New Clients

The first step in getting started is to schedule a free 15-20 minute telephone consultation.  You can call or text me at 424.877.0019 or email me at jonibethwhitney@gmail.com.  Topics covered will generally include:

  • Your reason for seeking treatment with me including how you were referred and some history of the problem
  • History of previous treatment including any diagnoses and current medication
  • Identifying immediate treatment goals and tentative strategies for meeting them
  • Insurance and fees
  • Deciding if this feels like a “good fit” and, if so, scheduling a first appointment

Next, you will receive an email from me requesting specific information from you,  with links to the documents you will need to read and sign before our first appointment.  It can seem like a lot, so please read the instructions for each form.  The link to my “virtual waiting room” will be included.

 

Insurance Instructions

As a licensed clinical psychologist, treatment with me is typically covered to some extent by medical insurance plans. However because I am out-of-network with most insurance, you may wish to contact your insurance company to learn what your exact coverage is. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

  • Do I have mental health benefits?
  • What is my annual deductible and has it been met?
  • Is the deductible for mental health services separate from the deductible for physical health services?
  • Is my deductible based on a calendar year or another 12-month cycle?
  • How many psychotherapy sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
  • How much does my plan cover for an out-of- network provider?
  • If coverage is expressed as a percentage, is that percentage based on the actual fee charged?
  • If my coverage is a percentage based on “reasonable and customary fees”, what is the maximum fee for a 52-60 minutes individual psychotherapy session (CPT or service code 90837)? These amounts vary considerably among insurance companies, can often be very low and may cap the actual amount you get reimbursed.

As an out-of-network provider, I collect fees directly from you and provide you with a Super Bill with all the information needed for filing your insurance claims.