You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your care will cost. Under the federal No Surprises Act, health care providers must give clients who don’t have insurance, or who are not using insurance, an estimate of the expected charges for services.
What This Means for You
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of psychotherapy services, including related costs such as assessments.
- You will receive a Good Faith Estimate in writing when you schedule services at least 3 business days in advance (or within 3 business days of scheduling if the appointment is at least 10 business days away). You can also ask for one at any time before you schedule.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
Example Estimate
Because therapy is individualized, the total cost depends on how long we work together and how often we meet. As an illustration, at this practice’s current fees:
| Service | Fee | Example course of care | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Assessment / Intake (60 min) | $200 | 1 session | $200 |
| Individual Therapy Session (50 min) | $175 | Weekly for 12 weeks | $2,100 |
| Example 3-month total | $2,300 | ||
Your individualized written Good Faith Estimate will reflect your own expected schedule and services. We will review the expected frequency and duration of treatment together and revisit it as your needs change.
If Your Bill Is Higher Than Your Estimate
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill through the federal patient–provider dispute resolution process. You may also ask to negotiate the bill with me directly — please reach out first; billing surprises are never my intention.
The Estimate Is Not a Contract
A Good Faith Estimate is not a contract and does not obligate you to receive services from this practice. It is an estimate of expected charges, not a guarantee of final costs.
Questions and More Information
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059. You can also contact me at (619) 535-8567 or afaille@moonstonerecovery.com.