I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Pennsylvania trained in Brainspotting, an Advanced Somatic Trauma Treatment.

I am queer affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, and inclusive. I honor my responsibility to learn about lived experiences and cultures that are different from my own, while acknowleding that shared culture does not mean “knowing.” Each of us is unique, and has a personal experience of our identities.

Furthermore, I am client-centered, compassion focused, and strength-based. I primarily utilize Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered Approches, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to guide the rapport building process in therapy sessions, and intentionally integrate Advanced Trainings, and lived experience into my work as a Specialist.

Yes, in addition to In-Person Sessions in Pittsburgh, I also offer Virtual Therapy Sessions to those located in the state of Pennsylvania.

TeleHealth has been a great way to connect when we can’t in-person. Due to Licensure Restrictions, you must be located in PA during your TeleHealth session.

Initial 20 Min Video Consult: Free!

Initial Assessment and Evaluation: $175

Individual Therapy Session, 55 Min: $150

Individual Therapy Extended Session, 90 Min: $220

There are a few things to note when preparing for a therapy session.

For In-Person services:

Arrive 5-10 minutes early as this gives you time to reflect on your week, and think about what you’d like to focus today’s session work on.

Bring non-noise cancelling headphones that work with your cellphone to connect with Bilateral Stimulation Music. This is used during Focused Mindfulness and Brainspotting sessions.

Consider bringing a notebook for thoughts, doodles, takes notes, etc.

Bring your ESWB (emotional support water bottle…

Don’t forget your favorite fidget! But if you do, I have a collection too…

Additional Preparations for TeleHealth Virtual services:

Be in a quiet, private location.

If others are in the home/office at the time of your session, please close the door to the room that you are in. Consider using earbuds and having a sound machine on outside of the door for privacy.

If you are in a vehicle, try to park away from other cars to reduce distractions. No driving while therapizing.

Have a strong internet connection.

Have a comfortable spot to sit in, and place your video device on a stable surface at eye level. Laptops are ideal, but a smartphone can be used for TeleHealth as well.

In addition to offering Private Pay Services, I am currently credentialed with a few Commercial Health Insurers such as:

• UPMC

• Highmark

As the Member, it is your responsibility to contact your Health Insurer to determine your “Patient Responsibility” for care (i.e. your co-pay, deductible, or out-of-pocket expenses).

Look on the back of your insurance card for Behavioral Health or Member Services.

Questions to ask your Insurance:

First - is Hautz Counseling an In Network or Out of Network provider?

If In-Network:

1. What is my coverage for outpatient mental health services?

2. What copay, deductible, or OOP expense will I owe Hautz Counseling for treatment codes 90791 (Initial Evaluation) and 90837 (55 minute psychotherapy)?

3. If deductible, what is my yearly deductible, and has it been met yet, and When does it reset?

4. What is the reimbursement rate (this is the discounted rate you will owe if you need to pay your deductible first) for an out-of-network mental health provider for treatment codes 90791 (Initial Evaluation) and 90837 (55 to 60-min psychotherapy)?

5. Is there a difference in cost if the session is done via TeleHealth vs In-Person? What is the difference?

6. Is prior authorization required?

7. How many therapy sessions are covered per calendar year?

8. Are there any limits to my coverage?

9. What is the Reference Number for this call?

If Out of Network (OON):

1. What is my coverage for outpatient mental health services?

2. Am I covered by you for out of network coverage? At what percent?

3. What is my yearly deductible, and has it been met yet? When does it reset?

4. What is the reimbursement rate (this is the discounted rate you will owe) for an out-of-network mental health provider for treatment codes 90791 (Initial Evaluation) and 90837 (55 to 60-min psychotherapy)?

5. Is there a difference in cost if the session is done via TeleHealth vs In-Person? What is the difference?

6. Is prior authorization required?

7. How many therapy sessions are covered per calendar year?

8. Are there any limits to my coverage?

9. What is the Reference Number for this call?

We also recommend you have a notepad ready when you call. In addition to the answers to these questions, document the name of the person you spoke to and ask for a reference number for the call, ensuring that your communication with the insurance company is documented on their end as well.

Additional Information

Single Case Agreement?

Sometimes insurance companies will advise consumers that a provider can submit a “single case agreement” which is like a mini-contract- our therapists cannot complete single-case agreements for out of network insurances as these often require extensive phone reviews and excessive disclosure of your private information to reviewers.

EAP Services?

Cost and privacy are two reasons why we can not provide EAP Services either. While Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can be helpful to consumers, many folks are unaware that therapists who accept insurance agree to accept a discount that is below their full fee in order to offer a sliding scale and accept the cost of increasing access to care. EAP Contracts pay significantly less than the already discounted rate in the standard insurance contract and require even more paperwork from both client and therapist. In some instances, the paperwork required for people to use their EAP benefit requires us to share more of your private information than we are ethically comfortable. Remember these companies have a business partnership with your employer! For our sustainability and your privacy, we cannot accept EAP plans.

Some individuals prefer to maintain their privacy, keep Insurance out of the picture entirely, and choose Private Pay rather than bill their Insurance, this is your choice. Some employers require a waiver of privacy and can request all mental health records, those affiliated with your healthcare insurance would be required. You may prefer Private Pay if you have concerns about your care impacting current or future employment (most commonly with security clearances). Many individuals simply value their privacy and want to keep their mental health care information more discreet.

Please be aware that insurance companies require you to authorize providers to provide them with a clinical diagnosis. Sometimes we have to provide additional clinical information which will become part of the insurance company files including your therapy notes. You are consenting to our providing requested information to your carrier if you choose to pay with insurance. Individuals who Private Pay may avoid having certain mental health conditions labeled as pre-existing conditions on their medical records. This can be significant for future endeavors, such as applying for life insurance plans where the presence of certain diagnoses affects premium rates and plan eligibility.

Moreover, private pay allows individuals to select a therapist based on their specific needs, preferences, and expertise, without being restricted by insurance guidelines. This flexibility extends to the choice of therapy modalities, session lengths, and engaging in specialized treatments. Some therapists who work on a Private Pay basis offer longer sessions or intensive therapy options that insurance will not cover.

You are responsible for payment at the time of your session unless prior arrangements have been made. If you refuse to pay your medical debt, we reserve the right to use an attorney or collection agency to secure payment. We hope you will request a payment plan if your financial situation changes to address the balance owed for medical services.

Please keep in mind that professional fees include not only our time together, but also our time documenting our work, managing a treatment plan, preparing for sessions, and communicating on your behalf to your treatment team or insurance plan. Typically, we will not raise fees more than once per year and will provide all clients with advanced notice.

If you are using your health insurance for payment, you are strongly encouraged to contact your insurer prior to our first session to confirm your Behavioral Health Benefits so you are aware of what your specific plan may cover. Again, you are responsible for any co-pays and fees at the time of service. You are also responsible for knowing your coverage and for letting us know if/when your coverage changes. In addition, some insurance companies also have a deductible, which is an out-of-pocket amount that must be paid by the patient before the insurance companies are willing to begin paying any amount for services.

Regarding out of pockets expenses, individuals paying privately often also have the option to use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to cover therapy costs, providing a tax-advantaged way to manage these expenses. While there may be an upfront cost, many find that the personalized care and likely shorter treatment length makes private pay an appealing option for mental health therapy.

If you are interested in seeing a therapist who is not formally contracted with your health insurance plan and prefer to submit to your insurance for reimbursement on your own, you can also contact the insurer directly. Plans vary significantly regarding out of network (OON) benefits, so there isn’t one specific answer, these questions can help both you and our team understand what you can expect financially.

When a therapist is out of network for your plan, you pay the full fee, then we can provide you a SuperBill for you to submit on your own. Your insurance may reimburse part or all of your amount paid. We strongly recommend you contact your insurer first so you don’t get any surprises a few sessions into therapy.

Ultimately, the decision between private pay and using your insurance benefits should be based on your individual needs, preferences, and financial considerations to find the most suitable therapist.

The time scheduled for individual therapy will be held exclusively for you.

In order to support you with your goals, attending scheduled appointments on time, and communicating scheduling needs or barriers is an important part of your care plan.

You will be responsible for notifying your Therapist via our secure, Client Messenger if running late. If Cancelling with less than a full 48 hrs notice, Late Cancellation/No Show Fees will be applied. Excessive tardiness, cancellations, or no shows will result in discharge with referrals provided.

Our policies and boundaries ensure that we can continue to provide high, quality care. All practice policies are provided to you in writing to review and sign prior to your first appointment. Please bring any questions to your initial consultation. Thank you!