Frequently Asked Questions about Shining Light Counseling

---

Your counseling experience will be unique to you. We use a variety of evidence-based tools and techniques that allow us to meet you where you are at in your journey. You are unique and your counseling experience should be too. Depending on your needs we may address how the past is showing up in the present or focus on how to accomplish a future goal. Likely, this will include clearing out some old habits and thoughts that are hindering you from getting where you want to go and learn new tangible tools to help you heal and achieve your goals. 

We currently offer both telehealth (video) counseling sessions and in person to allow you the most flexibility.  Just let us know what works for you!

The office is located on Scottsdale Rd and Thunderbird.

13430 N. Scottsdale Rd.

Suite 104 (1st floor)
Scottsdale, AZ 85254 

We currently accept Aetna, Optum, UnitedHealth Care, Cigna/Evernorth, and BCBS of Massachusetts insurance companies. We can also provide a superbill to self-pay clients with out of network benefits so they can submit charges to their insurance for reimbursement. 

Things to consider about using your insurance for mental health services:

Your confidentiality and quality of care come first. When insurance is involved, they make some of the decisions when it comes to the treatment and care you receive. For example, they require a mental illness diagnosis to be treated and sometimes the things we work on in counseling don't warrant a diagnosis. Your insurance company may also have restrictions on how many sessions it's willing to pay for in any given year. 

Please feel free to reach out to further discuss.  

After you've requested an appointment, you will receive some information to review and fill out. This will give you lots of information regarding practice policies, so you'll know what to expect. You will also have some information to fill out that will give me a general idea of what's going on. Having this filled out prior to the first session allows our first session to be more efficient and productive. If you have any questions about anything in the paperwork please ask. Never be afraid to ask questions!

The first session is about getting to know each other. We will gather data that helps us best understand what you are looking for and working together we will come up with a plan to help you reach your goals. This helps set the framework for our future sessions.

Rates

One-on-one sessions are a 45-55 minutes in length. $150 per session (video or in person). The initial intake session is where we'll work together to identify your goals and create a plan for you achieve those goals. The rate for the initial intake session is $175. 

Payment
Payment for services are due at the time of service. Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, and Health Savings Account are accepted. We currently accept Aetna, Optum, UnitedHealth Care,  Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts insurance companies as well as provide superbills for those with out of network benefits. 

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations and re-scheduled session will be subject to a full charge if not received at least 24 hours in advance. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. If you are late for a session, you may lose some of that session time. If notified within 24hours, an exception may be made for a late cancel fee of $100. If you do not show up for a session and do not notify the provider you will be responsible for the entire session fee. If you are using insurance to pay for your session fees, please note, they will not cover late cancellation/no show fees. You will be responsible for this fee so please make sure to notify us as soon as possible to avoid the fee.

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.
• You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good FAith Estimate before you schedule a service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit

www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 368-1019

Video Credit: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services