Frequently Asked Questions
Therapy services are provided exclusively online across Washington state.
What can I expect during my first appointment?
Overall, you can think of the first session as an assessment that helps me get to know you and the challenges that brought you into treatment. I will be asking questions to get to know you better and understand the factors that have contributed to the current situation. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about therapy as well. We can further discuss what has worked or not worked for your mental health in the past. My main goal in addition to evaluate the current situation, is to create a safe space for you to feel heard, seen and understood.
I am Out of Network (OON) with all insurances.
The fee for an initial evaluation is $220 and the duration of the appointment is 75 minutes.
The fee for a follow-up session is $180 and the duration of the appointment is 50 minutes.
How long do I need to be in therapy?
You might be asking about how long therapy will take because you are currently struggling and want relief fast.
If this is true for you, I want you to know that on average, new clients start seeing positive effects after the first few sessions.
By that point, they they feel like they have learned some ways to manage challenging stuff in their lives a bit better
The total duration of therapy varies from client to client.
Some clients find 10-15 sessions to be enough to resolve immediate challenges. While other clients feel more supported by longer term therapy. We will work together to find the length of time that works for you.
Does what we talk in therapy remain confidential?
It can be concerning feeling like things you say or do in therapy could “get out.” I want you to know that unless you are in danger or someone else is, your story is confidential and your time in the session is protected.
I highly respect your privacy and value your trust.
You can rest assured that you can talk about anything without fear of that information getting out.
If you have specific questions about how confidentiality works, you can ask during your during your free consultation or anytime during our work together.
What is the Good Faith Estimate (GFE)?
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
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 healthcare services, including psychotherapy 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 are billed for $400 more (per provider) than this Good Faith Estimate (GFE), you have the right to dispute the bill
You may contact the psychologist at the contact listed above to let them know the billed charges are at least $400 higher than the GFE. You can ask them to update the bill to match the GFE, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available.
You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill.
There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this GFE. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount.
To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to:
www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059 .
The GFE is not a contract. It does not obligate you to accept the services listed above.
Ready to get started?
Dr. Yarlene Lopez
Therapy services for women in WA.