Private Pay, Out of Network Insurance, and Fees for Services

---

If you do not have Out Of Network, no health insurance coverage, or are seeking a service not covered by your plan, you  can see if you are eligible to deduct the cost of your out of pocket healthcare with your accounting professional. 

PAYMENT:

When requesting an appointment,  a card is requested for payment. 

No charges are made until the day prior to your scheduled session. 

If you wish to use your insurance as out of network, the patient email on file will receive a "Superbill" once a month on the 7th, which you can submit to your insurance to be reimbursed.  Rates on average are $100 to $500 a session depending on the reason and duration, and are covered out of network up to 100% depending on your plan.  No specific reimbursement details can be provided by the office, so please ask your insurance carrier any specific questions about your coverage. 

See helpful questions and answers below.

QUESTIONS FOR THE OFFICE:

Any other administrative questions can be asked after requesting a session via secure messaging. Once you become a patient by making an appointment, you will have access to the portal and messenger. To be able to focus on patient care, this is the preferred and most efficient method of contacting the office. 

PSYCHOTHERAPY VS SEX THERAPY/COACHING AND INSURANCE: 

Please remember you must be in New York state to receive treatment by Dr. Valentino as a psychologist and receive psychotherapy, as that is where she is a licensed. To differentiate, psychotherapy treats a mental health diagnosis, and sexual issues may be a part of treatment.
Sex therapy for individuals and couples can be provided virtually in other states, on a case by case basis. Sex therapy means the main focus is a sexual issue, not a psychiatric disorder that requires traditional psychotherapy, and instead is treated more educationally and behaviorally.
Coaching is also available for couples and individuals, and is goal oriented option focusing on specific life and relationship issues.
Sex therapy and Coaching is not medically necessary, so most insurance plans will not reimburse for it, unless it covers alternative therapies. 

COMMON INSURANCE QUESTIONS:

Q: When will I get my Superbill? What is it exactly?

A: I am happy to provide a Superbill if you are a psychotherapy patient (individual or couple) in New York State. It will be delivered to your portal around the 7th of the month. You should receive an email at that time letting you know it is waiting for you in the portal. The document shows the date you were seen, CPT codes, and diagnostic codes, as well as what you paid up front. You will submit this to your carrier to request reimbursement. If you are trying to be reimbursed for sex therapy or life/relationship coaching, you will need to use your regular invoices. 

Q: What should I ask my insurance carrier to see if I can be reimbursed? 

A: Call the number on your insurance card, specifically for OON benefits if that is an option. Speak to a representative, and ask if you have Out of Network Benefits. If you do, provide the codes below if needed, or generally say you are receiving psychotherapy and wish to be reimbursed. 

Q: What CPT codes will you use? 

A: Every New York patient’s first psychotherapy session is an evaluation, CPT Code 90791. Then it is 90834 for individual sessions, or 90847 for couples. 

Q: Will I have a psychiatric diagnosis? 

A: Yes, it is unavoidable to submit a claim to be reimbursed, and will be on file with the carrier. If you do not be diagnosed for insurance, you may wish to reconsider trying to submit claims and just pay privately. 

Q: How long will it take to be reimbursed? 

A: This is up to your carrier, but usually isn’t more than a few weeks. Ask your carrier for details, and if you can submit online instead of via mail to speed things up.