Frequently Asked Questions

What are your fees?
The private pay rate for individual therapy is $200 for an initial consultation session, and $175 for regular 45-50 minute individual psychotherapy sessions. 

Rates for psychological assessments typically range between $800 and $2200, but vary in terms of time and cost depending on the nature of the assessment, specific tests required, and the kind of report required by a third party (for example, required by a specific school or university for accommodations). Specific time and costs will be clarified prior to beginning an assessment.

What forms of payment and insurance do you accept?
Payment is accepted via credit or debit card (including FSA/HSA cards), and is due at the time of service.

Dr. Novinski is an in-network provider with the following:
     Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
     Baylor Scott & White Health Plans

If you plan to file claims with your insurance provider, any applicable deductible, copayment or coinsurance  will be set by your individual insurance policy. Patient portion of payment is due at the time of service.

What if you are not in my insurance network?
We can provide you with documentation detailing the services you were provided (often called a Superbill) that you can submit to your insurance provider for out-of-network reimbursement. The amount you may be reimbursed will be determined by your specific plan. Many patients have 50-80% of fees reimbursed once they meet their deductible.

Many people choose to use their flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to pay for psychotherapy with pre-tax dollars. The Superbill we provide contains the information required for reimbursement from most insurers and FSA accounts. Consult with your insurance, FSA, or MSA carrier regarding eligible expenses and required documentation for reimbursement for your plan.

​What is a Good Faith Estimate?
Under the Federal No Surprises Act (H.R. 133), health care providers must give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance and estimate of the bill for medical items and services. 

A Good Faith Estimate provided for psychotherapy services is only an estimate. Depending on how treatment progresses, more or fewer sessions may be needed. The Good Faith Estimate is for your awareness only, and is not a contract. You are not obligated to make a commitment to the length or frequency of psychotherapy treatment. 

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

​Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Yes! This can be a great option to improve accessibility to therapy. With telehealth you can log-in to a HIPPA secure session from any computer with a webcam, a tablet, or your mobile phone.

This option is open to all patients, however some insurance plans have limitations to their coverage for telehealth. During COVID-19, most major US insurers made exceptions to cover telehealth for mental health services, however it is unclear how long these exceptions may remain in place.

​If you are planning to file with insurance it is recommended that you contact your insurer to ensure this benefit is a covered service under your plan.

COVID-19 response: In response to spikes in local COVID positivity and hospitalization rates. our physical office may close to protect the health of our patients, staff, and families. If this occurs, Telehealth services are available. 

​​​How long are therapy sessions / assessments?
Your first psychotherapy session, or intake appointment, will help you and your therapist get to know one another, gather information about your current challenges, and work together to formulate a plan. This initial appointment typically lasts 60-90 minutes. Following that, regular therapy sessions are 45-50 minutes, once or twice a week, though this may be adjusted to meet a specific patient's needs during the course of treatment.

Psychological assessment appointments (e.g., to diagnose a learning disorder or ADHD) may last from two to eight hours depending on the specific nature and requirements of the assessment. Longer assessments may be broken up over two days.

Do you provide Emotional Support Animal letters?
No, I do not write these letters. There are providers who have training and expertise to evaluate whether you would benefit from an Emotional Support Animal, (ESA) and who are also able to evaluate the specific animal, its temperament and training to determine if it would be an appropriate ESA for you. Current patients are encouraged to ask about referrals for reputable providers who provide such evaluations.

When can I schedule an appointment?
Appointments are offered on weekdays. Early morning and late afternoon times fill up quickly. Psychotherapy appointments generally recur on the same days and times each week. Review your calendar to get a sense of days and times when you will be available for regular therapy sessions. Your therapist will do the same and provide you with options of available dates and times. Keep in mind that your initial appointment will last approximately 90 minutes, and thereafter sessions are 45-50 minutes.

Assessment appointments often occur in larger blocks of time. Waiting lists are not uncommon to book such large blocks of time, particularly during the Summer and early Fall. When you contact our office we will discuss the specific tests that are required for your assessment and offer available dates and times.

To schedule an appointment, contact the office via email.

Would I benefit from therapy?
The fact that you are browsing this website and curious about the question, suggests that you may be facing challenges or changes in your life and might benefit from therapy. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), more than a quarter of American adults experience depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition in a given year. Some people enter therapy because they are struggling with a long-standing mental health condition, others want help coping with a difficult circumstance or life-transition. In addition to reducing symptoms, therapy can also help you understand underlying issues and find a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in your work, play, and relationships. Many people report that these positive changes continue well after they have completed therapy.

How long does therapy last?
Each person enters therapy with a unique set of challenges and goals. It makes sense, then, that the length of treatment varies from person to person. Sometimes the length is bounded by a set number of sessions covered by insurance, or by a patient-set goal (for example, a wedding or move-date). Many patients find therapy most helpful over a 6-9 month period. Of course an effective course of therapy may be shorter or longer. You and your therapist will discuss the specific nature of your treatment goals at the start of therapy and at regular intervals throughout your treatment. You may find that as initial goals are met, new challenges present themselves, or you may decide that you'd like to delve deeper and continue therapy in order to continue that growth.