Question 1

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

To begin, you can contact me in whatever way feels easiest for you. You’re welcome to use the contact form on my website, call or text at (772) 200-4619, or email me directly at jaime@openheartandmindcounseling.com.()

I’ll reach out using your preferred method, and we can either set up an intake session or a brief consultation first if you’d like to connect and ask questions before getting started.

Question 2

What should I expect during my first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Your first therapy session is a chance to get to know each other and set the foundation for our work together. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Introductions and Building Rapport: We’ll start with a relaxed introduction to help create a safe, non-judgmental space. There’s no pressure to dive into challenging topics right away; this session is about building trust and getting to know each other.

Reviewing Intake Information and Exploring Your Concerns: We’ll go over your intake form and discuss your personal history, current challenges, and what brought you to therapy. This conversation helps clarify your hopes for therapy and sets the stage for our work together.

Defining Therapy Goals: We’ll explore what you’d like to achieve in therapy—whether it’s developing coping strategies, gaining self-understanding, or finding support through life’s challenges.

Explaining the Therapy Process: I’ll outline what future sessions may look like, share the methods I might use, and review important details such as confidentiality, session length, frequency, and fees.

Your Questions: Please feel free to ask about the therapy process or my approach. This is your chance to get comfortable and gain clarity.

No Rush to Share Everything: It’s completely normal to feel nervous or unsure of where to start. Therapy is a journey, and we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you.

Question 3

What insurances do you accept?

Accepted Answer

I am in-network with the following insurances: Blue Cross Blue Shield, FL Blue, Anthem, Optum, United, UMR, AllSavers, Surest, Student Resources, Oscar, Oxford, and AvMed.

Please check with your insurance provider before starting services to understand your mental health coverage, including copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs. I do not verify benefits or coverage.

If your insurance is not listed, you may still be able to use out-of-network benefits. Contact your insurance provider to see if they offer reimbursement for out-of-network services.

If you need assistance with this, just let me know. I have a handout with specific instructions on what to ask your insurance provider.

Question 4

What does it mean to use out-of-network benefits?

Accepted Answer

When a counselor is not part of your insurance company's preferred provider network, they are considered "out-of-network." You can still work with an out-of-network therapist and use your insurance to help cover the cost of your sessions, but the process works a little differently compared to in-network providers. Here’s what you should know:

How does using out-of-network benefits work?

When you see a therapist out-of-network, you pay the full session fee upfront. Afterward, you can submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. The amount reimbursed will depend on your specific insurance plan and benefits.

Will I get reimbursed for out-of-network therapy?

It depends on your insurance plan. Many insurance policies offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network mental health services, but the reimbursement rate varies. Some plans may cover a percentage of the session fee after you've met a deductible, while others may require pre-authorization.

How do I know if my insurance covers out-of-network counseling?

Contact your insurance provider directly to ask about your plan's out-of-network mental health benefits. You can ask about:
1. Your out-of-network deductible (the amount you need to pay before insurance starts covering costs).
2. The percentage of the fee they will reimburse.
3. If any paperwork or pre-authorization is required before starting therapy.

What do I need to submit a claim for reimbursement?

After your session, you can go onto your client portal to download a “superbill,” which is a detailed receipt that includes all the necessary information your insurance company needs to process the claim. You will then send this superbill to your insurance provider, either by mail or through an online portal.

What are the benefits of using out-of-network providers?

Out-of-network therapists offer flexibility in choosing a counselor that best fits your needs without being limited to those in your insurance network. Many individuals choose to work with out-of-network providers because of their specialized expertise or strong therapeutic fit.

Question 5

How much does a session cost?

Accepted Answer

15-minute consultation: Free

Individual therapy session (53 minutes): $150

Sliding Fee Scale
A sliding fee scale is available for clients paying out-of-pocket, based on financial need. The sliding fee scale does not apply to sessions billed through insurance.

I am committed to making therapy as accessible as possible. If finances are a concern, please reach out to explore options.

Good Faith Estimate
If you are a self-pay client, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) explaining the expected cost of services under the No Surprises Act. For more information, please refer to the Good Faith Estimate page in our website footer, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises,(https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises) or call 800-985-3059.

Question 6

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

To avoid fees, please cancel or reschedule your session at least 24 hours in advance. If you do not provide notice within this timeframe, a $50 fee will be charged, as the reserved time is set aside exclusively for you. Please note that insurance does not cover this fee.

Question 7

What should I do if I am in crisis?

Accepted Answer

For emergencies, please call 911. If you are having a mental health crisis you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate assistance 24/7. They also have a chat option on their website https://988lifeline.org (https://988lifeline.org).

Open your heart and mind like the wings of a butterfly. See then how high you fly. ​ -Zeenat Aman

Open your heart and mind like the wings of a butterfly. See then how high you fly.

-Zeenat Aman