Policies & FAQs
We value our clients’ right to privacy and to have a voice in their care during the therapeutic process. Read more
Financial Responsibility
At Thrive Therapy, we value our clients right to privacy and to have a voice in their care during the therapeutic process, therefore we do not accept insurance. Therapists that accept insurance work under the constraints of the managed care companies and are not always able to provide the quality of services you or your child deserves. We want to provide you with the below information regarding why we do not accept insurance benefits for mental health services so that you can make an educated decision regarding your or your child’s care.
Cost of Therapy
Our fees vary based on the type of service that is provided and are competitive with other mental health practitioners in the area.
Service | Fee |
Biopsychosocial Assessment | $165.00 per 60 minute session |
Individual Therapy Sessions | $135.00 per 50 minute session |
Family Therapy Sessions | $235.00 per 1 hour and 30 minute session |
Testing Consultation | $200.00 |
Please be advised that the fee for service is due at the time the service is rendered. Payments can be provided via cash, check, and/or credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. All credit card transactions will accrue a 3.00% convenience fee. For returned checks you will be charged the current bank fee of $20.00. Returned checks must be picked up within three (3) business days and the full amount due including the bank fee must be paid in cash.
Surprise Medical Bills: Your Rights & Protections
When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing.
Cancellation Policy
At Thrive Therapy, we value our clients time and commitment to treatment, therefore we reserve for you a full hour of our time for your session and clinical notes. If it is necessary for you to cancel an appointment, a notice of 48 business hours (2 business days) is required prior to your scheduled appointment day and time or the full fee for services of $135.00 will be charged to your credit card on file. A cancelled appointment delays our work and we are rarely able to fill a cancelled session unless our office in notified at least 48 hours in advance. In the case of inclement weather and/or illness of the therapist, the therapist will notify you by telephone prior to your scheduled session of the cancelation. Otherwise, all sessions will continue as scheduled for your reserved time slot. If you cancel two consecutive times, you will be at risk of losing your designated time slot for your appointment. If you provide a late cancelation or do not show for your appointment, you will be charged the day of your missed appointment via your credit card on file the full fee for service of $135.00
General FAQs
How do I know if my child or I need counseling?
We serve as individuals that help you navigate through your psychological growth. If you or your child are having difficulty with functioning or adjusting to stressors at school, work, or home it may be time to schedule an appointment. Generally, a teacher or physician may bring up a concern that may be best addressed in counseling.
How many counseling sessions will my child or I need?
Your counselor will gather information in the initial assessment to collaboratively create a treatment plan. The amount of sessions needed vary based on the client and their needs, however the average client attends treatment for 10-12 weeks. Some clients require further sessions and others require less.
Does Thrive Therapy accept my insurance?
At Thrive Therapy, we value our client’s privacy and to have a voice in their care during their time in counseling, therefore we do not accept insurance. In order to be reimbursed by insurance, a diagnosis of a mental disorder needs to be provided. This is something that stays in your or your child’s records indefinitely. The majority of our clients are not struggling with mental illness. Several insurance companies do provide resimbursement for out-of-network therapists, but the deductible has to be met first and a mental health diagnosis will still need to be provided. Please see the Cost of Therapy section above for more information.
How does out-of-network insurance billing work?
Thrive Therapy is registered to bill as an out-of-network provider for most insurance companies. The benefit of out-of-network services is that the client has the ability to choose their desired provider and not be limited by the contracted in-network providers. The disadvantage is having to provide a mental diagnosis that will stay in your or your child’s record indefinitely. For billing purposes, we collect the full rate at time of service. Then as a courtesy we will submit an out-of-network claim on your behalf. Depending on your benefits plan and once your out-of-network deductible has been met, you may be eligible for reimbursement at a percentage of the session rate. Reimbursement will be sent directly to you from your insurance company. We encourage you to contact your insurance company to inquire about your specific out-of-network coverage as not all plans have out-of-network coverage.
What type of payment is accepted?
Thrive Therapy requires that payment for services be rendered at time of service. We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
What is confidentiality?
Confidentiality is the privileged communication between a client and their counselor. At Thrive Therapy we pride ourselves in keeping your personal information and concerns private. In short, what is said in counseling, stays in counseling. Limits to confidentiality include; if there is suspected child or elder abuse, threat to harm yourself or others, and/or if records are subpoenaed by a judge.
Do children have the right to confidentiality?
Confidentiality is different when working with a child. As a child’s legal guardian, the parent has a right to know what goes on in the therapy session. However, at Thrive Therapy we feel strongly that the therapeutic relationship is most effective when the child has a level of privacy. Children are more likely to open up in sessions when they are not in fear that the therapist will be relaying all information back to the parent. Overall themes, feelings, and progress will be discussed with parents. Confidentiality is broken if/when a child discloses something that may be harmful to the themselves or others.
Who can provide play therapy to my child?
As with other helping professions, it is important that services be provided by a trained professional in the field of counseling. A “Registered Play Therapist” is a counselor that has undergone extensive training to become certified by the Association for Play Therapy. Many professionals may say that they work with children, however do your research and ask questions to clarify the level of training they have undergone to specialize in working with your child.
What do I tell my child about counseling?
It is important to explain to your child, in an age appropriate manner, about counseling and why they are attending prior to their initial appointment. You may want to say “We are going to talk to someone that works with children to help you feel better”. Explain to the child that they will be going to meet Ms. Rachel or Ms. Elizabeth and have their own special time to play and talk with their therapist. It can also be helpful to show your child a picture of their therapist prior to the assessment to help build reassurance before their appointment.
How can I ask my child about their sessions or progress in therapy?
It is detrimental to the child’s progress to pressure your child to talk about their sessions. In order for a trusting therapeutic relationship to grow and healthy self-expression be made, a level of privacy needs to be upheld. The therapist will relay to the parent information from sessions in regards to the child’s safety and/or vital information if it arises.
Who do I call in case of an emergency?
Thrive Therapy is not set-up for crisis intervention. Please direct all emergencies to SalusCare at 239-275-3222, David Lawrence Center at 239-455-8500, or 9-1-1.
Testing FAQs
What is psycho-educational testing?
Psychoeducational testing is administered in a one-on-one setting with a qualified professional. This comprehensive evaluation is designed to measure a child’s cognitive processing abilities (including logical reasoning, memory, attention, and executive functioning), current level of academic knowledge in various subject areas, and to screen social, behavioral, and emotional functioning. Many parents worry that getting a psychoeducational assessment means there is something wrong with their child. This is a myth. A psychoeducational assessment is a way to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses in many different areas. Not only are these insights empowering but also act as a roadmap for ensuring your child learns and develops to their full potential. Knowing which natural strengths you should help your child to develop is important to improving their happiness and quality of life in the future.
Who would benefit from testing?
All children have difficulties at school from time to time academically, socially and behaviorally. However, if your child continues to struggle greatly and consistently in certain areas despite having classroom accommodations or additional help being provided, it would likely be valuable to seek out a psychoeducational assessment. Additionally, some signs that your child would probably benefit from a psychoeducational assessment include:
- A progressively worsening attitude toward school
- Persistently disruptive behavior in class
- Consistent difficulty focusing on tasks
- Poor performance in one specific area or subject
- Difficulty remembering what they have studied
- Performing poorly in test despite having studied for it
- Reports of appearing “bored” and not engaged
- Frequent emotional outbursts and difficulty self-regulating
- Struggle to communicate with same age peers
- Interest in qualifying for gifted program at school
- Difficulty in social situations and social problem solving
What type of clinician can do testing?
Psychoeducational testing is completed by a clinically trained examiner. Usually a Licensed Psychologist or Licensed School Psychologist with years of education and experience administering, scoring, and interpreting assessments. A highly trained psychometrician can also administer testing and act as a supportive professional to the Psychologist.
What is the testing process at Thrive Therapy?
At Thrive, we don’t just administer testing and provide the results. We pride ourselves on our extensive explanation of the results during your feedback session, as well as individualized next steps and ways to support your child. Additionally, we are in your corner and available to advocate for your child at their school meetings. A comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation at Thrive will include:
- Initial interview to gain background information and the reason for testing or concerns
- Review of records, either medical, academic, or psychiatric
- Standardized testing in areas of intelligence, academic achievement, attention, memory, and emotional functioning
- School observation, if needed
- Testing is scored and interpreted and a comprehensive evaluation is written
- Feedback session to provide testing results
- Possible education diagnosis is discussed, and a list of individualized recommendations are provided
Will my insurance cover testing?
Yes and no. While such testing can be extremely valuable and worthwhile, health insurance companies do not consider psychoeducational testing a medical service. Instead, they look at it as being the responsibility of either the child’s parents or sometimes the school district. Insurance companies cover testing that is considered “medically necessary”. This usually means that the ‘educational’ parts of psychoeducational evaluations are not covered because academic functioning isn’t considered “medically necessary” by most insurance companies. Instead, you pay for the psychoeducational evaluation out of pocket, and we will provide you with an itemized receipt called a superbill. You can then submit the superbill to your insurance company for them to process. The amount you paid will either: go towards meeting your annual deductible, or, you’ll get reimbursed a percentage of your cost if you’ve met your deductible. Please contact your insurance company for more information.
How can I prepare my child for testing?
It is important to normalize the testing processes, many children receive testing. It is not necessary for your child to prepare with studying material and coaching your child will not be needed. Tell them that the will be “answering some questions to identify their strengths and areas that need improvement” and to “do your best”. Make sure they are well rested, well feed and hydrated. Expect to provide a great deal of information detailing both your child’s medical and developmental history and their current social and behavioral functioning. Come prepared with any relevant medical reports and your child’s academic records and be ready to schedule a number of hours for your child to receive one-on-one testing. Testing is completed over several morning sessions depending on your child’s stamina.
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Fort Myers, FL
The Woodlands, TX
What happens at your first appointment?
What To Expect At Your First Appointment
At your first appointment, we conduct a Biopsychosocial assessment discussing personal background information and presenting concerns. Upon completion of the assessment, your therapist will advise you as to the appropriate plan of care. Typically sessions are provided on a weekly basis based on the level of care needed. Although clients present with individualized needs, the average clients attends treatment for 10-12 sessions. Some client require further sessions and others require less. Individual sessions last for 50 minutes. Family sessions last for 1 hour and 30 minutes. All sessions are by appointment only. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9:00am-6:00pm. Flexible evening appointments are available.
Prior to your first session, you will be provided with access to the client portal. There you will be able to fill out and review your intake paperwork. We will be glad to answer any questions about the paperwork at your assessment.