Current availability

I do not have openings in my practice for new clients at this time.  

Start with a free
15 minute consultation

I find it very helpful to have a brief chat before our first session to see how it feels to talk with me. During this chat I can answer any questions you might have about my approach to therapy, and we can determine whether you might want to meet with me for a first session.  It is also a chance for us to discuss logistical topics such as fees and scheduling.

What to Expect
in our first session

Our initial in-person visit lasts 50-55 minutes unless we agree on a longer session prior to our meeting. Our initial meeting is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and identify the specific issues that you hope to address in individual therapy.  I will ask you questions about your past and present experiences, and I hope to answer any questions or concerns you might have about my work and the therapeutic process. At the end of the session, we will determine collaboratively if we are a good match to work together.  If working with me feels like a good match, and you believe that I can help you reach your goals, we will schedule our next appointment.  If you or I determine that another professional or support service may better serve your needs, I will do my best to provide you with appropriate referrals and resources.

Fees

Before or during our first session we will discuss fees for psychotherapy services that you are requesting.
Below are my fees:

Individual 15 Minute Phone Consultation: FREE
Individual 55-Minute Session:  $200
Couples 55-Minute Session:  $230
Couples 75-Minute Session: $315

Missed Appointments and Late Cancellations

Missed appointments or appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice for any reason will be charged a $150 fee for the time scheduled and will not be reimbursed by insurance. This timeframe gives me a chance to fill your open spot in my schedule should you not be able to make it.  Additionally, all insurance plans do not cover cancelled or missed appointments.

Accepted Forms of Insurance

Currently, I am an in-network provider with Premera and First Choice Health (Kaiser PPO) plans of WA state.

 When we speak over the phone, I will confirm insurance information with you and provide you as much guidance as you might need on how to inquire about this with your insurance company. My fees may change depending on whether you choose to utilize your insurance to pay for therapy and if I am a preferred provider. I am happy to discuss with you your financial capability to pay for services and the pros and cons of utilizing insurance to pay for therapy.

 As a licensed psychologist, I am insurance eligible as an out-of-network provider for PPO insurance companies. What this means is that depending on your insurance plan, a portion of my fees may be covered by your insurance company. Your insurance company will tell you what this reimbursement would be. I will provide you with an invoice to submit to your insurance company for direct reimbursement. Payment to me is due in full at the time of service by cash or check.

Assessing your current level of insurance coverage

If you would like to use your insurance for therapy, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier whether you have mental health coverage and what that coverage is for both in-network (also known as “preferred”) and out-of-network providers.

Here are a few questions to ask your insurance carrier regarding your mental health coverage:

Do I have mental health benefits?

Is this therapist an in-network or out-of-network provider for my mental health benefits?

How much (or what percentage) does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?

What is my co-pay for an in-network or preferred provider?
What is my deductible? (Most people have a deductible that must be paid before insurance coverage is activated; this deductible varies depending on the type of plan you have)

Is approval or referral required from my primary care physician?

 I will be happy to assist you with this process if you have any questions.

Additional items to
consider with insurance

Please also note that if you are using insurance or managed care to pay for therapy, your rights as a client may be subject to other conditions (e.g., you may have limits regarding number of sessions or length of treatment). Insurance companies may also require that your psychologist provide information about you before they agree to pay for sessions. This information varies from company to company, but most require information about your diagnoses for which you meet criteria. I will always release the least amount of information required for you to be reimbursed but it is important that you are aware of this as you decide whether or not to use your insurance or managed care to pay for your therapy.

Allison Lau-Srivastava, Ph.D.

© 2024 Allison Lau-Srivastava, Ph.D.