FAQS
INSURANCE DETAILS
Some of our providers accept Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and United Healthcare/Optum and are considered “Out of Network” providers for other insurance companies. We will provide you with a “Super Bill” which is a receipt to give to your insurance company to receive reimbursement in accordance with your policy. You can talk with your insurance company regarding the terms of your policy to get a better understanding of what sessions will cost.
-
Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
-
What is my deductible and has it been met?
-
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
-
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
RATES
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
$100-150
depending the clinician's experience and skill level
COUPLES THERAPY
$150-$225
We do not accept insurance for couples therapy.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Notify us 24 hours in advance or you will be required to pay the full cost of the session
Cash, HSA and all major credit cards accepted for payment.
.
WHY DON'T YOU ACCEPT SOME INSURANCE?
Some of our providers do not accept insurance for many reasons.
-
Health insurance companies require a diagnosis in order to provide you with treatment they will reimburse. However, not everyone has a mental illness, but rather are struggling with life stressors.
-
Your therapist is required to give you a diagnosis, which your health insurance will keep on file permanently. The diagnosis stays on your permanent health record and can affect your future. For example, if you would want a job that requires a security clearance or if you would like to adopt a child, mental health diagnoses are taken into account.
-
Insurance companies usually authorize a specific number of sessions. Having an insurance company say we need to get all of your issues resolved in x amount of sessions puts unnecessary pressure on the both of us! We also don't want to leave you without our work completed because the insurance company thinks you don't need any more treatment.
-
Your treatment remains confidential when you do not use insurance.
If you are still interested in using your health insurance, many plans (usually PPO) have out-of-network benefits, and we will provide you a receipt to submit for reimbursement. Keep in mind that your therapist will still have to give you a mental disorder diagnosis, which will still be part of your permanent health record.
How Long Should I Expect to Be in Counseling?
Duration of counseling is different for every client. Your therapist will tailor sessions according to your needs. In general, therapy usually begins by seeing clients more frequently (i.e. once per week) until they experience improvements with their concerns. After this, clients often move into a stage of therapy called “Maintenance”. The frequency of sessions will be reduced until you feel your concerns have been fully resolved long-term. The specific duration of therapy cannot usually be predicted but there are some factors that affect the duration of therapy. Things such as trauma, issues stemming in childhood or having been present for many years, betrayals in relationships, and specific mental health diagnoses can cause a need for therapy to be more long-term. Your investment of time and resources into your therapy will pay dividends throughout your life.
Why Should I choose Tampa Life Counseling for therapy in Tampa?
Our therapists understand how challenging life can be. We are passionate about supporting people in every stage of the life cycle. We also do everything we can to be accessible to both children and working adults. This includes providing comprehensive telehealth services and in person sessions. Every day we come to work aiming to provide you and your neighbors with the mental health services you deserve.
I’m Nervous About Starting Therapy. Is that weird?
Not at all. The thought of sharing your inner self with a stranger can be intimidating. Though you’re not obligated to, we encourage you to bring up these feelings during your first session. This feeling of anxiety often ebbs as you get to know your therapist and begin to see the results of their work.
Will I Feel Better Right Away?
Studies find that the average psychotherapy client takes around 3 months to see an improvement. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t that clear-cut. How long you need to be in therapy will depend upon a myriad of factors including your condition, your openness to the process, and your treatment plan. Our clients with depression, for instance, tend to see results after one or two months. Treating anxiety, meanwhile, often takes four or more. Some people—flooded with relief at finally treating a long-standing issue--start feeling better after their first session, The majority of people, however, can expect a process of six months or more if they’re looking to overcome deep-seated difficulties.
What Happens If You Think I Need Medication?
While we possess a deep understanding of mental health disorders, we cannot prescribe medications. If we think that’s a necessary component of your treatment plan, we’ll refer you to a psychiatrist. If we believe that physical issues may be at the root of a problem, we may also refer you to your primary physician. Like with any other treatment, whether or not you visit the professionals we recommend is up to you.
Is Therapy Confidential?
In almost all instances, what is said in therapy stays between you and your therapist. There are HIPAA laws in place to protect your privacy, and our therapists also do so because their integrity and code of ethics require it. Our counselors understand that you have to trust them to open up, so, in the vast majority of situations, private information stays private. As with any medical professional, there are safety-related circumstances in which we would be required to contact authorities and/or release your records. Also, by using an insurance company, you are consenting that they can request your records.
Can I Request a Specific Therapist?
Absolutely. A big part of finding your perfect counselor is finding someone with whom you are comfortable. For many clients—especially those with gender-specific issues or a history of interpersonal trauma—this means working with someone of a specific gender, age, faith, or clinical orientation. We want to match you to the best counselor for your needs. You can read about each counselor on their “About” pages or give us a call for a recommendation. You can also schedule a free phone consult with one or more of our counselors as a sort of interview.
Do You Offer Free Consultations?
We know that finding the right therapist is paramount. That’s why Tampa Life Counseling offers free 15 minute phone consultations to our clients. These introductory phone conversations can be anonymous and will help us ascertain if we’re a good fit for one another. If we believe you’d get better support from another therapist or professional, we will certainly let you know.
How Do I Prepare For My First Counseling Session?
We have an entirely digital paperwork process, and the documents must be completed 48 hours in advance. While completing these documents, you will have a preview of what the first session will cover. If you’ve never been to our office, we suggest getting familiar with the route ahead of time. This will make it easier to arrive to your appointment on time and less stressed.