Office hours are by appointment.  Individual sessions last 60 minutes, unless pre-arranged otherwise.  Longer sessions would be billed on a pro-rated basis.  Sessions begin and end promptly. 

INFORMED CONSENT TO THERAPY

If you choose to engage in therapy with me, you will sign an agreement that outlines my professional services, business policies, and procedures concerning compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and in which you will acknowledge that you have received a copy of my Notice of Privacy Practices.

CANCELLATIONS

If you much cancel an appointment for any reason, please do so at least 24 hours in advance or you will be charged your full fee for the session.  To cancel an appointment, call me or leave a message on my voice mail, which records the time of your call.

FEES AND INSURANCE

My fee is $100 for a 60-minute session.  Payment is due at the time of service by either check or cash; I do not file insurance.  If you plan to use your insurance, I recommend that you check with your company ahead of time to determine their policy for reimbursing you.  The key things to indicate to them when you call are that you are seeing an out-of-network provider and that it is for mental health services.  Although I have chosen not to be a member of managed care panels, many companies provide some level of out-of-network provider benefits.  The receipt I will give you will contain the information you would need to file for reimbursement if you decide to do so.

You might need to provide them with information about my degree (Ph.D.), licensure (North Carolina Psychology Board License #1499), and Health Services Provider status (I am a certified Health Service Provider in NC).

EMERGENCIES

I am often not immediately available by telephone.  While I am usually in my office during the day, I will not answer the phone when I am in session.  When I am unavailable, my telephone is answered by voice mail, which I monitor frequently.  My voice mail is confidential and password-protected.  I will make every effort to return your call on the same day you make it, with the exception of weekends and holidays.  Emergency appointments can be made during regular hours, and I will make every effort to accommodate this need.  However, in order to be fully rested for office hours and in order to maintain my own family life, I am not available for after-hours emergencies.  If you feel that you cannot wait safely for me to return your call, you should call your physician, go to or call a local hospital emergency room, or call 911.  You can reach the Carolinas Medical Center Behavioral Health Center Emergency Room at 704-358-2800 or Presbyterian Hospital Behavioral Health Access at 704-384-4255.