Mina Kirkova, MA, MSW, LCSW-C
Counseling and Therapy for Children, Adolescents, & Adults
in Phoenix/Jacksonville, Maryland
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Stress, Mindfulness, Meditation, School Underachievement, Organizational Skills, Time Mngt., Phobias, Grief, Loss, Depression, Emotional Dysregulation, Self-Confidence, Bullying, Social Skills, Assertiveness, Sibling Rivalry, Disciplining Issues, Anger, Arguing, Rebelliousness, Lying
MY SPECIALTIES
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
Many top professionals in my field do not participate directly with insurance companies due to insurance restrictions which often prevent us from achieving fast results and lasting changes. However, as a licensed clinician, my therapy and counseling services may be covered by your health insurance’s out-of-network mental health benefits. To fully protect the confidentiality of your child, you may also consider paying out-of-pocket. All these options (along with their pros and cons) are explained below.
Out-of-Network Mental Health Benefits and Coverage
Many major insurance plans have excellent out-of-network mental health coverage and often reimburse at 80-20% co-insurance rate (insurance pays 80% of my fee and the patient pays 20%). After a deductible is met (if any), the co-insurance amount per session usually compares to an in-network co-pay (typically, the difference is no more than $20-30). Upon your request, I can provide a “superbill” for you to submit for reimbursement to your insurance company or healthcare spending account plan.
Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company
- Does my insurance plan offer out-of-network mental health benefits?
- What is my annual deductible (if any) and has it been met for this year?
- When does my plan calendar year start?
- What percentage does the insurance pay per visit for out-of-network therapy services?
Out-of-Pocket Payments
In order to fully protect the confidentiality of their children and all information disclosed in therapy sessions, most parents prefer to pay out-of-pocket for my counseling services. You should be aware that even if you use your out-of-network benefits, insurance companies may still require that I release confidential information relevant to the services rendered to you and your child. Typically this may include: clinical diagnoses, treatment plans, progress notes, and even copies of your child’s entire clinical record. Even though insurance companies strive to keep patient information confidential (as it is HIPAA protected), please note that I have no control over what insurances do with your or your child’s clinical file once it is in their possession.
There are many benefits when paying out-of-pocket:
- You get to choose the best therapist for you, your child, and your family.
- Your confidentiality is fully protected – no third parties.
- You and your therapist (not your insurance) set the pace and duration of therapy.
- The therapist (not your insurance) chooses the course of therapy which will best benefit your child.
- You will work directly with me as I am the only provider in my private practice.
- Treatment goals are achieved much faster, usually in less than 10 sessions.
HSA and FSA Cards/Funds
Since therapy and counseling are medical services, you may utilize your HSA or FSA funds. Many of my patients pay for therapy sessions with their HSA/FSA cards.
PayPal Online Payments:
I accept online payments via PayPal and all major credit cards. Cash and checks are also accepted at the time of service.
Psychotherapy & Counseling Services Fees:
$265.00 (50 min.): Initial Assessment/Intake with Parent(s) (First Session)
$265.00 (50 min.): Initial Assessment/Intake with Child/Adolescent (Second Session)
$165.00 (50 min.): Individual or Family Counseling/Therapy (All sessions following the Parent and Child Assessment sessions)
*Upon request, I can provide you with a "Superbill," which you could submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Cancellations/No Shows
A 24 hours cancellation notice (by phone or email) is required to avoid being charged the full session fee. Occasional exceptions occur if it is agreed that a late cancellation was unavoidable.
Call me for a free telephone consultation at (443) 322-6552 to discuss your child’s specific needs. During this consultation we can determine whether I am a good match for your child as well as discuss fees, payment, and insurance.
FEES AND INSURANCE
Therapy is an investment in your child, family, well-being, and the quality of your life!
Typically, I am able to resolve most major therapeutic issues within 10 sessions. If your child’s problems are not resolved within this time frame, usually this indicates that there are more serious psychological issues at stake which might require a psychiatric evaluation and/or medication.
