Considering Therapy? Important Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider

Before scheduling your first therapy appointment, it’s important to understand how your insurance coverage works.
Here are a few key questions you may want to ask your insurance company:

1. Do I have mental health benefits?
   (Sometimes called “behavioral health” benefits)
2. Is Lakeside Psychotherapy or Jessica Jeremiah in-network with my plan?
3. What is my copay or coinsurance per session?
4. Do I have a deductible that must be met first?
   (If yes, how much of it remains?)
5. Are there any session limits per year?
   (Example: Some plans cover only a set number of sessions annually.)
6. Do I need preauthorization or a referral from my primary care doctor?
7. Is teletherapy (virtual sessions) covered under my plan?
8. If out-of-network, do I have out-of-network benefits?
   (And what is the reimbursement process?)

Some clients prefer to pay for therapy privately, without using insurance.
There are several advantages to choosing private pay:

• Increased Privacy:
  Your therapy records are kept entirely confidential and are not shared with insurance companies.
• Greater Flexibility:
  You and your therapist decide together on the type, length, and frequency of treatment — not your insurance provider.
• No Diagnoses Required:
  Insurance requires a formal mental health diagnosis for coverage. Private pay allows therapy to focus on growth, wellness, and personal development without labels if not clinically necessary.
• Reduced Limitations:
  Insurance can sometimes limit the number of sessions or types of therapy covered. Private pay gives you access to the full range of therapeutic approaches.
• Investment in Growth:
  Many clients find that investing directly in therapy strengthens their commitment to the process — leading to deeper, more lasting results.

If your plan offers out-of-network reimbursement, I am happy to provide you with a superbill (a detailed receipt) to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

(Note: Reimbursement is not guaranteed and varies by plan.)

We are pleased to accept the following insurance plans:

·  • Aetna (including Aetna State Employee Health Plan)

·  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of North Carolina (most plans; but not in-network with 'Blue Home' marketplace plan)

·  • Health Team Advantage

·  • Healthy Blue

·  • Humana (State Employee Retiree Plan)

·  • Humana Medicare (Out-of-network, but authorization usually available)

·  • Medicare (Original)

·  • Tricare

·  • Vaya Health

·  • VA Community Care Network (VA CCN)

*not in network with any United Healthcare, UMR, or UBH plan.

*not in network with ComPsych

*not in network with Magellan

Please note: It is the client's responsibility to verify insurance benefits and coverage before the first session, and to notify us of any changes in coverage. Superbills are available for out-of-network reimbursement when applicable. Clients are responsible for the fees not covered by their insurance, including deductibles, copays, lapses in coverage, and etc.

Please feel free to reach out through the inquiry form contact inquiries@lakeside-therapy.net.

I am happy to help guide you through this process so you can make the best choice for your needs