FAQ

I  am able to provide HIPAA compliant online sessions on a case-by-case basis. Due to state regulations, I am only able to offer this to individuals who are physically located in Louisiana. I  understand that sometimes it can be difficult to find a therapist who is the right fit and located nearby. I also understand how difficult it can be to find the time to balance therapy, school, work, and other life commitments. If you feel that you are ready for therapy but unable to make weekly in-person sessions, online therapy may be a good fit for you.

Therapy sessions are typically held for approximately 50 minutes on a weekly basis but, depending on your needs, it may be more frequently or less frequently as you progress. This can be discussed more during your first session so that a schedule can be arranged to best meet your goals.

You will be provided a confidential telehealth link prior to your scheduled appointment time. If scheduled for an in-person session we will meet in our office located at 3812 Ridgelake Drive in Metairie, Louisiana.

When you arrive, your therapist will come to the waiting room, introduce themselves, and show you to a private, confidential office. Once you are comfortably settled in, your therapist will answer any questions you may have and try to get to know you and what’s most important to you. You and your therapist will talk about goals you may have and how to best achieve them through therapy. You don't have to discuss anything you’re uncomfortable sharing. It takes time to form a comfortable, therapeutic relationship . We are not here to judge you in any way, but to help you while honoring the courage it takes to be open and honest. You are always encouraged to offer feedback about what helps you feel empowered and supported at any point during the therapeutic process.

Sessions are 165 for an approximately 50 minute long individual therapy session.

It’s important that you find the right fit in a therapist and one size does not fit all. You should feel a warmth, a welcoming attitude, and an earnest desire to see things from your perspective and help you achieve your goals. It might take three sessions for you to decide whether you feel comfortable or it might take one. If you aren’t sure about your comfort level, please feel free to express this experience to your therapist! Our therapists always appreciate hearing how clients are feeling in session and encourage you to be direct and open so we can create a space that feels safe and welcoming.

I am an out of network provider and do not work directly with any insurance plans. I do provide superbills for possible partial reimbursement from your insurance company. Insurance plans and benefits are always changing so it is important to reach out to your insurance carrier before the first session to verify benefits and make sure you feel comfortable moving forward. Here is a quick list of information to gather from your insurance company:

• Do I have mental health benefits?

• What is my deductible and has it been met for the year?

• How much does my plan reimburse for an out-of-network mental health provider?

• How do I submit a superbill for reimbursement for therapy with an out-of-network provider?

1) Clients who value privacy and confidentiality when it comes to their mental health records often will look outside of their insurance network for an out-of-network provider who doesn’t have to provide psychotherapy records upon an audit from an insurer and who has strict confidentiality laws in place to protect your privacy and clinical records from anyone else. 

2) Many clients want to avoid having a mental health diagnosis on their permanent medical records (as this may impact employment opportunities and/or applications for life and disability insurance, etc.) and like to determine their own length of therapy and not have their therapy abruptly terminated by their insurer before they feel ready to end therapy.

3) Some clients find that it’s worth investing in out-of-network therapy because they cannot find a therapist in-network that is a good fit and/or who has expertise in the issues they’re wanting to address.

1) Research Your Insurance Plan’s Out-Of-Network Mental Health Benefits: ​Most insurance companies have what’s known as “Out-of-Network Mental Health  Benefits.” Meaning that if you see a therapist who is outside their provider network, they still may reimburse a portion and sometimes all  of the cost of your therapy depending on your plan’s benefits. I recommend giving the customer service number on the back of your  insurance card a call and asking about what your out-of-network mental health benefits look like. From there, I can provide you with a superbill (an itemized, coded medical receipt) at the end of every month to submit back to your insurance company for reimbursement directly to  you.

The time that is allotted for your therapy session is unique to you. NOLA Counseling and Wellness reserves that time for you and as such requires a 48 hour cancellation notice. Appointments cancelled with less than a 48 hour notice will be billed at the full session fee.