Question 1

What can I expect when I begin therapy?

Accepted Answer

Beginning therapy is an important step, and my goal is to make the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible. During our initial sessions, we will talk about what brings you to therapy, what you would like to be different, and the goals that are most important to you.Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I will work with you to identify the treatment goals and outcomes that matter most to you and tailor therapy to address your particular needs.

Question 2

What types of therapy do you provide?

Accepted Answer

I primarily utilize three evidence-based therapeutic approaches:• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) – focuses on understanding and working with emotions, strengthening relationships, and creating meaningful emotional change.• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – explores the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and helps you develop more effective ways of responding to challenges.• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – helps you develop greater psychological flexibility, learn to relate differently to difficult thoughts and emotions, and take meaningful action based on your values.Your therapy will be individualized rather than following a predetermined formula. We will work together to determine which approach or combination of approaches is most helpful for you.

Question 3

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I am currently in-network with:• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)• North Carolina State Health Plan• Aetna• CignaFor these insurance plans, I will submit claims directly to your insurance company on your behalf.Please note: Being in-network does not guarantee that a particular service will be covered or that you will not have an out-of-pocket responsibility. Your benefits may include a copay, coinsurance, or deductible. I encourage you to verify your mental health benefits with your insurance company before beginning treatment.

Question 4

What if you have a different insurance company?

Accepted Answer

If I am out-of-network with your insurance company, you may still have coverage for outpatient mental health services.I recommend contacting your insurance provider and asking whether your plan includes out-of-network behavioral health benefits. If it does, your insurance company can explain your coverage, deductible, reimbursement rate, and any other requirements that apply.You may be responsible for paying my fee at the time of service and submitting documentation to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan.

Question 5

Can you tell me what my insurance will cover?

Accepted Answer

I will provide you with information about my fees and can submit claims to the insurance companies with which I am in-network. However, your insurance company determines your benefits and ultimately determines how claims are processed and paid.Insurance benefits can vary significantly from one plan to another, even within the same insurance company. For this reason, I recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your specific mental health benefits before beginning therapy.You may want to ask:• Is outpatient mental health therapy covered?• What is my copay or coinsurance?• Do I have a deductible, and has it been met?• Is my therapist in-network with my specific plan?• Are there any limits on the number of sessions covered?• Do I need prior authorization or a referral?• What are my out-of-network benefits, if applicable?

Question 6

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Accepted Answer

If you are choosing to self-pay rather than use insurance, you will receive a Good Faith Estimate that provides an estimate of what you can expect to pay for your services.The purpose of a Good Faith Estimate is to provide greater transparency about anticipated costs. It is an estimate based on the services that are reasonably expected at the time it is prepared. Your actual care and fees may vary depending on your needs and the services provided.

Question 7

Will my insurance require a diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Health insurance generally requires a mental health diagnosis and other clinical information in order to determine whether services are eligible for coverage. For insurance to reimburse for behavioral health services, there must be an identified client with a legitimate diagnosis, the treatment must be focused on that individual's diagnosed condition, and the services must meet the insurance company's criteria for medical necessity.If you choose to use your insurance, information necessary for claims processing may be shared with your insurance company. We can discuss any questions or concerns you have about using insurance before beginning treatment.

Question 8

What about Couples or Relationship Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Couples and relationship therapy is an out-of-pocket service, as most health insurance plans typically do not cover relationship counseling.Insurance reimbursement generally requires an identified individual client with a qualifying mental health diagnosis, with treatment focused on that individual's diagnosed condition and meeting applicable medical-necessity requirements. In couples or relationship therapy, the focus of treatment is the relationship and both partners participate as clients. Relationship counseling is generally represented by a Z-code rather than a mental health disorder diagnosis and typically does not meet the medical-necessity requirements for insurance reimbursement.For this reason, I do not bill insurance for couples or relationship counseling by assigning an individual diagnosis solely for the purpose of obtaining insurance coverage. Doing so would misrepresent the nature of the service and could constitute insurance fraud.If you are seeking couples or relationship therapy, you should plan for this service to be a self-pay expense. A Good Faith Estimate will be provided so that you have information about the anticipated cost of your care.

Question 9

Do you offer telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer both in-person and telehealth appointments, allowing you to choose the format that works best for your needs and circumstances.Telehealth sessions provide the convenience of meeting from a private location using a secure telehealth platform.

Question 10

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You will have access to a secure client portal where you can:• View available appointments• Self-schedule appointments• Access your billing information• View information related to your accountThe client portal makes it easier to manage your appointments and access important information without having to contact the office for every scheduling or billing question.

Question 11

What happens during my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your first appointment provides an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what you would like to accomplish through therapy.We will discuss your current concerns, relevant history, and goals for treatment. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and determine whether my approach feels like a good fit for you.Therapy is a collaborative process. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to provide professional guidance, support, and therapeutic tools to help you create meaningful change.

Question 12

How long will I need to be in therapy?

Accepted Answer

There is no predetermined length of treatment that applies to everyone. The appropriate length and frequency of therapy depend on your concerns, goals, circumstances, and progress.We will regularly evaluate your progress and discuss whether your current treatment plan continues to meet your needs.

Question 13

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Accepted Answer

I understand that life happens and occasionally you may need to change an appointment. I ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.Except in the case of illness, a $60.00 late-cancellation fee will be charged when less than 24 hours’ notice is provided. This fee is the client’s responsibility and is not submitted to insurance.Providing adequate notice when you need to cancel or reschedule allows the appointment time to be offered to another client who may need it.

Question 14

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Protecting your privacy is an important part of providing ethical and professional mental health care. Information shared during therapy is generally confidential and protected by federal and state privacy laws, including HIPAA.There are specific legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality, which will be explained as part of the informed consent process.

Question 15

What if I am not sure whether therapy is right for me?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. Many people seek counseling because they feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, or simply know that something needs to change.We can begin by identifying what is most important to you and determining together whether therapy can help.My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where you can better understand yourself, navigate life's challenges, strengthen your relationships, and move toward the life you want to live.

Beth Boldt Therapy, PLLC
Individual and Couples Counseling

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