The No Surprises Act protects self-pay clients and those seeing me as an out-of-network provider from unexpected costs. This does not apply to in-network clients using insurance. I’ve tailored this document to highlight only the details relevant to my practice. For full information, click here or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

What Is a Good Faith Estimate (GFE)?

Under the No Surprises Act, the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) was introduced. The GFE provides a general idea of what your regularly scheduled services may cost over a period of time. However, it is only an estimate — I won’t have a full understanding of your specific needs, diagnosis, or treatment plan until we begin working together. Your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your progress and evolving needs.

The GFE is provided before your first session so you can evaluate your budget and decide whether to proceed with therapy. It’s like getting a car repair estimate—you want to know the expected cost before agreeing to the service. Just as mechanics may uncover additional problems requiring further work and added expense, therapy may reveal deeper concerns that lead to adjustments in your treatment plan.

For example, if you seek therapy for work-related stress, I may estimate two months of weekly therapy. However, if deeper concerns emerge, such as unresolved trauma, I may recommend six months of treatment. We can adjust the GFE, as needed, based on your progress and needs.

A GFE does not include:

• Late cancellation fees

• Miscellaneous charges (e.g., credit card processing fees, if applicable)

• Crisis care (as emergencies cannot be planned for in advance)

My rates for crisis services are available on my website under “Financial Info.” (Click here) I recommend you review this information in advance. You can also find resources regarding free mental health and substance abuse services for people in crisis under “General Resources”. (Click here)

Remember, therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and there’s no set timeline for how long we’ll work together. Some clients find short-term therapy helpful, while others benefit from ongoing support. I may recommend a schedule, but ultimately, you decide what is right for you based on your time, finances, and personal needs. Regardless of the frequency of our sessions, I will do my best to tailor my treatment to accommodate your needs.

Once you become my client, you are one for life (if you choose to be!) My door will always be open to you, should you choose to take a break from therapy but want to return at a later date.

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, I’m more than happy to chat! I want to make sure everything is clear and feels comfortable to you. I’ve also included some helpful links with more details.

For more information, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call the No Surprises Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059.

Click here