How Does Therapy Work?
We will meet for an initial consultation. During this session, I will gather a detailed history so that I can understand your experiences and help you set goals for treatment. If we decide that I am not the best fit for your needs, I will provide you with referrals for other, more suitable, providers.
Initially, weekly 55-minute sessions are recommended.
During therapy, I will help you recognize behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that have been holding you back and limiting your potential. I will provide you with effective techniques and skills, while empowering you to move towards growth.
Fees and insurance
I am an in-network provider with BCBS. For all other plans, I can work with you as an out-of-network provider.
Many of my clients who use their out-of-network benefits get reimbursed a percentage of the per session fee. Some clients choose to use their Health or Flex Account, which may cover all of it and allows tax advantages.
If you wish to use out-of-network benefits, check your plan to determine coverage for out-of-network providers. Ask whether there is a deductible for out-of-network coverage and what percentage they reimburse for psychotherapy (CPT code 90837).
If requested, I can either file claims on your behalf or provide you with a monthly receipt called a Superbill. You may submit that to obtain any available fee reimbursement based on your plan. Please look into this before contacting me if reimbursement is a critical part of your decision making.
Cost of therapy
My fee per individual psychotherapy session is $185. Payment is due at time of service. A credit card will be kept on file to cover session fees, copays, etc.
Hours
I offer day-time appointments (9 AM-3 PM) during the week. My services are provided exclusively via teletherapy.
Teletherapy
I currently provide all services exclusively via teletherapy and do not provide in-office face-to-face appointments.
Rescheduling Policy
I have a 48-hour rescheduling policy, with the exception of emergency situations. I ask that you please notify me 48 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment if you need to reschedule or cancel. In the event of a no-show or late cancellation, the full session fee ($150) applies. I understand sometimes life happens and things need to be rescheduled and I am happy to help find a new time for your appointments. With sufficient notice, I can often find a new time within the same day or week. If you need clarification or have questions about my scheduling policy, please do not hesitate to contact me.
What is therapy like?
In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process – such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals.
I am a doctoral-level licensed psychologist in North Carolina; I have expertise in various evidence-based treatments for adults and am committed to providing scientifically validated interventions. I work with a diverse population, including trauma, insomnia, mood disorders, anxiety, and relationship problems. I take my work and clinical specializations seriously and continue to devote a considerable amount of time and effort to advance my training and professional development. For your convenience, my services are provided via telehealth.
Dr. Sara Michelson
Licensed Psychologist Chapel Hill N.C.