Best Teletherapy Service
Teletherapy is conducting individual, couples, or group sessions through videoconferencing with a therapist in a secured private room. Meeting with your therapist through teletherapy has advantages and disadvantages which are outlined in the required consent forms. All potential clients must be a resident of New York State and will be screened to determine if they are suitable for this method of treatment because teletherapy is not appropriate for everyone.
First Light Psychological Services takes most insurances. Prior to the first session, your insurance benefits are verified for what is covered and what is the client’s financial responsibility. For teletherapy sessions, some insurance companies may only cover half of the provider’s contracted reimbursement rate. You will be financially responsible for the remaining balance per session that is not covered. The other option is to attend in-person therapy sessions.
During the first session, the therapist will answer any questions about teletherapy or the required forms you will need to fill out prior to starting treatment. Together you will discuss preferred communication methods outside of sessions (email, text), your presenting problem, and a pathway for effective treatment goals that will lead to a positive outcome. The necessary desire, motivation, and commitment in a teletherapy session is no different than attending in person.
Some insurance companies permit out-of-network benefits. If we are an out-of-network provider, we will bill your insurance company, but you will be responsible for any fees that are not covered. If you do not have insurance or prefer not to use your insurance carrier, individual session fees are $125.00 per session for 45 minutes, and couples counseling is $250.00 per session for 90 minutes. Session fees are payable at the time of each visit.
With the COVID-19 pandemic
With the COVID-19 pandemic, insurance companies were covering session fees in full along with co-payments and deductibles. Many insurance companies are still covering the full or partial cost of telehealth sessions, but most clients are now responsible for deductibles if applicable, and co-payments. Your therapist will keep you updated regarding future notifications we receive from your insurance carrier regarding session fees and client responsibility.
No Need To Worry
If you are interested in teletherapy sessions please call the office or email us at info@firstlightpsych.com to check on availability. All phone and email messages will be returned within 48 hours. Once availability is established, the office manager, Mr. Ratonel, will personally email you an attachment containing forms that are required to be filled out to start treatment and to verify your insurance benefits. Return the completed forms by email directly to Mr. Ratonel and NOT to the general email address provided above. This will ensure the completed forms and the information they contain are being sent to a HIPPA encrypted email address to protect your information and privacy.
Contact Us
Your opinions are important to us. Whether it is a simple question or a valuable suggestion, we are here 24/7. You can call us by phone or email us directly.
Info
Address
Farmingdale and Kew Gardens
Newyork City