Financial FAQ

Do you work with insurance?

I currently take Aenta, United Health/Optum.

I can work out of network with some other insurers.

Do you offer superbills?

Yes, we can offer a superbill; however, often insureres say we are INN when we are not causing heartache. I prefer to let all clients know that they are responsible for their bill whether or not their insurance will cover it.

How much is your fee?

My fee is $185 per 50-55 minute clinical hour or $275 per 90 minute session. I do not, at this time, offer a sliding scale. I do offer discounts to families who have multiple sessions per week (i.e. if I am working with parents and children).

What is your cancellation policy?

I have a 24 Hour cancellation policy.

On court involvement, document production, deposition and all things legal:

I charge my hourly rate in 15 minute increments for all the time involved in any legal case. This includes travel, documentation, letter writing, phone calls with lawyers, court time, waiting at court time, etc. I.e. if you are at court, and I am requested to be there for 8 hours- I will bill the 8 hours, plus any travel time, prep time, etc.

Good Faith Estimate Notice

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. This is called a Good Faith Estimate.

Your Rights

  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency services, including psychotherapy.

  • You can ask your provider for a Good Faith Estimate in writing before you schedule a service.

  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

  • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate for your records.

How It Works

  • Session Fee: $275/ session [length of session, e.g., 50 minutes]

  • Estimated Frequency: [e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, or as determined with you]

  • Duration of Treatment: The number of sessions depends on your personal needs and goals. We will discuss your treatment plan together and review it as needed.

Example

If sessions are $275 each and you attend weekly for 12 weeks, the estimated cost would be:
$275 × 12 sessions = $3,300

This is only an example. Your actual costs may be higher or lower, depending on your treatment plan.

Questions or Disputes

If you believe you have been billed in a way that violates your Good Faith Estimate, you may contact:

  • The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) at 1-800-985-3059

  • Or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises for more information.

General FAQs

Do you write letters of any kind?

I do not write any recommendation letters, letters about diagnosis, emotional support animal letters, or medical recommendation letters (including clearance letters) due to both liability and confidentiality reasons.

Working with minors:

In the state of CA, LMFTs are required to maintain complete confidentiality after a minor turns 12 years old. This means that parents have no access to their child’s chart or documentation if they are 12 or older EVEN if they have signed the consents for therapy.

I generally want to involve parents and family in the therapeutic process; however, it is ultimately the child’s choice and decision.

Exceptions: If the minor at any time is engaging in harmful behavior that puts themselves or others in danger or at risk- I can involve parents into the treatment and disclose information in order to maintain safety.

If you have an active CUSTODY case or custody has been an ongoing issue, the only people who can legally consent to the release of the records is minor’s counsel or a judge. This is to protect the child’s privacy and prevent the weaponization of the child’s mental health during custody hearings.

Do you have a physical location?

Currently, I am moving my practice from Whittier, CA to Murrieta, CA and am in between office space. All of my appointments are virtual until an office space is secured.

What are your hours of operation?

You can look at my available session times at: https://kristin-martinez.clientsecure.me/