Frequently Asked Questions

I live in beautiful Southeast Idaho and am fully licensed in Idaho and Oregon. I am also licensed to practice telehealth in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CNMI, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY.

First of all, it’s not like being in a staff meeting on Zoom. I think most of us are over that. I am engaged and interactive with you and it’s just the two of us. I use a HIPAA compliant online video platform called Simple Practice. You will receive a link to connect to your session and you just need to be in a private space with a good internet connection where you are able to focus on therapy (e.g. not actively driving a car). You also need to be physically located in a state in which I am licensed (see FAQ #1 above about where I am licensed).

Research has shown that online therapy is equally effective to in-person therapy and my clients have said that they feel connected to me online and appreciate the convenience and time savings of not having to travel.

I only offer online therapy, which research has shown to be equally effective to in-person therapy. My clients say that they enjoy the experience. Additionally, most people find it more convenient than traveling to an appointment, it takes less time out of your day, and I am able to serve folks in multiple states and in many areas that do not have enough therapists to meet the demand.

In Oregon I accept most PacificSource Navigator and Voyager plans and Aetna insurance plans (but not OHP, Medicare, or Medicaid plans, or some employer plans, such as PacificSource Legacy).

In Idaho I accept most Blue Cross and PacificSource Navigator and Voyager plans (but not Medicare or Medicaid plans).

Some employers have different plans with which I am not paneled, so it is important to check the specifics of your plan.

For any other insurance plans, or if you are located outside of Oregon or Idaho, I will be out of network. I can provide you with a “Superbill” (a receipt for services including a diagnosis) that you can submit for potential reimbursement if you have a plan that allows for out-of-network mental health benefits.

I also accept private pay if you do not have an insurance plan I take or if you choose to not use your insurance. In order for insurance to pay for mental health care, I must provide a mental health diagnosis and a treatment plan that is considered medically necessary and your insurance company has the right to request your therapy session notes. This is not a requirement if you are paying for services without insurance.

Cash fee for service (if not using insurance): $200 per session. Some reduced fee slots may be available. Please inquire.

If you are using an insurance plan for which I am in network, your plan determines the rate that I am paid and that you pay for services.

Clients are responsible for fees not covered by insurance (e.g. no-show or late cancellation fees, or sessions not covered by insurance). Clients are responsible to know the specifics of their plan and to check requirements and limitations for coverage.

If you have more than one insurance plan, you must have a coordination of benefits plan in place with your insurance companies or claims will not be paid or there is a high risk of “claw backs” from insurance companies recouping money sometimes years after sessions have taken place.

Before your first appointment you will complete paperwork online through my secure software. I will review your responses before we meet so that I don’t have to spend the entire first session only asking you lots of questions. You will have the opportunity to clarify or share any additional information about your history or current concerns and ask me any questions about my approach to therapy, policies, or procedures. I will ask any questions that I have to better understand you and your concerns. We will also clarify for you goals for therapy.

The first session is our chance to get to know each other. I like to get to work right away, so that you can start to get a feel for me and my approach.

The amount of time needed for therapy is unique to you, your presenting concerns, and your goals. Therapy doesn’t have to be long term and I have a lot of experience with brief models of therapy. Some people enjoy the support of the therapeutic process or need longer term support because of what they want to address.

If using your medical insurance, your concerns will need to be considered “medically necessary” by the insurance company. We will talk about what this means for you and your goals for therapy.

I do not provide crisis services. If you are in imminent danger, call 911.

If you need mental health support, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Additional crisis lines:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788

Trevor Project (for LGBTQ young folx): Call 866-488-7386 or text 678-678

Trans Lifeline (staffed by and for trans folx): Call 877-565-8860

Veteran’s Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1

I am not able to work with clients who are experiencing active thoughts of suicide, severe self harm, thoughts of harming others, psychosis, active eating disorders, problematic alcohol or drug use, personality disorders, active domestic violence, assessments, labor and industry cases, or chronic severe mental health conditions. I am a solo private practice and am not able to provide the level of support that is needed for these concerns.

I do not counsel families, couples, or minors.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. 

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. 

This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. 

Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. 

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. 

Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or email jen@jennifermieschphd.com.