Frequently Asked Questions - Emily Shigleylicensed Clinical social workerMSW/LCSW

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m new to therapy. What does starting therapy look like?
The starting point of therapy is determined by where you are and what you are desiring in your life. In your first appointment, your therapist will ask some questions to get to know you and see how to best support you and your goals. Goals are created collaboratively and your therapist will check in periodically to see how progress is going. Ultimately, therapy is a collaborative relationship towards healing.

What if I do not know what kind of goals I want to work towards in therapy?
There are a variety of reasons people choose therapy - from experiencing improved self-awareness and developing a stronger sense of agency over self to learning tools to manage a significant event to processing trauma and healing from grief and loss.

Are sessions confidential?
Yes, sessions are confidential, meaning your therapist will not share anything from appointments with others without your permission. Since your therapist is a mandated reporter, there are exceptions to confidentiality. These include but are not limited to court orders and issues related to safety: suspicion of harm to self or others, elder abuse, dependent adult abuse, or child abuse

Do you accept insurance?
I am an in-network provider with BCBS and North Carolina State Health Plan (SHPNC). Otherwise, I am considered an “out of network” provider and can provide a monthly superbill* for services. Many insurance plans provide coverage for out-of-network mental health services. Please contact your insurance company to see what deductible or percentage of reimbursement is allowed.

Questions to ask your insurance:
a. Do I have out-of-network benefits for my policy?
b. Do I have a mental or behavioral health policy that covers out-of-network benefits?
c. How do I use my out-of-network benefits?
d. Do I need a prior authorization before I begin seeing my provider?
e. Do I have an out-of-network deductible? If so, what is it and how do I meet the deductible?

*What’s a superbill? What do I do with it?
A superbill is an invoice your therapist provides you when they are not in network with your insurance panel. This invoice has information such as dates of sessions, a diagnosis code, and other personal information such as your date of birth and address.
Once you have a superbill and have clarified your insurance coverage, you can submit this to your insurance for reimbursement. The timeframe and percentage of reimbursement depends upon your policy and coverage.

How much will it cost to receive services if I do not have behavioral healthcare coverage through BCBS or SHPNC?
Individual Psychotherapy: $145 for a 50 minute session
As of January 1, 2022, under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges. You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.