Insurance & Rates
do you accept insurance?
I am an in-network provider for Anthem/Blue Cross insurance. (If you have Blue Cross/Blue Shield, I would be considered in-network but not if you only have Blue Shield.) If you have any other insurance provider and have out-of-network benefits, some psychotherapy services may be covered by your health insurance provider; however, coaching services are not covered at all.
What Are your fees for psychotherapy or coaching?
During your phone consultation, we will discuss your needs, treatment options, fees, and options for budgeting services. I am sometimes able to offer a reduced fee for psychotherapy services in the case of financial hardship. I do not offer a reduced fee for coaching services. If, after we consult, you are not able to afford psychotherapy with me, I will provide you with referrals to providers who can offer low-fee or reduced rate services.
How do I know what my insurance will cover?
To utilize your health insurance plan for psychotherapy sessions, contact your health insurance provider by calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card.
Helpful questions to ask are:
1. Are mental health/behavioral health services covered under my plan?
2. Are any pre-authorizations required before initiating services? (This is sometimes the case with HMO plans.)
3. Is any coverage provided for seeing an out-of-network provider?
4. Do I have a deductible that must be met before the plan covers all or part of the session fees? How much of that deductible has been met already?
5. What is considered the customary and reasonable rate for a provider in the 90212 zip code who bills under the CPT codes 90791, 90834, and 90837? How much of that rate will be reimbursed after meeting the deductible?
Helpful questions to ask are:
1. Are mental health/behavioral health services covered under my plan?
2. Are any pre-authorizations required before initiating services? (This is sometimes the case with HMO plans.)
3. Is any coverage provided for seeing an out-of-network provider?
4. Do I have a deductible that must be met before the plan covers all or part of the session fees? How much of that deductible has been met already?
5. What is considered the customary and reasonable rate for a provider in the 90212 zip code who bills under the CPT codes 90791, 90834, and 90837? How much of that rate will be reimbursed after meeting the deductible?
What forms of Payment do you accept?
All sessions may be paid for using a credit card, debit card, or Google Pay. In-person sessions may also be paid for by cash or check.
Coaching & Psychotherapy
Are coaching and psychotherapy the same thing?
No. While there are some similarities between coaching and psychotherapy, they are very different activities. Both coaching and psychotherapy utilize knowledge of human behavior, motivation and behavioral change and employ interactive counseling techniques, but there are major differences in the relationship, focus of the work, and level of professional responsibility.
Psychotherapy primarily focuses on the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and nervous disorders. Since psychotherapy clients are expected to discuss very intimate personal information and feelings about themselves, the relationship with and responsibilities conferred upon the therapist are very different than that in coaching. The relationship between a coach and client is designed to be much more direct and challenging than in psychotherapy. The focus of the work is narrow, and the success of the enterprise depends on your willingness to take risks and try new approaches.
Psychotherapy primarily focuses on the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and nervous disorders. Since psychotherapy clients are expected to discuss very intimate personal information and feelings about themselves, the relationship with and responsibilities conferred upon the therapist are very different than that in coaching. The relationship between a coach and client is designed to be much more direct and challenging than in psychotherapy. The focus of the work is narrow, and the success of the enterprise depends on your willingness to take risks and try new approaches.
Can I utilize your coaching services while also seeing you for psychotherapy?
The roles of coach and psychotherapist are often in potential conflict, and I believe that, under most circumstances, it is ethically inappropriate for one to play both roles with a client, whether concurrently or sequentially. Positive change is difficult enough without having to worry about role confusion. This means that if either of us recognizes that you have a problem that would benefit from psychotherapeutic intervention, I will refer you to appropriate resources rather than provide that help myself.
Linda J. Hoffman, PsyD | PSY26518
