Bright Hope Counseling

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617-564-0667

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617-564-0667

Bright Hope Counseling

Bright Hope CounselingBright Hope CounselingBright Hope Counseling
  • Home
  • Specialities
  • About Me
  • Investment
  • Contact Me
  • Resources

Investment

Investment (n.): the act of allocating resources with the expectation of generating progress.

Therapy is both an energetic and financial commitment. It's completely natural to have parts in you wonder if this will be money and time well-spent. When you finally make the decision to engage in therapy, it typically means you are ready to do the work that could potentially change the whole trajectory of your life for the better. 


There is also a growing body of research that indicates individual therapy not only improves the person engaging in the work, but it has intergenerational healing effects. The investment you make today, heals past and future generations' traumas and wounds. Wow. Your healing process is powerful and more important than ever. 

Short-term investment; Long-term payoff

Upon our initial session, I will assess both your therapeutic goals and clinical appropriateness to determine an estimated time-line for therapy based on your presenting concerns. 


Short-term clients typically see results in 12-16 sessions, at which point we may say our good-byes or continue together on a reduced schedule. Long-term clients may continue to work with more for years. It is completely customized based on what feels most supportive (emotionally and financially) for you.

Out of Pocket Investment

For Individuals: 

  • Standard 53 minute sessions - $185
  • Extended session rates - 30 min. for $90


For Families: 

  • 30 minute parent consultation  - $135
  • 30 minute school-based consultation -  $135
  • 53 minute family counseling session - $250 


*Fees are requested at time of service and can be paid by cash, check, or credit card.

Do you take insurance?

The short answer is, no.

 I am considered an "out-of-network" provider which allows for the utmost privacy and flexibility for my clients. 

  • After September 30, 2020 some insurance companies may only pay for in-person sessions. Being out-of-network allows us more flexibility to schedule phone sessions and telemental-health appointments with no surprise fees.
  • There will be no diagnosis on your permanent medical record. This can cause unfair increased expenses when applying for things like life insurance.
  • We can work at a pace that is clinically right for you. Your therapy will not be dictated by a third party determining a limited number of sessions.
  • The healthcare system in our country, is a privileged one that continues to contribute to systemic oppression and structural racism. This goes against my values as a therapist and individual, and has also informed my business decision to offer alternative ways to pay for therapy. 
  • What are my therapy billing options? 

So what are my options?

Quality mental health care should NOT be cost prohibitive. I am open to discussing a sliding scale fee for individuals. This means in our first consultation, we can discuss what you are able to pay for therapy right now given the other financial obligations in your life. Additionally, I recommend you call your insurance carrier and ask what your mental health benefits are with an out of network provider (see questions below). 


No worries if it feels too overwhelming right now. 

We will work this out together.


Schedule your free 20 min consultation

Investment

Helpful questions to ask your insurance carrier:

Helpful questions to ask your insurance carrier:

Helpful questions to ask your insurance carrier:

  • What are my mental health benefits?
  • How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider? 
  • Do you require a "super bill" or other paperwork submitted by my therapist for reimbursement?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician? 



Also, you may wish to consider the following:

Helpful questions to ask your insurance carrier:

Helpful questions to ask your insurance carrier:

  • Use pre-tax dollars from a Health Savings or Flexible Spending Account to pay for therapy. 
  • Check if your employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP is an employee benefit that allows anywhere from 1-8 sessions and the employer foots the bill for the sessions. If you choose to continue therapy after the approved sessions, you will be responsible for payment.
  • Speak with a tax preparer to see if you could deduct therapy expenses from your taxes as an out-of-pocket health expense.


Good Faith Estimate

Starting January 1, 2022, Federal law requires mental health providers to provide an estimate of costs of services to private pay clients known as a "Good Faith Estimate".

My Private Pay rate is $185 per 53 minute session.This estimate is the range of costs that is likely for most new private pay client. Until I do an initial assessment and we start to work together, I will not have sense of your specific diagnosis, issues and needs. I typically see individual clients for a time period ranging from 12 sessions - 50 sessions for a total cost ranging from $2,220 - $9,250. I usually see clients on a weekly or twice a month basis until the presenting issues are resolved and/or functioning has improved.  In some cases issues may arise over the course of our work, may be more complicated than initially assessed, and/or current stressors may exacerbate, so we may need additional sessions during the time covered by this estimate.


Typical Diagnoses I work with include, but not limited to:
Adjustment Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Mood and Depressive Disorders
Trauma and Stressor- Related Disorders
​​
Disclaimer:

This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of services that are reasonably expected for the expected services to address your mental health care needs. The estimate is based on the information known to me when I conduct the estimate. When we meet, my initial intake process typically takes 1-2 sessions during which we we formulate a treatment plan based on your diagnosis, current functioning, current stressors, and systemic stressors, which will help guide a more informed plan for our therapy.

The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, I will give you a new estimate for services.

This Good Faith Estimate is not a contract. It does not obligate you to accept the services listed above. The information provided in the Good Faith Estimate is only an estimate, as actual items, services, or charges may differ.

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.

Contact me

Schedule a time to connect

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Kristen Antonio, LMHC

phone: 617-564-0667 email: kristenantonio@bright-hope.com


Copyright © 2022 Bright Hope Counseling, LLC - All Rights Reserved.


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