Fees, Payment & FAQ

THE INVESTMENT

Choosing to investment in psychological services is one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself. One way to think about the financial investment is that the clarity and self-understanding will expand you in ways that are both priceless and yours to keep forever. An assessment can provide answers to lifelong questions, increase understanding to why certain challenges exist, and give you a specific plan for change— how much is that worth to you?

Assessment & Evaluation Fees

Psychological evaluations screen for and address issues related to neurodiversity, mood states, anxiety, trauma, as well as learning differences and challenges. Depending on the question, I also integrate neuro-psychological tools to get specifics for how your brain is processing information.

I offer a range of different service options:

  • Basic Rate/Level 1: A level 1 is a focused approach to explore aspecific inquiry related to ADHD, an autistic brain style, or other clinical question (e.g. OCD, BPD, etc). A brief approach is not suited for complex differential diagnosis, as it does not provide or document an in-depth analysis, or customized recommendations. A Level 1 evaluation will receive a brief letter (1-3 pages) that summarizes only the significant findings and any relevant diagnosis (if results determine that any apply). The basic/Level 1 rate is $2,295.

  • Standard Rate/Level 2: A Level 2 standard rate provides an evaluation that can address one specific diagnostic inquiry related to ADHD, autism, or other specific clinical question (e.g. OCD, BPD, etc), and is more thorough and extensive in an effort to explore the specific nuances of your lived experience. A standard evaluation provides a detailed 15-20 page written report that describes an analysis of your strengths, areas of challenge and difference, as well as a copy of your test scores, data summaries, and customized recommendations and resources specific to your unique profile that you can implement right away. A level 2 is an effective tool for providing a nuanced understanding to your lived experiences and providing a specific plan for improving health and wellbeing. A standard option is required for addressing academic accommodations. Standard/Level 2 rate is $3,495.

  • Standard Plus/Level 3: A Level 3 is the same depth of a Level 2 but expands our focus to include multiple questions at one time. For individuals requesting differential diagnosis or exploring co-occuring conditions related to both ADHD and/or autism, or other clinical questions such as OCD, complex trauma/PTSD, dissociative disorders, psychosis, or other learning/cognitive disabilities/issues that require academic and IQ testing, a Level 3 evaluation is the comprehensive option. A Standard Plus assessment will explore multiple clinical questions that can cover the scope of neurodevelopmental, cognitive, and/or psychological symptoms in one comprehensive assessment. Standard plus/Level 3 rate is $4,595.

Flat-rate pricing includes the time for intake and diagnostic interviews, neuropsychological testing, review of records, obtaining collateral data (i.e., completing interviews), and the visual summary and recommendations session. Support with follow-up documentation (i.e., applying for accommodations, etc) is also included for Levels 2 or 3 (up to 1 hour within one year of testing; additional offered at hourly rate).

In summary, for flat rate evaluations, the basic/Level 1 rate is $2,295, standard/Level 2 rate is $3,495, and the standard plus/Level 3 rate is $4,595.

Hourly Assessment Rate

While most assessment questions are best resolved through a flat fee, I also offer an hourly rate depending on the context. Hourly rate is $310 + cost of materials. Cost of materials will vary depending on the assessment measures needed.

  • Hourly rates work well for pre-surgical referral letters for clients seeking gender-affirming procedures.

  • If you’re not sure you’re ready or in need of a formal assessment, but curious to find out more, an hourly rate can provide an opportunity for diagnostic screening. In a screening we can explore your risk factors and probability rates regarding specific assessment questions.

If you are wondering if an hourly approach would work for you, please contact me for a free consultation. We will discuss the goals you have and I will provide an estimate regarding time and the cost of materials.

Individual Therapy Fees

$220 for 45 minutes

$290 for 60 minutes


Couples/Partner & Family Therapy Fees

$315 for 60 minutes
$390 for 75 minutes
**Please note that a 75-minute meeting is required for the initial couples/partners appointment.**

Payment

Payments can be made by cash, check, FSA, HSA, or credit card. For assessments, half payment is due at the time of our intake session, and second half is due at our final feedback session (or 30 days after intake, whichever comes first). For therapy, payment is due on date of service.

Insurance & Superbills

In an effort to increase accessibility for students in need, I am considered in-network with UCSF students who qualify for SHIP/Anthem benefits.

I am considered an out of network provider for all other insurance plans, and I do not bill any other insurance companies directly. Your services should be eligible for reimbursement through out-of-network benefits or health care savings accounts. Health insurance plans and benefits vary, therefore please call your insurance provider to inquire about reimbursement for out-of-network services. Some clients have reported full coverage (!) while others receive partial reimbursement.

I will gladly offer the appropriate superbills to support your reimbursement process. For therapy sessions, I provide super bills per session. For assessments, I provide your final superbill once all services have concluded.

Cancellation Policy

Contact me as soon as possible if you need to cancel/reschedule a session. If you cancel your appointment less than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment, you may be required to pay a late cancellation fee equivalent to my current hourly rate.

No Surprises Act

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of what your services may cost.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers, email FederalPPDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov, or call 1- 800-985-3059.


Frequently Asked Questions

For questions about what an evaluation entails, click here (scroll down)

Why do I prioritize a flat rate instead of an hourly rate?

In my experience in serving communities with differences and disabilities, I have found that some clients need extra time, more support, or simply need to move through the process at their own pace. I have no intention of rushing people through this process- we want to be as thorough as possible. For these reasons, I find that an hourly rate can be burdensome, as it runs the risk of charging the clients most in need with a higher cost. My desire in offering affirming and accessible services found that a flat rate is a more equitable option so that everyone pays the same for the process, no matter how long they take.

Why does a client need an evaluation to obtain a diagnosis? Does obtaining a diagnosis really matter?

I recognize the value of self-diagnosis and do not believe that formal evaluations are necessary for everyone. However, many systems still require evaluations to access care, and my approach to providing affirming assessment services aims to minimize potential harm for those who need them. I believe that, when conducting these evaluations, we can go beyond traditional diagnostic frameworks by analyzing your strengths and differences. This allows us to develop a unique profile and create personalized recommendations that you can implement right away.

Why do assessments seem expensive?

In addition to the time we spend in session, there is more time spent outside of the session to plan and prepare, score, interpret, synthesize data, and create a comprehensive written document that details your unique results. Patients don’t come to me to cut corners- Instead, they come to me for an empirically valid and reliable evaluation to increase accuracy of diagnosis and reduce risk of mis-diagnosis. Costs of standardized testing materials and office overhead also contribute to total costs. My credentials and the quality of my assessments also meet requirements for accommodations and disability requests. Over the years I have had clients come to me for a follow-up assessment after receiving a previous assessment by an MFT or LCSW due to limitations of their documentation.

As an experienced board-certified psychologist, I have spent over 15 years learning, training, and practicing methods that are supported by research and client experiences in order to create a cutting-edge assessment process that is flexible, responsive, and is sensitive to the needs of diverse communities. Being board-certified means I have met the highest level of certification in the field of psychology which services as a verification and validation of my advanced skills and competencies. I am honestly so proud to have obtained this status as a queer woman of color.

With that said, in response to increased need and demand for services in the community, I recently re-structured my evaluation packages to now offer an assessment option at a reduced rate for clients to improve opportunities for access (hourly and Level 1). I developed the Level 1 model as a method to reduce time spent outside of the session but does not compromise on the integrity of the evaluation protocol. By only providing a brief summary letter to document the significant conclusions, more clients are able to access medications and engage in appropriate treatment.

I can also meet with you on an hourly basis to customize an approach that may meet your needs and fit within your budget. Contact me for a consult and we can go over the details.