Fees

• Private or Self-Pay Assessment:  While assessment fees are calculated based on your specific referral question and reduced/bulk pricing, comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations can range from $3500 to $6500 depending on the questions asked and the time involved. I ask for half of the payment upon meeting for the first testing session, and the second half when you receive the written report/parent interpretation.  Assessment fees are flat-rate in nature, and the total cost will be provided to you in advance of scheduling any appointments so there are no surprises or billing after-the-fact.  
• Independent Evaluation: “Independent Educational Evaluations” are authorized and paid for at public (district) expense. While I am a neutral third party, and will be paid directly through a contract with the district/educational entity for a flat-fee price, I do not “work for” either the district or the parent; in these cases, I work for the student and clarify the student’s needs based on the data gathered.   
• In either case, should I be called as an Expert Witness or to testify in a fair hearing, my hourly or flat rates for preparation, travel time, and testimony are double my normal hourly rate, as these events are usually on late notice, often require cancellation of other clients, and are extremely stressful!

Consultation and Counseling

• Consultation, counseling, and training fees are $175 per hour. 
• LEP’s are licensed mental health professionals who are qualified to provide counseling in areas of training and expertise!  If you are a self-pay counseling client, you will receive a Good Faith Estimate of total costs before beginning any service that would otherwise be considered a healthcare service. 

Are these services covered by insurance? As mentioned in the “About Me” section, I am not a provider on any healthcare panel, and therefore do not accept insurance payment.  Be aware that  Psychoeducational Assessments are not typically covered by healthcare insurance, though elements of an assessment may or may not be partially reimbursed to you at a MediCal rate if you have approval to seek services out of network.  I can provide you with the appropriate information/superbill so that you can be reimbursed by your insurance company if you have authorization to provide them with a bill for such services.  If you intend to seek reimbursement for counseling or portions of assessment, let me recommend that you obtain pre-approval for out-of-network services before meeting with me, and to get clear feedback about the reimbursement rates (beware that you may be offered a percent of “usual and customary rates” that are not well-defined, unless you get specifics).  I am happy to give you some ideas about talking with your insurance company before you make those calls.  

 “That’s the real problem with kids who struggle with learning … Some kids feel like they’re stupid.       I want them to know that they’re not. They just learn differently. Once they understand that and have the tools to learn in their individual way, then they can feel good about themselves.”

Charles Schwab