Sauna Therapy Frequently Asked Questions and Policies
Sauna Therapy Policies
Discover Policies about Practice and Use While Seeking Therapy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Therapy Right For Me?
People pursue therapy for a variety of unique reasons. Some individuals may require therapy to address issues such as anxiety and depression, while others may seek help in addressing childhood trauma. There is no universally “correct” or “incorrect,” “valid” or “invalid” rationale for seeking therapy. Collaborating with a therapist can offer you the understanding, perspective, and techniques necessary to confront any kind of difficulty that might arise in your life. Therapy is a suitable choice for anyone interested in reclaiming control of their life, aiming to enhance their self-awareness, and striving for a more positive and promising future.
What can I expect with a 15-minute consultation?
Your initial meeting will be conducted by a certified therapist and is a chance for you to privately discuss your motivations for pursuing therapy and gain insights into how Sauna Therapy can offer the most suitable assistance. In the course of this consultation, we’ll pair you with a therapist who can cater to your individual needs, objectives, and specifications. If it turns out that Sauna Therapy isn’t the ideal match for you, we’ll be more than happy to offer recommendations for other suitable providers.
What Should I expect from an initial session with my therapist?
In your initial therapy session, your therapist will dedicate time to understanding you better and what specific areas you’d like to address in your therapy journey. Alongside gaining insights into your current life situation, they may inquire about your personal history to provide a more comprehensive context. Toward the end of the session, your therapist will reserve time to address any questions you have and discuss the practical details of your future appointments.
How Long Should I expect to be in therapy?
Therapy is a journey that varies from person to person. For some, it involves addressing a specific issue in a shorter time frame, while others may seek to heal more profound emotional wounds. Some clients simply desire ongoing support to navigate life’s challenges without rigid time constraints.
At the outset, you and your therapist will have a conversation about your therapeutic goals. As your therapy progresses, your needs and objectives may evolve. Your therapist will periodically assess your progress to ensure that your goals are being addressed and that the therapy remains a valuable and satisfying experience for you.
What is Your Cancelation Policy?
When you make an appointment with me, you are reserving that time for yourself. If you cancel with more than 48 hours notice (M-F), that gives me time to try to fill your space, and you will not be charged. You will not be charged if you are sick or if an urgent matter arises unexpectedly. However, if you cancel an appointment with less than 48 hours notice or forget your appointment, you will be charged the appointment fee plus an additional $20 dollar late fee. I will set up 48-hour reminder texts for each individual in my practice, please pay attention to those reminder texts if you know you need to cancel that week.
I also offer a system that allows individuals who miss their appointment to make up that appointment within that week for no extra cost. If you miss your appointment you will be charged for that session slot, however, you can fill a vacant slot in the same week for a make up at no extra charge.
Is Therapy Confidential?
Your privacy is our number one priority at Sauna Therapy. Everything your therapist and you speak about in your sessions will be kept confidential. You may feel free to share with whomever you choose about your work with your therapist. In times where you may want your therapist to speak with other professionals, or personal family members, verbal or written consent/ permission will be required. Sauna Therapy clinicians may discuss your therapy without any identification for educational and supervisory purposes.
It is important to note however, that there are a few exceptions to confidentiality such as: 1) If your therapist learns of any alleged child/elder abuse or neglect, they are required by law to report this to the State Child Abuse Registry or State Adult Protective Services, 2) If your therapist deems you to be a danger to yourself or others, they may need to break confidentiality in order to assure your safety or the safety of others, and 3) If your therapist is court ordered to disclose information.
COVID-19 and Sick Policy
Due to the turbulent nature of COVID-19, if you or therapist has been exposed to someone with COVID or is experiencing flu-like symptoms, as a policy, sessions will either be cancelled or held virtually and not in-person. There will also be no cancellation fees for sessions.
What Am I allowed to talk about in therapy?
Therapy is a safe space for you to tell your story—in your own words. You might start by telling your therapist about what’s been going on recently that brought you to therapy. From there, you may begin to connect how your current circumstances resonate with past experiences. We can then begin to understand where you’re operating on “autopilot’“ instead of taking an active role in creating the life you want.
Should I do Virtual Therapy?
Virtual therapy offers a secure option for various situations. Whether you’re dealing with time constraints, unexpected challenges, or busy schedules, it can be an ideal choice for expatriates, humanitarian workers, individuals with fast-paced lifestyles, and those who may not have easy access to top-notch mental health care. You can initiate your personal healing journey conveniently and safely from the comfort of your home.
Sauna Therapy also offers hybrid options for clients who would like to utilize the studio for somatic therapy but also continue with weekly check ins virtually as well.
What To Know About Sauna Therapy
Billing Policies
What Does it Mean to Be Out Of network
If my supervisor is not paneled with your insurance company then I would be considered an ‘out-of-network’ provider. This means that you will likely receive reimbursement for part of my services from your insurance company.
Rates
– $150 – 180 -60 minute session
– $100 – 130 45-50 minute sessions
– $200 90-minute session
– $175 – 200 couples therapy
For more information on taking insurance, please visit the Insurance page.
Crime Victims Fund
For more information on accessing our crime victims fund payment options, for more information on The Texas Crime Victims Fund reach out to Paige Swanson directly.
What Should I ask my insurance company?
Here are some questions that might be helpful to ask your insurance company:
• Does my plan offer any out-of-network benefits for mental health?
• Do I have a deductible? If yes, how much of it has already been met?
• Are there any limitations on the number of sessions my plan covers for mental health?
• How much will I be reimbursed per visit when I see an out-of-network mental health provider?
• Do I need prior approval or a referral in order to receive reimbursement for out-of-network mental health care?
What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan licks in and starts to pay. For example, with a $500 deductible, you pay the first $500 of covered services yourself. After you meet your deductible, you usually pay only a copayment or coinsurance for covered services. Your insurance company then pays the rest.
What if Your Fees are Too High?
It is important that you feel comfortable with the financial investment you’re making in therapy. At Sauna Therapy, we do prioritize quality over quantity; therefore, our therapists work with a reasonable caseload size, have ample time for continuing professional education and supervision, and only work with clients who are truly the best fit.
Although our private pay rates are standard for our specializations within the Dallas Metro area, we understand this may not work for everyone. We offer limited number of reduced rate appointments from $100 – $115.
How Do You Accept Payment for Out of Network?
Payment for services is an important part of any professional relationship. I ask that you provide credit card information so that I can charge your co-pays or outstanding balance at each session. I accept all credit and HSA cards.
Court and Record Subpoena
Record Retrieval
If a therapist with Sauna Therapy is to receive a subpoena, then the attorney or office staff will need to call the office and set up a time for the subpoena to be served during office hours. The therapist will request a minimum of 72 business hours notice of any Court appearance so that schedule changes for their clients can be made within a reasonable time frame.
Attendance in Court
Although, I discourage clients from subpoenaing their records, even though you are responsible for the testimony fee, it does not mean that my testimony will be solely in your favor. I can only testify to the facts of the case and to my professional opinion.”
- Billing and Imaging Records for Attorney and Court usage will be billed: $150/hr
- Preparation time (including submission of records): $220/hr
- Phone calls: $220/hr
- Depositions: $250/hour
- Time required in giving testimony: $250/hour
- Mileage: $0.40/mile
- Time away from office due to depositions or testimony: $220/hour
- All attorney fees and costs incurred by the therapist as a result of the legal action.
- Filing a document with the court: $100
- The minimum charge for a court appearance: $1500 and retainer is asked before scheduled court appearance
What If I am in Crisis?
I do not offer crisis services for addiction treatment or emergency suicide. Please dial 911 if you are actively a danger to yourself or others or CALL/TEXT 988
If you’re in a domestic violence situation and have not called the authorities and feel your safety is at risk, please go on to the portal and ask for a same day appointment. If you’re a trauma survivor and having a PTSD flashback and feel you need emergency assistance please call the following resources:
Social Justice Warrior Discount
If you’re currently working with underserved populations in the Dallas, Texas county area, and you are one of the following:
- Criminal Defense Attorney
- Social Worker, Therapist and Mental Health Care Worker
- Nurse (Acute Care, ER)
- SUD Worker
- First Responder
- Firefighter
- Police Man
Please ask me about the social justice warrior discount. This discount will be a sliding scale service that will allow you to afford critical therapy needed to remain competent and skilled at your job at a more affordable price.
Incident To Billing
Incident to billing is a common billing practice in the healthcare industry, particularly for insurance companies like Aetna and United Healthcare. It involves the billing and reimbursement process for certain medical services provided by non-physician healthcare providers under the supervision of a physician. This practice is commonly used for services rendered by physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and other qualified non-physician practitioners.
When a medical service is provided “incident to” a physician’s services, it means that the service is performed as an integral part of the physician’s treatment plan for the patient. The primary purpose of this billing arrangement is to facilitate patient care and ensure that patients have access to a broader range of healthcare providers.
Here’s how incident to billing typically works:
Supervision: The non-physician healthcare provider, such as a PA or NP, must be working under the direct supervision of the treating physician. This means that the physician is physically present in the same office suite and immediately available to provide assistance and direction as needed.
Covered Services: Incident to billing applies to certain medical services that are within the scope of practice of the non-physician healthcare provider and are also covered benefits under the patient’s insurance plan.
Billing Process: The non-physician provider performs the service, but the claim for reimbursement is billed under the supervising physician’s National Provider Identifier (NPI). This is important because physicians are typically reimbursed at a higher rate than non-physician providers.
Reimbursement: The insurance company, such as Aetna or United Healthcare, reimburses the physician for the incident to service provided by the non-physician healthcare provider. The reimbursement is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the patient’s insurance policy, including any copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance.
It’s essential to follow specific guidelines and documentation requirements when using incident to billing to ensure compliance with insurance company policies and regulations. Additionally, not all services are eligible for incident to billing, so healthcare providers must verify coverage and eligibility before proceeding with this billing method.
Keep in mind that insurance companies’ policies and procedures may vary, and it’s always best to consult with the insurance provider directly or refer to their official documentation for the most up-to-date information on their incident to billing practices.