Your questions, answered

How do I get started?

If you feel like this practice would be a good fit for you or your child, please reach out to schedule an intake appointment. Common questions are also answered below.

Do you accept insurance?

Bankside Psychology is an out of network practice, which means that insurance is not billed directly. Please get in touch to discuss rates. Clients are responsible for full payment at the time of service. We are happy to provide you with an invoice with information that insurance carriers need to process a claim for out of network benefits.

How do I determine my out-of-network benefits?

You are encouraged to contact your insurance provider and ask about reimbursement rates for out-of-network services. The following questions may be applicable:

• What are my out-of-network benefits?
• How much is my deductible?
• After I meet my deductible, what percentage of the visit cost will I be reimbursed for?
• How do I submit a claim with the receipt my doctor gave me?

Additional questions for insurance when seeking therapy services

How much can I be reimbursed for the following services provided by a licensed psychologist:

• A 60-minute intake appointment (CPT code 90791)

• A 45-minute individual therapy session (CPT code 90834)

• A 45-minute family therapy session (when a parent and child are present together; CPT code 90846)

• A family therapy session without the child (CPT code 90847)

Additional questions for insurance when seeking a neuropsychological evaluation

How much can I be reimbursed for following services provided by a licensed psychologist:

• A 60-minute intake appointment/diagnostic interview (CPT Code 90791)

• Neuropsychological testing by a psychologist (CPT Code 96136 for the first 30 minutes, CPT Code 96137 for each additional 30 min)

• Neuropsychological services by a psychologist (CPT Code 96130 for the first 60 minutes, CPT Code 96131 for each additional hour)

• 60 minute feedback session (CPT Code 96133)

Do I have a limit of how many units of 96137 or 96131 I can get reimbursed for?

Sometimes insurance companies want to know your provider’s "NPI number" or possible diagnosis codes. We're happy to provide you with this information if you need it.

What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation helps us learn more about the relationship between your child’s behavior and how their brain works. Assessments can inform a diagnosis (if applicable) and also can help identify solutions, supports, and strategies to optimize your child’s functioning across contexts. This can be very valuable if your child has experienced prolonged struggles or you want to get ahead of concerns before they cause major difficulties. All the information collected during an evaluation is included in a written report and can be communicated to other care providers and schools as needed.

How do I know if my child needs a neuropsychological assessment?

There are many ways of determining whether an assessment is warranted. If your child has been referred by another clinical provider (e.g., psychiatrist, primary care physician, neurologist, occupational therapist) or school we will still discuss symptoms, current needs, and current or past treatments/interventions to determine whether an evaluation is indicated at this point. The answer to this question may also depend on persistence of symptoms, age of child, a family’s preferences, and practical considerations (e.g., availability of time, financial circumstances).

All of these factors are addressed during an initial intake appointment (at which point we decide whether to proceed with the evaluation), and I am also happy to provide a 15-minute phone consultation prior to scheduling an intake to address preliminary questions.

How do I know if psychotherapy is necessary?

The decision to pursue therapy for yourself or your child is personal. If you have noticed that a particular issue — whether emotional, social, or behavioral — is getting in the way of everyday life, then therapy may be beneficial. There are other times when issues are not entirely getting in the way, but you feel like you or your child could just use a little extra support or direction, which can be achieved with brief and solution-focused therapy. These decisions can be determined during a brief phone consultation, so just reach out.

How long does psychotherapy last?

The length of therapy is unique for each individual and this is determined on a case by case basis. This decision often depends on how much symptoms interfere with everyday life and the duration of distress. I offer brief and solution-focused approaches, which range from two to eight sessions, and I also offer a more conventional evidenced-based therapeutic course, which is typically 12+ weeks. Regardless of the overall duration, initial sessions typically take place on a weekly basis. All these details are discussed during the intake appointment.

What is a parenting consultation and is it different than therapy?

A parenting consultation allows parents to address specific developmental, behavioral, or social-emotional questions or concerns relevant to their child. Many times, parents are simply seeking out information, based on research, that can be personalized to their child or their circumstances.

Consultations are not a form of treatment, rather it is a way of seeking out expert information and opinions. Parenting is confusing and we are confronted with dilemmas as our children grow up. At times, we may want more input about how best to handle or address these everyday challenges or simply want to know whether our child's behavior is "normal." Consultations will give you the information you need to optimally support your child.

How do I sign my child up for the B.Well Group?

If you are interested in the B.Well group, you can start by filling out the inquiry form. Groups are formed on a rolling basis by age/grade level. By completing the inquiry form, it is not guaranteed that a session will be available for your child, and there is no obligation for your child to participate. Once a session is available, we will reach out and provide you with more details.