Practice Updates
April 13, 2024
I am posting recent changes to my practice, River’s Journey Counseling, with the intention that clients are well-informed and understand my policies and procedures. Changes, can and do, happen throughout the course of a business’ life; even in counseling/therapy private practices.
I am open to a discussion if you have any questions. Feel free to reach out at mary@riversjourneycounseling.com or call me at 224-805-0600 with any questions.
Here are the most recent practice updates:
Beginning April 15th, I am limiting my counseling sessions per week; including reducing my evening availability, and number of clients overall.
What does this mean for you?
I love the work I do. I pour my heart and energy into my work with each client. I want their experience to not only be a positive experience, but also an opportunity for healing and growth. It can be challenging to show up fully for clients, for myself, and for my friends and family when I am stretched too thin. After 25 years in the field, it is clear to me how many active clients are the right amount for me. I am not closing any active client cases currently, but will be mindful about accepting any new clients.
I may not have as much availability for as many evening appointments. Effective April 15th, I am immediately stepping down to 2 nights per week. For those clients who only schedule as needed, there may be more of a wait to secure a new appointment.
Also, I may not be able to accommodate session requests 24-72 hours from time of requests, unless there is a crisis (such as: natural disasters, assault or other serious victimization, homicidal or suicidal thoughts/ideations, or death of loved one)
Historically, there are some “slower” and “busier” times of the year for client interactions. In the past, I have rotated my schedule hours and days around those times of the year. Adjustments were made based on client need and even expanded my availability when there was a higher demand. However, I am currently working on a schedule that will be a set schedule for the year and will be sticking to that format. I will send out notification when that schedule is finalized.
Beginning May 1st, my insurance rates will be going up.
90791 (75 minute, initial diagnostic evaluation): $175
90837 (53-60 minute, individual psychotherapy session): $150
90834 (38-52 minute, individual psychotherapy session): $135
What does this mean for you?
If you currently utilize your insurance benefits this will probably have very small impact on you. In fact, this probably won’t impact you unless the insurance companies increase my contracted rate.
If you are private pay (not utilizing insurance) for your sessions currently, you will continue to pay that same rate. However, for those who are not currently engaged in counseling or you take a break and return in 6-12 months or more; your private pay rate may increase.
Copay, coinsurance, and deductible amounts set by insurance companies are completely out of my control, but they are my compensation for the services I provide and the policies, procedures, and business structures I am required to maintain.
Please note, I can only bill insurance for the sessions clients attend. This is my only form of reimbursement (my “salary”) for our working relationship. I cannot bill insurance for, and therefore do not receive payment or reimbursement from insurance, returning phone calls, texts, emails, writing progress notes/treatment plans, updating files, billing, contacting insurance for eligibility, benefits or claim issues, case consultation and conceptualization, scheduling appointments outside of sessions and no show/ late cancel or cancelled appointments.
Accounts may be subject to collections after April 15th.
What does this mean for you?
For clients who have significant outstanding balances and have been unwilling to make a payment or to agree to a payment plan, I will be sending those accounts to collections. I make and will continue to make several attempts from letters, emails, phone calls, texts, and conversations during sessions to resolve any outstanding balances.
The only accounts that are being sent to collections at this time are the ones who have received several notifications of payment requests with a deadline of March 15, 2024.
Partnering with a collection agency has been a difficult decision and up to this point in private practice it hasn’t been an issue. However, these last couple years have been increasingly challenging to collect copay and coinsurance payments from clients.
I appreciate your trust and confidence in choosing to work with me along your journey. I am hoping these changes will have a positive impact on our work together as they will serve to buffer me from burnout so I can continue to focus my energy and attention on the most important aspect of my career—your goals!
I will continue to notify clients in writing when changes are made, but you are welcome to contact me with any questions or concerns at any time.
Wishing you well,
Mary
