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Mina Kirkova, LCSW-C

Counseling, Therapy, and Life Coaching

 for Adults in Maryland

mina@minacounseling.com

(443) 322-6552

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
Many top professionals in my field do not participate directly with insurance companies due to insurance restrictions which often prevent us from achieving fast results and lasting changes. However, as a licensed clinician, my therapy and counseling services may be covered by your health insurance’s out-of-network mental health benefits. To fully protect your confidentiality, you may also consider paying out-of-pocket. All these options (along with their pros and cons) are explained below.
 
Out-of-Network Mental Health Benefits and Coverage
Many major insurance plans have excellent out-of-network mental health coverage and often reimburse at 70-30% co-insurance rate (insurance pays 70% of my fee and the patient pays 30%). After a deductible is met (if any), the co-insurance amount per session usually compares to an in-network co-pay (typically, the difference is no more than $20-30). Upon your request, I can provide a “superbill” for you to submit for reimbursement to your insurance company or healthcare spending account plan.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company

• Does my insurance plan offer out-of-network mental health benefits?
• What is my annual deductible (if any) and has it been met for this year?
• When does my plan calendar year start?
• What percentage does the insurance pay per visit for out-of-network therapy services?

Out-of-Pocket Payments

In order to fully protect your confidentiality and all information disclosed in therapy sessions, most patients prefer to pay out-of-pocket for my counseling services. You should be aware that even if you use your out-of-network benefits, insurance companies may still require that I release confidential information relevant to the services rendered to you. Typically this may include: clinical diagnoses, treatment plans, progress notes, and even copies of your entire clinical record. Even though insurance companies strive to keep patient information confidential (as it is HIPAA protected), please note that I have no control over what insurances do with your clinical file once it is in their possession.

There are many benefits when paying out-of-pocket:

• You get to choose the best therapist for you, not your insurance company.
• Your confidentiality is fully protected – no third parties.
• You and your therapist (not your insurance) set the pace and duration of therapy.
• The therapist (not your insurance) chooses the course of therapy which will best benefit you.
• You will work directly with me as I am the only provider in my private practice.
• Treatment goals are achieved much faster, usually in less than 15 sessions.
   

HSA and FSA Cards/Funds
Since therapy and counseling are medical services, you may utilize your HSA or FSA funds. Many of my patients pay for therapy sessions with their HSA/FSA cards.

Psychotherapy, Counseling, & Life Coaching Fees:

$265.00 (50 min.): Initial Assessment/Intake (First Session only)

$165.00 (50 min.):  Individual or Family Counseling/Therapy or Life Coaching (All sessions after the Intake)

*Upon request, I can provide you with a "Superbill," which you could submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Cancellations/No Shows
A 24 hours cancellation notice (by phone or email) is required to avoid being charged the full session fee. Occasional exceptions occur if it is agreed that a late cancellation was unavoidable.

Call me for a free telephone consultation at (443) 322-6552 to discuss your specific needs. During this consultation we can determine whether I am a good match for you as well as discuss fees, payment, and insurance.