questions
What do I do if someone I know is in a serious crisis and needs help immediately? Or if I need help immediately?
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or harming others, please call 911 immediately or go to a hospital emergency room. Another option is to go to the Crisis Walk-In Clinic (CWIC) at Sheppard Pratt Hospital.
Crisis Admission: https://www.sheppardpratt.org/care-services/crisis-admission/
Psychiatric Urgent Care: https://www.sheppardpratt.org/care-finder/psychiatric-urgent-care/
Do you meet for therapy online, in person or both?
I meet with clients exclusively online, using the Zoom platform. After many years of meeting clients for therapy in a traditional office, I transitioned to online during the pandemic. My experience is that online therapy is a well-liked, incredibly effective and efficient format, so I’ve stayed online.
My clients tell me they love meeting online for the convenience, for the time it saves in commuting to my former office (which was in busy downtown Towson) and for the complete confidentiality it provides. They appreciate the ability to talk from the comfort and security of their home, office, parked car or favorite outside space. Many even meet with me while on vacation or traveling for work.
Can I speak with you first before I schedule an appointment?
Yes absolutely! I offer a free, no-pressure consultation. This is a time to clarify your needs, get answers to your questions and for us both to confirm that we’re a good fit. An average consultation runs about 15-30 minutes. Please email me at dawnlewis1@gmail.com to schedule a time.
What times and days are available for a session?
Sessions are available Monday through Thursday. Available slots vary weekly.
What are your rates?
My rates are:
- Regular 50-Minute Session: $140
- Extended 80-Minute Session: $225
- Document Prep: $140-$260
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider so I do not work directly with insurance companies. This is due to the limitations in treatment choice and confidentiality that occur when using health insurance. (If you would like further explanation about these issues, please feel free to email me.)
To get reimbursed for out-of-network therapy, I would be glad to provide you with a receipt (called a “superbill”) that you can submit for reimbursement. Since insurance providers and plans vary in their out-of-network coverage, it’s best to call the member number listed on your insurance card and ask the following questions:
- Am I covered for individual psychotherapy?
- Do I have coverage to see an out-of-network provider?
- How much is my deductible? (Often the deductible is the same for either in or out-of-network.)
- What percentage of the fee is reimbursed?
I process all payments through the Square platform, which accepts the following methods of payment:
- All major credit cards
- Debit cards
- HSA (Health Savings Account) cards
- FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards
THE NO SURPRISES ACT
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, yhou 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.
(Reprinted from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)
