Q:  What is psychotherapy and how might it benefit me?

 

A: Psychotherapy is talk therapy, whereby the client and psychotherapist work together to solve life difficulties. A psychotherapist has specific training in diagnosing and treating mental health problems.  Meetings are usually held once per week at the outset and decrease in frequency as the problem-solving progresses.  The therapist and client hold a termination session when the therapy process is completed, although the client may return as needed for additional help.

 

Q: Who is qualified to perform psychotherapy?

 

A: There are several kinds of licenses under which psychotherapy may be practiced - a psychology license (requiring a doctoral degree); a clinical social worker license (LCSW -  requiring a master's degree); a marriage and family therapist license (MFT - also requiring a master's degree); a licensed professional clinical counselor license (LPCC - also requiring a master's degree); and a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or psychiatric physician assistant license (held by an MD, NP or PA with special training in prescribing psychiatric drugs who may have limited training in psychotherapy).  While some individuals may advertise their services using titles such as "life-coach", "school psychologist", or "counselor", they generally do not possess training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems.

 

Q: Does Anxiety Experts prescribe medication?

 

A: No. At Anxiety Experts we are strictly involved in performing psychotherapy and medical nutrition services (virtual dietitian visits).  However, we are happy to collaborate with physicians if the need for psychotropic medication arises or as needed about the health of our clients with disordered eating.

 

Q:  How will I pay for Anxiety Experts' services?

 

A: Dr. Kulberg's fee is $225.00 per 55-minute session (in person or by live video). Other therapist fees are $170 per 55-minute session. We also have three registered dieticians on our team who have a fee of $170.00 per 45-minute session that are not covered by any insurance at this time. Anxiety Experts is also in-network with CenCal and Cigna / Evernorth Insurance, Dr. Kulberg is in-network with Lyra, and MHN. Although we do our best to work with different insurance providers, both in network and out of network, all non-MediCal clients should assume they will pay full cost for treatment up front; insurance reimbursement will occur after upfront payment. On the second of each month, clients receive a Superbill from the client portal, which may be submitted to the client's insurance carrier for reimbursement. Around 80% of our private practice clients find they receive some insurance reimbursement for services using this method. We are often able to obtain single case agreements with many other insurance companies, particularly for the treatment of OCD that may increase the coverage rate for out of network insurance.

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A: Four Types of Billing at Anxiety Experts

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Out of Network

Clients will pay our rate up front with a card on file that will be charged automatically at midnight after each session. Anxiety Experts will provide Superbills, accessible through our client portal, that the client will submit to their insurance for partial reimbursement based on applicable out of network benefits their insurance plan may have.

 

In Network

Clients will only pay the copay or coinsurance as dictated by their insurance plan. Sometimes a deductible will need to be met first in which case the client will pay for the cost of services until their deductible is met and their insurance benefits activate.

 

Out of Network Exception/Override

In some cases, Anxiety Experts is able to request an out of network exception which allows an out of network insurance provider to reimburse at an in-network rate. If approved, clients will continue to pay our full rate up front and Anxiety Experts will submit claims to the insurance provider; the insurance provider will then send reimbursement to the client directly.

 

Single Case Agreement (VIOP)

For our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP), Anxiety Experts will coordinate with the client and the insurance company to secure a Single Case Agreement where Anxiety Experts is treated as an In-Network provider for the duration of the program. All terms of the client’s insurance plan will still apply, including but not limited to the need to meet a deductible before insurance benefits activate. Single Case Agreements do not extend beyond VIOP and separate exceptions will need to be made for step downs to routine once-weekly outpatient care.

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Q:  How can I share a complaint or concern with Anxiety Experts?

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A: If the concern is regarding a non-billing issue, contact your primary therapist.

If the concern is regarding a billing issue, contact the Office Manager directly: info@andreakulberg.com

If a concern or complaint is about Anxiety Experts' general practices, contact the Clinical Director: drk@andreakulberg.com or contact the Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation at complaint@jointcommission.org or fax to: JCAHO Office of Quality Monitoring (630) 792-5636