Q: I can't afford your fee and I don't have out-of network benefits. Can you point me in the right direction?

Of course! Here are some options! Going to an in-network provider: Alma offers some great referrals and will assist you with therapist matching! Low-cost out-of-pocket options: Open Path Collective has therapists that offer sliding scale fees of $30-60 a session. You don’t need to have insurance to see a therapist on Open Path. Community Mental Health Clinics in your area. For a list of low-cost clinics in Fresno, visit https://www.opencounseling.com/california/fresno for info, costs, and locations.

Question 1

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

My fee is $155 for a 50 minute session. I have a 24 hour cancellation policy, meaning sessions cancelled less than 24 hours ahead of our session time will be charged the full fee.

Question 2

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes I am currently in network with Aetna and Carelon Behavioral Health.

I also partner with Mentaya for Out-of-Network clients. Mentaya is a platform that automatically submits claims to your insurance company for every therapy session you attend, making the process of getting reimbursed for out-of-network therapy completely hands-off for you. In exchange for handling the claims submission process for you, Mentaya charges a fee of 5% of the claim amount (5% of $155 = $7.75 fee charged per claim). Once you sign up, you don’t have to do anything else — you will receive the reimbursement you are owed directly from your insurance company when they have finished processing each claim. You don’t have to use Mentaya to get reimbursed — you can do it yourself for free if you’d like. Using Mentaya’s service is 100% optional, and as your therapist I do not benefit in any way from your participation.

Question 3

I can't afford your fee and I don't have out-of network benefits. Can you point me in the right direction?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Here are some options!
​
Going to an in-network provider: Alma offers some great referrals and will assist you with therapist matching! 
Low-cost out-of-pocket options: Open Path Collective has therapists that offer sliding scale fees of $30-60 a session. You don’t need to have insurance to see a therapist on Open Path.
Community Mental Health Clinics in your area. For a list of low-cost clinics in Fresno, visit https://www.opencounseling.com/california/fresno for info, costs, and locations.

Question 4

Do you offer in-person or telehealth services?

Accepted Answer

Both! As long as you are located in the State of California I can see you for a virtual session.

Question 5

What days are you available for sessions?

Accepted Answer

I currently see clients on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I do have evening availability, but these spots are limited.

Question 6

How long is a session and how often will I see you?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and are often scheduled weekly, especially in the beginning. As therapy progresses, we can work together to determine if weekly sessions will continue to be useful. Some people will find that as they begin to heal and grow, fewer sessions are needed. The frequency of sessions can be adjusted in order to best meet your needs and maintain positive change.

Question 7

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

I accept cash, check, all major credit cards, HSA, and FSA cards.

Question 8

How do I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Making the decision to come for your first appointment was probably a difficult one, so I try to make the process as easy as possible. You can text or call me at 559-492-8392 or email me at hello@tessalmft.com. From there we can scheudle a free 15 minute phone call to ensure we are a good fit.

Question 9

What happens after I schedule my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

After we have scheduled your first appointment I will send you a link to some paperwork to fill out in a confidential client portal. You'll need to fill out and sign these documents prior to our first appointment. After that you are all set!

FAQs

Frequently asked Questions