Length of Sessions
Mediation Initial Consultation: 50 minutes
Mediation "working" sessions: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Individual Therapy and Coaching sessions: 50 minutes
Relationship Counseling: 60, 90 or 120 minutes
Group therapy and Group education sessions: Varies

Please understand the value of keeping sessions to the scheduled length so all clients can be seen in a timely manner.

Ancillary services are those services that may be required as part of your case such as report writing, testifying or travel to another site. These services are not covered by insurance. You are responsible for payment of these services within 30 days of date of service.

Payment

Cash Accounts:
Dakota Counseling & Mediation requires payment for services not covered by insurance at the end of each session. DCM accepts MasterCard and Visa, as well as cash and checks.

Payment for the initial counseling session is due in full at the time of service unless insurance reimbursement has been verified prior to the session.

Payment for the co-payment of your insurance is due at the time of service.

Even if your insurance carrier covers your counseling services, you may prefer to pay privately because of these advantages:

• Your privacy is protected because your insurance company will not have access to information regarding your care.
• In order to receive coverage from your insurance company, your therapist is required to give you a mental health diagnosis. By paying for your care privately, you will not be "labeled" with a mental health diagnosis which could affect your insurance rates or your ability to obtain health insurance in the future.
• Insurance companies often have restrictions for your care. When you pay privately, your therapist is free to design your treatment based on what she feels is necessary rather than what an insurance company dictates.

Insurance Accounts

If you choose to utilize your insurance coverage, Dakota Counseling and Mediation will bill your insurance company directly. Please understand there is no guarantee your insurance company will cover your services. Ultimately, you are responsible for payment of your account.

• You must pay for your first session at full rate at the close of your session. An adjustment will be made to your account when it is determined that your insurance company will reimburse for the session.
• Even if your insurance covers services, rarely will it cover 100%. Co-payments are required on the date of service.
• If you have an unmet deductible, you will be responsible for payment of the full fee on the date of service until the deductible is met.
• Insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis for coverage, and your company may exclude certain diagnoses. If your diagnosis is excluded from your plan, you are responsible for your charges.
• Most insurance plans do not cover marriage therapy or group therapy.

Many insurance plans or managed care contracts require treatment plans or will contact your therapist to pre-certify further treatment. You will be asked to sign a form giving consent for your therapist to release such information to your insurance carrier in order for you to continue to receive treatment.

It is extremely important that you understand the coverage your insurance policy provides. This includes required documentation, exclusions, number of covered sessions, and other limitations. Although I am willing to provide assistance, ultimately it is your responsibility to stay abreast of your coverage. Your policy is a contract between you and your carrier.

Late Cancellations and No-Shows

Please give 24 hour notice if you are unable to make your appointment. Failure to provide this notice will result in a fee of $50.00 which must be paid prior to receiving further care. Two late cancellations or no-shows will result in termination of services at Dakota Counseling & Mediation.

Delinquent Accounts

Although most charges will be paid for at the time of service, Lori reserves the right to terminate care for clients who carry an unpaid balance of personal responsibility of $200.00 or more.

Fee Agreements

If you are experiencing a financial hardship and are not able to pay full fee for your therapy, it may be possible to discuss a fee agreement that meets your needs and does not jeopardize the financial operation of this business.

Collections

If it becomes necessary to utilize a collection agency for an unpaid balance, your account will be charged an additional 30% to cover the costs of the collection agency.

Returned Checks

A fee of $40.00 will be assessed for a returned check.