About Your Estimate?

If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute that charge. For questions about your rights or the dispute process, visit cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.

If you have any questions about your fees or estimate, please don't hesitate to reach out — I'm happy to discuss costs openly and work with you to make care as accessible as possible.

 

This notice is provided in accordance with the No Surprises Act (Public Law 116-260) and applies to clients who are uninsured or who choose not to use their insurance benefits.