No. Unfortunately, at this time, I only work with individual adults in my practice. If this changes in the future, my website will be updated accordingly.

The duration of therapy varies depending on the individual's needs and goals. While most clients who participate in the time-limited therapy complete their treatment trial in 12-16 weeks, some clients may benefit from short-term therapy (3-7 sessions), while others may require longer-term support (1-2 years). During our initial sessions, we will discuss your specific circumstances and develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique situation. Also, see the Medical Necessity FAQ section regarding other factors considered in the length of treatment. 

Currently, the majority of my sessions are virtual, given the accessibility of this option. I see clients in person in my Barre office every Wednesday. For virtual sessions, I require clients to use a laptop, desktop, or at least a tablet for best connectivity and screen size. Using your phone for sessions should be an exception rather than the rule. I do not provide therapy while the client is driving.

The simple answer is no. Emails and text messages are only used for logistics-type communication, like scheduling and appointment requests.  Although I occasionally have to do phone sessions because of the internet challenges, it is not a mode that is not considered therapeutic because body language and non-verbal queues are essential to the work done in therapy. Insurance companies only cover phone sessions as an exception and not as the primary mode of service. 

Unfortunately, due to the current mental health licensure laws, I can only work with clients who are present in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, or Massachusetts during their sessions. So, I may not be the best fit for you if you're not in these states most of the time.

My office hours are Monday through Thursday between 8:00 am and 5 pm. I occasionally adjust these hours to accommodate my clients' needs, but as a rule, I do not have evening and weekend availability. 

Yes, I am an in-network provider for Traditional Medicare Part B (VT and MA), Blue Cross Blue Shield plans (VT Blue Advantage, CBA Blue, and MA plans), MVP, and Optum/United Behavioral Health. However, it's always best to check with your specific insurance provider regarding coverage and any out-of-pocket costs. I am also happy to provide you with the necessary documentation for out-of-network reimbursement. 

Under Section 2799-6 of the Public Health Service Act, healthcare providers and healthcare facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.
· You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost under the law; healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
· You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
· Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
· If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. 
· There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate.
· Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprisesor call 800-985-3059.

As it applies to therapy, medical necessity generally refers to whether the therapeutic services are considered clinically appropriate and necessary for diagnosing or treating a patient's mental health condition. Here are some key points about how medical necessity applies to therapy:
1. Insurance companies define medical necessity criteria in their policies, which therapists must meet in order for treatment to be covered. Common elements include:

Services are needed to diagnose, treat, or prevent an illness/condition

Services follow accepted standards of medical practice

Services are clinically appropriate in terms of type, frequency, duration, etc.

Services are not experimental, investigational or cosmetic in nature

2. Therapy progress notes should clearly document the patient's diagnosis, symptoms, functional impairments, and how the therapeutic treatment addresses these issues and improves or prevents deterioration.
3. Insurers want to see a treatment plan with estimated timelines and goals that justify the need for continued therapy sessions. There should be a reasonable expectation for when treatment may be complete.
4. Therapy must be deemed medically necessary rather than just desired by the patient. The therapist should believe it is a proven, appropriate level of treatment for the patient's condition.
5. Insurers use various review processes (pre-certification, concurrent, retrospective) to evaluate if therapy meets medical necessity based on documentation provided.
6. If therapy is not considered medically necessary per the insurer's criteria, they may deny coverage for services or only approve a limited number of sessions.
In summary, medical necessity criteria aim to ensure therapy services are clinically justified, follow treatment standards, and lead to functional improvement for a diagnosed mental health condition based on the documentation and treatment planning provided by the therapist.

As the insurance policy holder, it is your responsibility to reach out to your insurance provider to find out if you need any pre-authorization, what your mental health benefits are, and what you can expect to pay out of pocket. I also urge you to double-check that I am in your provider network. Your insurer may need this information to verify my enrollment: my official name is Taisiya Tess Thomas, and my practice name is Black Bear Counseling Services. My individual NPI is 1942593124, and my group NPI is 1366212383.