As an Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona (LPC-11055) , I am considered an Out-of-Network Provider by all health insurance carriers. Conveniently pay for your sessions through our secure patient portal using a credit card or Health Savings Account. You will then receive an invoice and all the necessary information to submit a claim for reimbursement from your insurance.

What is an Out-of-Network Provider?
An out-of-network provider refers to a healthcare professional that does not have a contracted agreement with a specific health insurance plan. When a healthcare provider is out-of-network, it means they have not agreed to the predetermined rates and terms established by the insurance company. Consequently, if you choose to receive services from an out-of-network provider, your insurance plan may provide limited coverage or require you to pay a higher portion of the cost out of pocket.

However, some insurance plans may still offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network services, subject to their specific policies and any applicable deductibles or co-pays. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand the coverage and reimbursement options for out-of-network providers.

Here are some questions you can ask about your mental health benefits:

  1. What is the covered amount for an out-of-network mental health provider?
  2. How many therapy sessions does my plan allow? Is there a maximum limit or a specific number of sessions per year?
  3. What is the deductible for out-of-network mental health services? Have I met my deductible for the current year?
  4. What is the reimbursement percentage for out-of-network mental health services? Will I be reimbursed a fixed percentage of the provider's charges, or is there a set fee schedule?
  5. Are there any pre-authorization requirements for out-of-network mental health services? Do I need to obtain approval before scheduling appointments?
  6. How can I submit my claims for out-of-network mental health services to be reimbursed? Is there a specific claim form or process that needs to be followed?
  7. Is there a time limit for submitting claims for reimbursement? What is the deadline for submitting claims?
  8. Are there any specific documentation requirements for submitting claims, such as itemized receipts or treatment summaries?
  9. How long does it typically take for claims to be processed and reimbursed?
  10. Are there any exclusions or limitations on coverage for specific mental health conditions or treatments?
What is Mental Health Parity?
Mental health parity, also known as The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), refers to legislation or policies that aim to ensure equal insurance coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorders (SUDs) compared to physical health conditions. The concept of mental health parity is based on the principle that mental health should be treated on par with physical health in terms of access to care, benefits, and insurance coverage.
 
Historically, mental health services have often been subject to more limited coverage or higher out-of-pocket costs compared to physical health services. Mental health parity laws seek to address this disparity and promote fairness and equality in insurance coverage for mental health treatment. These laws typically require insurance plans to provide coverage for mental health and SUD treatment that is no more restrictive or less favorable than coverage for physical health conditions. This includes equal coverage for services such as outpatient visits, inpatient treatment, therapy sessions, medication, and other necessary treatments.
 
Mental health parity laws may also prohibit discriminatory practices such as higher copayments, stricter limitations on the number of visits, or separate deductibles for mental health services. The intention is to ensure that individuals seeking mental health treatment receive the same level of coverage and access to care as those seeking treatment for physical health conditions.
 
Mental health parity laws vary across jurisdictions, and specific requirements may differ. They can be implemented at the federal level, state level, or both, depending on the country's legislative framework. These laws aim to reduce stigma around mental health, promote better access to mental health care, and improve overall mental healthcare outcomes.

Additional Resources

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) - The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) ensures that mental health and substance use disorder benefits are provided at the same level of coverage as medical and surgical benefits by health insurance plans.

Mental Health Parity Tracker - A website that provides information and resources to promote and ensure mental health and substance use disorder parity in insurance coverage.

Arizona Statutes - Implementing key aspects of the Federal Parity Law at the state level, suicide prevention protections, and additional funding for the behavioral health needs of children.