FAQ -- (Frequently Asked Questions)
I'm a new client and would like to work with Dr. Peace. How do I get started?
Congratulations! You've made a big step toward loving yourself more and feeling better! Research shows that therapy outcomes are based as much on your relationship with your therapist as the type of therapy provided. The best way to see if Dr. Peace is a good fit for your needs is to schedule an intake appointment where you can meet, discuss your concerns and goals for therapy, and to develop a plan to facilitate your growth. There are, of course, some logistics to consider like scheduling, paying for services, and time commitment before making the first appointment. I encourage you to keep reading to make sure all your questions are answered.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can contact me using the online form, call 323-432-0676, or request an appointment online using the Client Portal.
Please be advised that due to the high volume of calls and emails I get, I am often only able to respond to those whose insurance I accept or who are paying out of pocket. I invite you to stay informed of upcoming openings, workshops, and groups by providing your email address.
Please be advised that due to the high volume of calls and emails I get, I am often only able to respond to those whose insurance I accept or who are paying out of pocket. I invite you to stay informed of upcoming openings, workshops, and groups by providing your email address.
Help! There are no appointments available for months? What can I do?
If I do not have any appointments available when you check online, please request to be put on the waitlist using the online form and I will contact you when a bi/weekly slot opens up. This slot will be reserved specifically for you as a recurring appointment. Many people like the predictability of a set day and time to meet. (Feel free to call and check in if you are waiting for a couple of weeks and have not heard back from me.)
Alternately, you can schedule appointments in a cancellation slot. Once you are setup to access the Client Portal, you can check for availabilities. It may look like I'm booked for months, but cancellations inevitably occur and an appointment opens up. The trick to jumping in on a cancellation slot is to check daily as most cancellations don't occur until 24-48 hours before and appointment time. This method works best if your schedule is flexible, you are ok with not having a set time, and you are diligent about checking.
Scheduling the introductory session as soon as possible in a cancellation slot can be helpful in determining if my style, skill set, and availability is a good fit for your needs. Sometimes schedules and styles just don't match, and I encourage you to keep looking until you find a therapist who is right for you.
Alternately, you can schedule appointments in a cancellation slot. Once you are setup to access the Client Portal, you can check for availabilities. It may look like I'm booked for months, but cancellations inevitably occur and an appointment opens up. The trick to jumping in on a cancellation slot is to check daily as most cancellations don't occur until 24-48 hours before and appointment time. This method works best if your schedule is flexible, you are ok with not having a set time, and you are diligent about checking.
Scheduling the introductory session as soon as possible in a cancellation slot can be helpful in determining if my style, skill set, and availability is a good fit for your needs. Sometimes schedules and styles just don't match, and I encourage you to keep looking until you find a therapist who is right for you.
How often are sessions?
That depends on your needs, which we will discuss during the initial session. Generally, I like to meet weekly so we can get to know each other and get the momentum of change going. For some people, twice a week is needed to work through an initial crisis. Once you are experiencing some relief from your initial concerns and are doing well implementing changes, we may switch to every other week. When you are done with therapy, you are always welcome to come back in for a booster session or longer time period as needed.
My work schedule is erratic and I can't commit to weekly therapy, but I still want to come.
What can I do?
I work with many busy professionals, individuals in the industry, and students whose schedules are often unpredictable. My online Client Portal empowers you to take your mental health care into your own hands and schedule appointments as needed. This approach requires diligence on your part to check for openings, but works well for those desiring flexibility.
What is your cancellation policy?
When you make an appointment, that hour is reserved only for you. If you cancel your appointment with me 24 hours in advance or sooner, there will be no charge. If you cancel less than 24 hours prior to the appointment, barring emergencies, you are responsible for payment of the session. You can call, text, email, or cancel via the online portal -- please just let me know. I value my time and yours, and have a long waitlist. If you don't show up, I can't bill your insurance or offer the time to someone else, so you are responsible for the paying the full hourly rate.
How long do I need to be in therapy?
Typically therapy has three distinct stages: crisis phase, working through, and solidifying change. I offer a fourth stage: becoming your best self! The crisis stage usually resolves in 1-3 months of weekly therapy. In it you start to feel some relief from the concern that brought you into therapy and things return to business as usual. The working through phase takes longer -- often several months to a year -- as it addresses more deeply rooted thought and behavior patterns that don't change as easily. Often times it feels like there isn't much movement during this stage, but as you start challenging old beliefs and trying new things, real change starts to happen. Very often you don't even realize the change has come until you notice the absence of something that used to bother you but doesn't any more. Solidifying change is really dedicating yourself to a new way of being and can take from a couple of months to a lifetime. There may be lapses into old thought and behavior patterns, and therapy is there to help you get back on track. This is the time when most people end therapy, though many people stay connected to past therapists for booster sessions during life transitions or crises.
Paradoxically, the best time to make radical change is when we are feeling good and stable. Most change is forced on us by a crisis and the impetus is just to get back to baseline. In the becoming your best self stage, we start from your baseline and re-envision your life purpose and create a tangible plan for you to make it a reality. This stage lasts as long as you want to do the work to challenge yourself to grow and reach your potential.
Please note that these are general guidelines, and don't apply to everyone. We will work together to periodically assess your progress, redefine goals and treatment plans, or discontinue therapy.
Paradoxically, the best time to make radical change is when we are feeling good and stable. Most change is forced on us by a crisis and the impetus is just to get back to baseline. In the becoming your best self stage, we start from your baseline and re-envision your life purpose and create a tangible plan for you to make it a reality. This stage lasts as long as you want to do the work to challenge yourself to grow and reach your potential.
Please note that these are general guidelines, and don't apply to everyone. We will work together to periodically assess your progress, redefine goals and treatment plans, or discontinue therapy.
What do you charge for therapy?
My rates, as of September 1st, 2020 are:
- Individual or Partner Sessions: $150-250 sliding scale (53 minutes)
- Groups: $50 (1.5 hours)
- Workshops: $150 (3 hours)
Do you take insurance?
Yes. I am currently an in-network provider with:
- HealthNet / MHN
- Anthem Blue Cross PPO
- Aetna PPO
- Blue Cross / Blue Shield PPO
- Most other PPO plans
- BlueShield CA and Blue Cross/Blue Shield HMO
- Cigna
- Magellan / HAI
- Beacon/CHIPA
- United Behavioral
- Some MediCare / MediCal plans
You don't take my insurance but I still want to work with you. Now what?
HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) and FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) allow you to set aside money pre-tax to pay for eligible medical and mental health expenses, including therapy. I highly encourage you to research them or talk to your human resources department about these money-saving programs. https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969/ar02.html
You have many options as a health care consumer, including changing your insurance plan during the yearly open enrollment period. Pick a plan that best covers your anticipated physical and mental health care needs in the upcoming year. There are many online resources for finding health care plans. You can also work with an insurance broker for little to no cost to find the best plan for you.
You can verify if I am networked with your plan or the plan you are considering by calling their customer service, or by contacting my billing manager. (The online provider search most insurance companies offer is often not up-to-date and provider data is incorrect. While this method is convenient, it can be very confusing and inaccurate.)
PPO plans give you greater choice in which providers you see. The trade-off is that you usually pay more out of pocket. HMO plans typically cost less, but you are limited to seeing in-network providers. You need to determine what is most important to you -- more options or cost savings -- when choosing a plan.
You have many options as a health care consumer, including changing your insurance plan during the yearly open enrollment period. Pick a plan that best covers your anticipated physical and mental health care needs in the upcoming year. There are many online resources for finding health care plans. You can also work with an insurance broker for little to no cost to find the best plan for you.
You can verify if I am networked with your plan or the plan you are considering by calling their customer service, or by contacting my billing manager. (The online provider search most insurance companies offer is often not up-to-date and provider data is incorrect. While this method is convenient, it can be very confusing and inaccurate.)
PPO plans give you greater choice in which providers you see. The trade-off is that you usually pay more out of pocket. HMO plans typically cost less, but you are limited to seeing in-network providers. You need to determine what is most important to you -- more options or cost savings -- when choosing a plan.
You are an in-network provider with my insurance. What does that mean?
This means that I have a contract with your insurance company with a set reimbursement amount for services rendered (determined by the insurance company). Reimbursement checks are typically sent directly to me, and I can call the insurance company to advocate on your behalf if there are any glitches with reimbursement. You are responsible for paying your co-pay and any deductible at the session.
If you choose to utilize your insurance benefit to pay for services, you should be aware of a few critical things. In order to submit for reimbursement, the insurance company requires confidential information about your diagnosis to be submitted. Sometimes they ask for detailed treatment plan and progress notes be released, and I am required to respond if you want your insurance to pay for services. (If this happens I will discuss it with you.) If your insurance chooses to end coverage of treatment for any reason, it becomes your responsibility to pay for services.
If you choose to utilize your insurance benefit to pay for services, you should be aware of a few critical things. In order to submit for reimbursement, the insurance company requires confidential information about your diagnosis to be submitted. Sometimes they ask for detailed treatment plan and progress notes be released, and I am required to respond if you want your insurance to pay for services. (If this happens I will discuss it with you.) If your insurance chooses to end coverage of treatment for any reason, it becomes your responsibility to pay for services.
You are an out-of-network provider with my insurance. What does that mean?
This means I am not contracted directly with your insurance company, they do not have a set reimbursement amount for services rendered, and the amount they reimburse may vary. Typically, insurance companies reimburse a percentage of the "allowable amount" (which is determined by the insurance company) after a deductible is met.
You are responsible for paying Dr. Peace in full at the time of service, and your insurance company will send you the reimbursement check. As a courtesy, Dr. Peace’s office will submit the insurance claims to on your behalf. If you prefer to submit claims to your insurance company yourself, Dr. Peace's office will provide the necessary paperwork.
If you would like to use your insurance to pay for part of your therapy sessions, please contact your insurance company before our first session. The phone number is on the back of your card under “behavioral health” or “mental health.” If neither of these categories is listed, call the number for member customer service and ask to speak to someone about your Outpatient Mental Health Benefits.
Ask the following questions:
1. Do I have out-of-network mental health coverage?
NO – Your coverage will not reimburse you for any part of our visits. You can either come to therapy sessions and pay in full without expectation of reimbursement, or you can ask the representative to help you find a therapist on your plan.
YES – Great! Here are the other questions you want to ask:
2. Do I have a deductible?
A deductible is an amount of money that you are required to pay before insurance will pay for anything. If yes, you will want to ask: how much is it and how much do I have left before the deductible is met?
3. What is my co-insurance?
Co-insurance is the percentage of the fee that is your responsibility. For example, your insurance may reimburse you for 80% of the fee and you will still be responsible for 20% of the fee. (My fee is $250, so in this case you would be responsible for $50 and your insurance would pay $200.) If your insurance company tells you that they will reimburse you for a certain percentage of the Usual and Customary Rate, that amount may differ from my fee, so you should ask how much it is in order to anticipate how much you will be reimbursed by your insurance company for seeking a clinical psychologist. (If the insurance company's usual and customary rate is $200, they will pay $160 per session and you will be responsible for paying $90.)
4. Is there a limit on how many mental health visits I may receive per calendar year?
If yes, ask how many visits you have per year. Be sure to ask if these can be renewed if treatment is still deemed necessary. As a consumer, you have a right to advocate for yourself to get the treatment you need!
5. Do I need an authorization for my visits?
If yes, ask for an authorization number and number of sessions authorized, and provide me with this information.
6. What is the procedure and address to submit a superbill and receive out-of-network reimbursement?
This information is listed on the back of your insurance card or you can call member services to find out. As a courtesy, my billing manager will submit claims for reimbursement for you. If you encounter any problems or have any questions about this process, I would be happy to answer them for you. Please note that I am unable to guarantee out-of-network insurance reimbursement.
You are responsible for paying Dr. Peace in full at the time of service, and your insurance company will send you the reimbursement check. As a courtesy, Dr. Peace’s office will submit the insurance claims to on your behalf. If you prefer to submit claims to your insurance company yourself, Dr. Peace's office will provide the necessary paperwork.
If you would like to use your insurance to pay for part of your therapy sessions, please contact your insurance company before our first session. The phone number is on the back of your card under “behavioral health” or “mental health.” If neither of these categories is listed, call the number for member customer service and ask to speak to someone about your Outpatient Mental Health Benefits.
Ask the following questions:
1. Do I have out-of-network mental health coverage?
NO – Your coverage will not reimburse you for any part of our visits. You can either come to therapy sessions and pay in full without expectation of reimbursement, or you can ask the representative to help you find a therapist on your plan.
YES – Great! Here are the other questions you want to ask:
2. Do I have a deductible?
A deductible is an amount of money that you are required to pay before insurance will pay for anything. If yes, you will want to ask: how much is it and how much do I have left before the deductible is met?
3. What is my co-insurance?
Co-insurance is the percentage of the fee that is your responsibility. For example, your insurance may reimburse you for 80% of the fee and you will still be responsible for 20% of the fee. (My fee is $250, so in this case you would be responsible for $50 and your insurance would pay $200.) If your insurance company tells you that they will reimburse you for a certain percentage of the Usual and Customary Rate, that amount may differ from my fee, so you should ask how much it is in order to anticipate how much you will be reimbursed by your insurance company for seeking a clinical psychologist. (If the insurance company's usual and customary rate is $200, they will pay $160 per session and you will be responsible for paying $90.)
4. Is there a limit on how many mental health visits I may receive per calendar year?
If yes, ask how many visits you have per year. Be sure to ask if these can be renewed if treatment is still deemed necessary. As a consumer, you have a right to advocate for yourself to get the treatment you need!
5. Do I need an authorization for my visits?
If yes, ask for an authorization number and number of sessions authorized, and provide me with this information.
6. What is the procedure and address to submit a superbill and receive out-of-network reimbursement?
This information is listed on the back of your insurance card or you can call member services to find out. As a courtesy, my billing manager will submit claims for reimbursement for you. If you encounter any problems or have any questions about this process, I would be happy to answer them for you. Please note that I am unable to guarantee out-of-network insurance reimbursement.
Notice to Consumers
The Department of Consumer Affairs’ Board of Psychology receives and responds to questions and complaints regarding the practice of psychology. If you have questions or complaints you may contact the Board on the internet at www.psychboard.ca.gov, by emailing [email protected], calling 1-866-503-3221 or writing to the following address: Board of Psychology, 1625 North Market Blvd Suite N-215, Sacramento CA 95834. (Business and Professions Code 2936).
NOTICE TO CLIENTS: The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of marriage and family therapists. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 574-7830.
NOTICE TO CLIENTS: The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of marriage and family therapists. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 574-7830.
What if my insurance does not reimburse for services that have already been provided?
Your insurance coverage/plan is an agreement between you and your insurance company, not between your insurance company and Dr. Peace. You are responsible for payment of services rendered by Dr. Peace if your insurance company does not pay. This is true even if your insurance company initially indicates they will pay for services and later decides they won't. Even though I verify your benefits as a courtesy to you before our first session, the benefits and coverage quoted to me by your insurance company are not a guarantee of payment.
Unfortunately, insurance companies can, and do, change their reimbursement rates and policies without notifying me or you. Coverage and reimbursement information is listed on the Explanation of Benefits provided by your insurance company after the claim is submitted. If this happens, you are responsible for payment in full. (If this happens with an insurance company I am in-network with, I will honor the contracted reimbursement rate.) I will also contact your insurance company and advocate on our behalf. However, if I am an out-of-network provider, they will likely not accept phone calls from me on your behalf.
I encourage you to be an educated, informed, and empowered consumer of your insurance plan. However, you do not have to navigate the intricacies of insurance alone; my billing manager and I will help you to the best of our ability. We're in this together!
Before the first session, it is imperative that you understand and agree that any services rendered may be charged to you directly and you are personally responsible for payments of any non‐covered services, deductibles, co‐insurance, and/or co‐pays.
Unfortunately, insurance companies can, and do, change their reimbursement rates and policies without notifying me or you. Coverage and reimbursement information is listed on the Explanation of Benefits provided by your insurance company after the claim is submitted. If this happens, you are responsible for payment in full. (If this happens with an insurance company I am in-network with, I will honor the contracted reimbursement rate.) I will also contact your insurance company and advocate on our behalf. However, if I am an out-of-network provider, they will likely not accept phone calls from me on your behalf.
I encourage you to be an educated, informed, and empowered consumer of your insurance plan. However, you do not have to navigate the intricacies of insurance alone; my billing manager and I will help you to the best of our ability. We're in this together!
Before the first session, it is imperative that you understand and agree that any services rendered may be charged to you directly and you are personally responsible for payments of any non‐covered services, deductibles, co‐insurance, and/or co‐pays.
Why would I pay for therapy out-of-pocket when I have medical insurance?
Using your medical insurance for counseling has some risks involved to you. You see, in order to use your health insurance, you must be given a DSM-5 mental disorder diagnosis which will now be listed on your medical records. This can cause problems later when you might be asked “have you ever been diagnosed with a mental illness?” on a job application or when applying for life insurance. While a psychologist will never disclose to your employer that you are seeking services or what DSM-5 diagnosis you have (if any), some employers who require security clearance may have access to your health records as a condition of your employment. Paying out of pocket allows you to keep this information out of the health insurance system.
In addition, some health insurance won't reimburse for "non-parity" diagnoses, like partner / couple's counseling, as they do not see relationship struggles as a medical problem. I agree – relationship issues are not medical problems. However they can greatly impact your life and mental health, and therapy can help you find resolution.
I want to help you be your best self and have the best life possible – not potentially cause you problems later due to a diagnosis on your records. That is one reason why I am phasing off of accepting health insurance as reimbursement for services as an in-network provider. However, access to highly trained, licensed psychologists without using health insurance can be challenging for many people, and I want you to feel empowered to manage your mental health care in the way you see fit. As such, I will continue to work as an out-of-network provider and provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance company directly.
In addition, some health insurance won't reimburse for "non-parity" diagnoses, like partner / couple's counseling, as they do not see relationship struggles as a medical problem. I agree – relationship issues are not medical problems. However they can greatly impact your life and mental health, and therapy can help you find resolution.
I want to help you be your best self and have the best life possible – not potentially cause you problems later due to a diagnosis on your records. That is one reason why I am phasing off of accepting health insurance as reimbursement for services as an in-network provider. However, access to highly trained, licensed psychologists without using health insurance can be challenging for many people, and I want you to feel empowered to manage your mental health care in the way you see fit. As such, I will continue to work as an out-of-network provider and provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance company directly.