Lauren Necesario Smith, PsyD, HSPP
Psychotherapy + Testing + Consultation
108 N Vine St, Suite B
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: 765-205-1135
Frequently Asked Questions
You Ask - I Answer
+ HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED THERAPY? People come to therapy for many different reasons. There is no right or wrong answer. We can seek out therapy for a number of reasons: maybe we just don't quite feel like ourselves, needing extra support, wanting to learn new ways to cope with major life stressors.
+ WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NOT USING MY INSURANCE? Using insurance for mental health treatment can sometimes pose some risks. This includes confidentiality, requiring certain things being documented in your medical record, limiting you to insurance-preferred providers, and sometimes putting limitations on your treatment. When you pay out of pocket, there is more freedom and flexibility to frame the treatment around the needs and goals of the client and to determine care based on progress versus what is being written in your medical record.
+ HOW DOES TELEHEALTH THERAPY WORK? Telehealth (virtual/online therapy) is similar to a traditional in-person session but it happens via a secure video platform. All you need is a smart phone, laptop/desktop, or tablet, and an internet connection.
+ HOW MUCH DOES THERAPY COST? Our initial 15-minute phone consultation is free! Cost is dependent on the length of session scheduled. Fees are as follows: Initial Intake: $250 30 minutes: $175 45 minutes: $200 60 minutes: $225
+ WHY DO YOU OFFER DIFFERENT SESSION LENGTHS? Our initial 15-minute phone consultation is always free. Our Intake session will typically last between 50-60 minutes. I then offer 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute follow-up sessions in order to accomodate your schedule, financial, and treatment needs. Traditional therapy sessions are usually 45 minutes in length; however, there are instances in which some folks prefer shorter or even longer sessions.
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR THERAPY? I'm glad that you are excited and want to feel prepared but please don't let this stress you out! Come to your session ready to ask questions, be as open as you are willing, and we can figure out a plan together.
+ DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE? No. I am not In-Network with any insurance companies. Sessions can be paid for using debit/credit cards or FSA/HSA cards. Some insurance companies will provide reimbursement for Out-of-Network service; however, it will be up to you to determine if your insurance company reimburses for that. Should you choose to seek reimbursement from your insurance company on your own, I would be more than happy to provide you with a "Superbill" that you can submit.
+ HOW LONG IS EACH THERAPY SESSION? I offer 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute sessions. I offer these different formats to accommodate both your schedule and financial needs.
+ WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT? I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. That means, I ask you to please give me at least 24 hours of advanced notice that you'll be cancelling. If you fail to do so, you will be charged the full fee for your visit.
+ I HAVE INSURANCE. CAN I USE IT? I am not In-Network with any insurance companies. Some insurance companies will provide reimbursement for Out-of-Network service but it will be up to you to seek reimbursement. I can provide you with something called a "Superbill" that you can submit if needed. While we commonly use our insurance to reimburse us for our medical needs, there can actually be some benefits to NOT using your insurance when it comes to mental health services.
+ HOW OFTEN WILL WE HAVE SESSIONS? Together, we will decide how frequently we need to meet. Sessions typically occur on a weekly basis but we will periodically check-in to determine if this needs to change. As you progress in treatment, your needs and goals may change and we can adjust accordingly.
+ WHAT IF I WANT TO QUIT THERAPY? I will never force you to engage in therapy if you truly do not see or feel that there is a benefit. If we meet and you decide that this is not for you, I will be happy to talk more about what you are experiencing and give you other options that might work out better.
+ WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? Call me at 765-205-1135 or email me at drlauren@lnspsych.com
