My practice is currently full. For the waiting list email Richard@OutOfTheBramble.com
To find other local providers check the directory of the
North Coast Association of Mental Health Professionals at www.ncamhp.org
Openings for new clients are extremely limited and you may be placed on a waiting list.
Professional Fees & Payment Options
FEES: My standard fee is $150 for each 50 minute session, and $175 for couples. At our first appointment we'll do a 90-minute diagnostic evaluation to get a picture of where you are and where you want to be. That session has a $175 fee. I'm happy to do a free 20-minute consultation with potential clients. I do take financial circumstances into consideration and provide sliding scale fees on a case-by case basis, space permitting. Once treatment has begun telephone conversations longer than 10 minutes may be charged on a pro-rated basis of the normal session rate. Payment is due at time of service unless other arrangements have been made. Fees for other services such as report preparation can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
APPOINTMENTS: Sessions last 50 minutes and appointments are scheduled in advance. Sessions of up to 80 minutes are sometimes available. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment you must call at least 24 hours in advance to ensure that you are not charged for a missed appointment. Appointments that are not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance are charged one-half of the regular session fee. "No-show" appointments are charged the full session fee. Please note that missed appointments or appointments not cancelled with 24 hours’ notice cannot be billed to, and will not be paid by, insurance - they will be your responsibility.
TIMELY PAYMENT: If you begin to carry an unpaid balance please discuss your situation with Richard, the office manager, to determine payment options. His email is Richard@OutOfTheBramble.com, and he will try to work with you. If your account has not been paid for in more than 60 days and arrangements for payment have not been agreed upon we have the option of using legal means to secure payment. This may involve hiring a collection agency. If such legal action is necessary its costs will be included in the claim. In most collection situations the only information released regarding a client’s treatment is their name, the nature of services provided, and the amount due.
INSURANCE: For those insurance companies with whom I'm "in-network" your insurance will be billed for their portion; however, any co-pays, deductibles, and/or applicable fees are due at the time of your session. We can currently accept insurance from Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Humboldt IPA, Magellan Behavioral Health, and Scripps Health Plan. For out-of-network insurance you must pay all fees in full and I will provide payment receipts, sometimes known as "super bills", that you can submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement. Check with you carrier first to see what they may cover. For a suggested list of questions to ask your insurance provider, whether out-of-network or not, click on the button to the right.
Summary of Services & Fees
Initial 20-minute Consultation: No charge
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Appointments: 50 minutes, evening sessions available.
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Fees:
Individual:
$150/hr., sliding scale based on
need and availability.
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Couples:
$175/hr.
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Groups:
Group sessions are on-hold for now.
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Initial Diagnostic Session:
$175 for a 90 minute session - there will be no charge if we go longer than that.
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Other:
Things like report preparation can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
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Type:
In-person at office (precautions taken very seriously), via telephone, or via secure video.
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Payment:
Payment is due at the time of service, including any co-pay or deductible. Credit cards are accepted online, cash and checks are preferred.
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Insurance:
We are currently working with the following insurance and Employee Assistance Program providers:
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Aetna: In-Network
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Anthem Blue Cross: In-Network
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BHS: EAP
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Blue Shield of California: In-Network
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Empathia: EAP
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Humboldt IPA: In-Network & EAP
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Lyra: EAP
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Magellan Behavioral Health: In-Network
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Magellan: EAP
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Scripps Health Plan: In-Network
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If you have different insurance you can pay up front and ask us to provide you with a "superbill", then present it to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Talk with your insurance provider before doing this.
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Cancellations:
Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged 1/2 of the normal fee. No-shows will be charged the entire normal fee. Insurance companies do not reimburse for late cancellations or no-shows.
What is EAP?
EAP is the Employee Assistance Program. It is a voluntary employer-sponsored program that provides free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services for employees with personal or work-related problems. It can be used for emotional well-being, substance-abuse, stress, grief, psychological disorders, and other issues. EAP can provide an initial path towards greater well-being. Check to see if your employer offers this service. Our office may not be covered in your plan - if it isn't choose the provider best suited to you.
EAP (Employee Assistance Program): For clients using EAP coverage you will receive a limited number of sessions which will be fully funded by your EAP service. Once your EAP sessions have been used we can discuss options for continued counselling if you wish, but there is no obligation to continue counseling with me after your EAP sessions are used, or any guarantee that I will have space.
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I currently can accept EAP clients covered by: Empathia, which includes employees of Cal Poly Humboldt; LYRA, which locally includes Providence Health, Recology, & Starbucks, and many others throughout the state; Humboldt IPA, Magellan, and BHS.
PAYMENT:
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In-Person: Payment can be made at the time of service by check or cash.
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Mail: You may mail a check payable to "Etta Bergstresser, LCSW" to PO Box 143, Bayside, CA 95524.
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Online: On the web portal you can make payments by credit card and access your statements and invoices.
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AutoPay: To keep things simple enroll in autopay by using a credit card, which will be billed within 24 hours of a session. You can do this through the web portal.
Questions: If you have any questions about billing please
email Richard@OutOfTheBramble.com. Include a brief summary
of your question, issue, or request and the best time and way to
contact you. I will attempt to address all issues and requests within 24 hours.
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Please note: To avoid bank fees and to keep your money in the local economy we urge you to use cash or checks whenever possible.