Deciding to pursue therapy isn’t always easy. Beginning the process should be simple. When you’re thinking about starting therapy, the paperwork and payment process shouldn’t get in the way of getting the help you’re seeking. Yet this paperwork is necessary for us to work together, as it ensures we are both on the same page about starting therapy.
My goal is to make this process as easy as possible, whether you’re paying for therapy out of pocket or using your insurance benefits. Here are the next steps to get started.
Step 1: Scheduling An Initial Consultation Call
First, schedule a free initial consultation. I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation. We’ll discuss your situation and see whether we’re a good fit to work together. If you have Medicaid, I will also verify which Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) covers your behavioral health services to ensure I’m in-network. (I’m contracted with CCHA and Colorado Access).
During this brief informational call, I will learn why you’re seeking therapy, and you can ask questions about my approach. This is not a therapy session. Consultations are available by phone or remotely.
Schedule your consultation here. I’ll confirm availability by email.
Step 2: Getting Set Up After Our Consultation Call
If we decide to work together, we can schedule an intake session, and I’ll email you to sign in to your client portal. Signing in to this portal will provide you with access to a copy of my disclosure form and privacy policies for your signature, as well as any other documentation required for my records.
- If you have Medicaid or Optum/United, upload your insurance information to your TherapyNotes portal. If you have Optum/United or plan to self-pay, you’ll also upload the billing authorization form here.
- If you have Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Beacon/Kaiser, or Cigna, you’ll be given a portal through SonderMind. They’ll email you setup instructions. Follow the prompts to upload your insurance and payment information, which will be used for any co-pays or coinsurance.
Step 3: Starting Therapy
Choosing to Self-Pay
If you are choosing to self-pay, you have the right to ask for a Good Faith Estimate of how much therapy with me may cost. Please know that, as my best estimate, it may change depending on the course of therapy and changing treatment needs.
However, below are my rates:
- The initial 60-minute intake session is $150.
- 55-minute sessions are $135.
- 45-minute sessions are $100.
- 30-minute sessions are $75.
Using Insurance
If you have insurance, before we meet, please complete these steps:
- Confirm with your insurance what mental health coverage you have, as some plans cover only medical, not behavioral health. The exact out-of-pocket amount can vary; some plans have a copay, others require you to pay toward a deductible. Knowing these details before starting therapy helps you avoid surprises.
- Complete your client portal setup. Without it, billing and meetings can’t proceed. SonderMind requires you to upload your own insurance and payment details; I cannot do this for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Payments and Fees
Below are some FAQs about payments and fees.
I don’t currently work with the Colorado Medicaid waiver program. A few music therapists in the area work with this program. You can find Program Approved Service Agencies on the Imagine Foundation website.
However, SoundWell Music Therapy is an approved Medicaid behavioral health provider and is contracted with Colorado Community Health Alliance and Colorado Access.
I do. It is the policy of SoundWell Music Therapy not to deny a person access to services due to an inability to pay. Because of this, I offer a discounted/sliding fee schedule available based on family size and income.
If you are paying, or are planning to pay, for counseling services out-of-pocket, you have the right to request a good faith estimate of charges. This is a good faith estimate, and while it will be my best estimate, it may change depending on the course of therapy and changing treatment needs.