About RAR Mental
Health Counseling

The frequency of sessions will be determined based on need and interest. We will work together to create a plan that fits your needs and addresses your treatment or coaching goals.

Before the first counseling or coaching session, you will fill out the new client intake packet, and during the first appointment, you will begin to share your story with us. We will discuss what you would like to address in the sessions, and we will get to know you. During the next few sessions, you will share more about your treatment or coaching goals, and we will work together to help you meet those goals.

Yes, we welcome both insurance and private pay clients. For therapy, we are in-network with the following Commercial Health Insurance Plans: Aetna and Cigna/Evernorth, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (commercial plans) in New York and also accept out-of-network benefits. We can verify your insurance coverage for you. We understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique, so we offer sliding scale fees for clients who are paying out-of-pocket, based on their income. Insurance can’t be used for coaching services. 

Currently, we are in-network with the following Commercial Health Insurance Plans in New York: Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (commercial plans).

If you choose to use out-of-network mental health coverage for therapy, you will be responsible for paying the out-of-pocket cost upfront. After your payment, we can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, subject to their approval. We also work with Mentaya, a platform that helps clients get money back on out-of-network therapy sessions. If you have out-of-network benefits, Mentaya will file claims and handle the insurance paperwork to make sure you get reimbursed. They have helped people get thousands of dollars back per year. Mentaya’s goal is to save you time and money. It’s completely optional, and we do not benefit in any way from your participation. 

Insurance can be complex and limiting for mental health care. Here’s why paying out-of-pocket is a simpler and more flexible choice with several advantages:

-Personalized Care & Greater Freedom and Control: You choose your therapist and determine the length and focus of treatment.

-Enhanced Privacy: Your sessions remain confidential, with limited exceptions.

-No Diagnosis on Records: Your mental health history stays off your medical records.

-Holistic Support & Broader Range of Topics: Discuss non-psychiatric issues important to you, like coping with life changes, improving relationships, gaining insight, and developing new skills.

-Avoid the Hassles of Insurance: Many insurance plans offer limited mental health coverage and require preauthorization. This can restrict your choice of therapists, how many sessions you can have, and compromise your privacy. Insurance also mandates diagnoses.

Paying out-of-pocket simplifies your therapy experience, providing greater control, privacy, and flexibility.

If you choose to pay for your sessions out-of-pocket, we offer a sliding-scale fee structure tailored to your income and financial circumstances.

The “No Surprise Act” is a federal law that helps protect you from unexpected medical bills, including those from mental health services. In New York, this means you should receive a “Good Faith Estimate” before starting therapy, outlining the expected costs. This estimate helps you understand what you’ll need to pay, so you won’t be surprised by hidden fees. However, it’s important to note that the actual charges cannot exceed the estimate by more than $400 without your consent.

Coaching is goal-driven and future-focused.

Therapy addresses emotional and mental health concerns.

Differences:

• Focus and Goals: Coaching for goals, therapy for mental health.
• Time: Coaching looks forward; therapy may delve into the past.
• Insurance: Therapy can be covered; coaching not.

Choosing:

• Goals: Coaching for achievement, therapy for healing.
• Mental Health: For emotional distress, consider therapy.
• Insurance Coverage: Therapy or mental health counseling services may be covered by health insurance plans when there is a diagnosed mental health condition. Coaching is not covered by insurance – it is considered a service for personal or professional development rather than treatment for a medical condition.
• Consult: Get personalized advice from a professional. Choose what suits your needs, goals, and preferences.

Both support personal growth and well-being.