Whether you are going to a therapist for the first time or have already seen many, it’s essential to have a good idea of what questions you should be asking your therapist. This article will help you answer those questions to get the most out of your experience.
Do you take insurance?
Having a health insurance plan can save you money on therapy sessions. However, it cannot be apparent if you are new to therapy and need to know what your insurance plan covers. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the best cure for your budget.
First, ask your therapist if they accept your insurance plan. Most therapists in Manhattan are familiar with your insurance and can help you with the process. Some insurance plans allow you to request a pre-authorization before your first session.
It would be best if you also asked your insurance carrier what your out-of-pocket expenses will be. Typically, an insurance company reimburses between 50% and 80% of the costs of your therapy sessions. Depending on your plan, you may be required to pay a co-pay. You should also know how much your sessions will cost before your insurance coverage starts.
Determining whether your therapy is covered in or out of the network is also essential. You may have to pay more for treatment if your plan is out of network. In addition, your sessions may be billed with a deductible.
Do you offer payment plans?
Using a payment plan to sell your products or services may sound like a bad idea, but it’s a good idea for some reasons:
- It gives you control over your customers’ credit card information.
- It can help you better serve your customers by providing the working capital you need to keep your business afloat.
- It can make you a little more money and improve your bottom line.
To get started, you’ll need to decide which payment plan provider you want to use. Aside from your credit card details, you’ll need a Stripe account. In addition, you’ll need to ensure you have a decent amount of credit card processing capacity to offer your customers the best possible service. You’ll also want to research the best plans available in your area. If you do, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a credit card pro.
Do you have third-party payment platforms?
You may prefer low-cost video conferencing options to deliver your therapy services. Zoom would be an example of this. In this scenario, accepting credit card payments using a third-party service provider like Square may make sense. This might be a good option for solo therapists to get their feet wet. Please deliver online sessions to a small clientele and have smaller fees to charge (e.g., under $120 a session).
Others choose to run payments through third-party card processors like Stripe or PayPal. These payments are simple and low-risk, but it’s a little complicated. While they have low fees for processing Visa and Mastercard transactions, they can demand high reserves on small businesses (e.g., 20% of revenue). Sometimes third parties will only pay you after 14 days. Considering that the average therapist charges $100-$200 per therapy session, you could be holding back your growth. Also, you want daily payments, not biweekly.