How Long Does Psychotherapy Take?
People usually struggle for months or years before seeking help from a psychologist. Dr. Goodman often works with people who have seen a number of psychotherapists before. If the condition or issue began recently, then psychotherapy may last a few sessions. If a person has been affected for years by something, then psychotherapy could take 6-12 months, and even several years, before the person feels like they have accomplished their goals. If the psychological issue is caused or sustained by events that are currently affecting the person, then psychotherapy may continue until those problems have been resolved or until the person has the tools they need to cope. Ideally the person is in charge of how long the psychotherapy lasts. Dr. Goodman advises, but his clients make the ultimate decision.
Does Insurance Cover Psychotherapy?
Medicare will pay for psychotherapy as long as psychotherapy is considered "medically necessary". Basically, if someone is suffering in some way, then Medicare will pay for services to alleviate that suffering. Private insurance is supposed to also pay for "medically necessary" services, but they may require certain conditions to be met before paying for extensive treatment. It is best to check with your insurance company prior to seeing a psychologist to determine what the insurance company will pay for, as well as: the deductible and co-pay that the patient is expected to pay, types and lengths of sessions that the insurance company will pay for.
Can I Pay for Psychotherapy or Must Insurance Pay?
I am contractually obligated to bill Medicare, to accept the portion of the amount that it allows, and to collect the remainder from the patient or their gap insurance plan. If you have a private insurance, you can choose to use that insurance or to pay privately. Some people prefer to pay for psychotherapy on their own, and to avoid the possibility of having treatment decisions made by the insurance company.
Does the Insurance Company Decide If I Can See You?
Medicare's policy is that, as long as the service is "medically necessary" they will pay for the service.
Private insurance companies have specific contracts with individuals and with company-sponsored plans. Those contracts must be consulted to determine if they will cover psychotherapy. Often you can call to find out.
Insurance companies do not tell doctors what services they can provide. Insurance companies DO tell doctors what services they will pay for. If it is not clear in advance what the insurance will pay for you will need to contact your insurance company to find out that information. As always, if you do not use your healthcare insurance then you alone have control over the duration and type of treatment you receive.
Private insurance companies have specific contracts with individuals and with company-sponsored plans. Those contracts must be consulted to determine if they will cover psychotherapy. Often you can call to find out.
Insurance companies do not tell doctors what services they can provide. Insurance companies DO tell doctors what services they will pay for. If it is not clear in advance what the insurance will pay for you will need to contact your insurance company to find out that information. As always, if you do not use your healthcare insurance then you alone have control over the duration and type of treatment you receive.
I Am Worried About My Parent/Spouse. Can You Help?
A large part of helping people includes consulting to the people who care about them. With the patient's permission, I can speak to family members. I prefer to provide psycho-education, consultation and guidance to people who care about the patient. I believe that none of us exists in a vacuum, and that we are all better off when the people around us know how to help.
How Much Does it Cost?
That depends on several factors. Please contact the office for specific pricing.