Sometimes starting therapy can bring up confusion (how do I know which therapist to choose?) and concerns (will this be worth the financial and time investment?). Since I strongly believe that the most important part of treatment is the relationship between therapist and client, I would be happy to do a 15-minute phone consultation with you, free of charge. A phone consultation is an opportunity for you to tell me about what brings you to therapy, learn a little more about me and how I work and if it fits with your idea of therapy, and discuss fees and scheduling options. I can also help refer you to other therapists whose work I strongly respect if it appears someone would be a better fit for you. Feel free to send me an email, or leave a message on my confidential voicemail at (650) 762-9220.
My Office
My office is located in the Inner Richmond. There are 16 steps that lead to the front door.
Fees:
15-Minute Phone Consultation Free of charge
50-Minute Individual Session $280
60-Minute Couples / Family Session $320
Sliding Scale: Update as of April 2025 the lower end of my scale spots are taken at this time. Please view the resources below for lower end sliding scale therapy options.
A handful of openings are set aside for people who cannot afford to pay the full fee. If I am a good fit for you on your search for a therapist and if you qualify for a fee reduction, I would be happy to work with you to get the therapy you are seeking despite financial constraints.
Here are some low fee therapy options: Axis Mundi, Open Path Collective, Liberation Institute, Grateful Heart, Marina Counseling Center, Loveland Therapy Fund for Black Women and Girls
Insurance / Out-of-Network Reimbursement:
I am not currently on any insurance panels but I am an “out-of-network provider” and do provide invoices, or “superbills” for you to give to your provider to submit for reimbursement. Please check in with your provider first.
Here are some questions to ask:.
- Does my plan provide me with out-of-network reimbursement for psychotherapy?
- Am I covered to see a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?
- Is there a deductible I need to meet before you will reimburse me?
- How much of the fee will be reimbursed? This is usually between 20 -80% of the session fee.
- NOTE: If they will cover a percentage of the “allowed fee” and use that term (“allowed fee”), ask how much the allowed fee is. We often think it means the full fee, but often it can be much lower. For instance, the “allowed fee” may only be $80 so if they cover 30%, you will only be reimbursed $24 per session
- Do I need a mental health diagnosis on the statement I receive from my therapist?
Reimbursify and GetBetter are apps that can streamline the process of submitting the reimbursement claims to your insurance companies. It enables you to use the information from the “superbill” I can provide to help you easily submit a claim within minutes
The No Surprises Act and Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate
Under the law, health care providers need to provide clients an estimate of the expected charges for medical care, including psychotherapy, if they are not using insurance to pay for services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services or items. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service or at any time during treatment. 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 of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate or visit https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Contact
I offer both virtual and in-person sessions. My office is in the Inner Richmond, SF, 94118
To schedule an appointment please email amyhyunswart@gmail.com or call my confidential VM at (650) 762-9220