How do I begin at Courtney Hamlin Counseling?

Call (424) 265-8291 for a free 15-minute phone consultation, or fill in a request through the Client Portal. If I do not answer immediately, it is because I am in sessions. I will do my best to get back to you within 24 hours of your initial inquiry.

What is your fee?

My 15-minute initial phone consultations are always free. Our initial intake appointment is $250 for 60 minutes. After that, ongoing individual sessions are $250 for 50 minutes. Couples and Family sessions are $300 for 50 minutes. I also offer extended Couple or Family sessions at $375 for 80 minutes. Payment is due at the time of service. Cash, check, and credit card are accepted. Fees may be increased once a year, reflecting inflation, increased overhead, and market rates.

I also offer Telehealth video or phone sessions via a secure, HIPAA compliant platform.

Do you offer Sliding Scale or Reduced Fees?

What is the No surprises act of 2024?

I do offer a limited number of reduced fee spots based on income and availability, however these sessions are limited and considered on a case by case basis. If I do not currently have spots available, you will be offered an opportunity to be placed on my wait list, or I will offer you referrals. Please call me for details (424) 265-8291. 

GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE / NO SURPRISES ACT 2024

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health 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 expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a 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.

Do you take Insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider, meaning I do not accept insurance for payment. I realize this can be difficult, therefore I can provide you with a bill that can be submitted to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan. Please contact your insurance provider to ask about your coverage benefits.

Helpful questions to ask your provider are:

  • Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits?

  • Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?

  • Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?

  • Do I need written approval from my primary care physician in order for services to be covered?

  • When inquiring, refer to these Procedure Codes - for Individuals: 90837 "Individual Psychotherapy." For Families: 90847 "Family Psychotherapy." Keep in mind that all insurance companies will require a mental health diagnosis in order to process your claim. Flexible Spending Accounts, Medical Savings Accounts and Health Savings Account plans do not usually require a diagnosis.

  • If medication is required, your treatment will be coordinated with a qualified psychiatrist or psychopharmacologist.

What is your cancellation policy?

The time scheduled for your appointment is assigned to you and you alone. Occasionally you may need to miss or reschedule a session. Please be courteous with your communication and notify me at least 24 hours in advance should you need to reschedule or cancel. I uphold a 24-hour cancellation policy which means if you late cancel, miss an appointment, or ask to reschedule day of, you will be responsible for paying the standard fee of your session. Sessions booked within a 24 hour period are considered confirmed and the same policy will be upheld. I do not offer multiple rescheduling of appointments. Please be aware that insurance does not cover late cancellations or missed appointments. 

How long are sessions?

Sessions are 50 minutes. Extended Couple or Family Sessions are 80 minutes.

How often do we meet, and are sessions confidential?

Ideally once a week. Depending on your needs, we may be able to meet more or less than that. 

I offer a variety of days and times with some evening availability.

I also offer Telehealth video or phone sessions via a secure, HIPAA compliant platform.

All information will be treated as confidential except: a) suspected child, dependent adult or elder abuse or neglect, b) intent to harm self or others, including suicidal ideation and homicidal ideation c) legal subpoena only if issued by a judge directly requiring waiver of the privilege of confidentiality d) professional supervision e) collection of payment. All other releases must have your permission and authorization signature.

“No Secrets” Policy for Family Therapy and Couple Therapy

When I agree to work with a couple or a family, I consider that couple or family the treatment unit. For instance, if there is a request for the treatment records of the couple or the family, I will seek the authorization of all members of the treatment unit before I release confidential information to third parties. Also, if my records are subpoenaed, I will assert the psychotherapist-client privilege on behalf of the full treatment unit.

I want to come into some sessions with my teen. is this possible?

Parent consultations will be scheduled every 4–6 weeks to discuss concerns regarding your teen. If you find that you would like to meet sooner or are wanting a session together with your teen, we will discuss and arrange as needed.