Insurance & Payment FAQ | Unique Connections Counseling

Question 1

Which insurance plans do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We are in-network with Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). These are the only two insurance plans we currently accept directly.

Question 2

What does "in-network" mean for my costs?

Accepted Answer

Being in-network means we have a contracted rate with your insurer. You typically pay only your copay or coinsurance at the time of service, and your insurance covers the rest up to your plan limits. Your exact out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific plan — we recommend calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card to confirm your mental health benefits before your first session.

Question 3

My plan is Aetna or BCBS — am I automatically covered?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Coverage depends on your specific plan tier, whether you have met your deductible, and whether mental health benefits are included. Please call the member services number on your insurance card and ask: "Do I have outpatient mental health benefits, and is Unique Connections Counseling an in-network provider under my plan?" We are happy to help you navigate this — just reach out.

Question 4

Do you accept Medicaid, Medicare, or other government plans?

Accepted Answer

We do not currently accept Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, or other government-funded insurance programs. If you have one of these plans, we can provide a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement, or discuss self-pay options.

Question 5

What if I have a different insurance plan?

Accepted Answer

If your plan is not Aetna or Blue Cross Blue Shield, you have two options: (1) pay out-of-pocket at our self-pay rate, or (2) use your out-of-network benefits if your plan includes them. We can provide a superbill — an itemized receipt — that you submit to your insurer for potential reimbursement. Many PPO plans reimburse 50–80% of out-of-network therapy costs.

Question 6

Is telehealth covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans now cover telehealth sessions at the same rate as in-person sessions. However, coverage varies by plan. We recommend confirming your telehealth benefits directly with your insurer before your first session.

Question 7

Will you verify my insurance benefits for me?

Accepted Answer

We do our best to verify benefits before your first session, but insurance verification is not a guarantee of payment. We strongly encourage you to also call your insurer directly to confirm your mental health benefits, deductible status, and copay amounts.

Question 8

What are your session rates?

Accepted Answer

Our current rates are: Individual therapy (50 min) — $170 per session. Couples counseling (50 min) — $250 per session. EMDR sessions follow the individual therapy rate. A free 15-minute phone consultation is available before your first session.

Question 9

Do you offer out-of-pocket (self-pay) options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Clients who pay out-of-pocket are not limited by insurance restrictions on session frequency, diagnosis requirements, or treatment length. Many clients prefer this for the added privacy and flexibility it provides.

Question 10

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit and debit cards, HSA (Health Savings Account) cards, FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards, and cash. Payment is due at the time of service.

Question 11

Can I use my HSA or FSA for therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Therapy with a licensed mental health professional is an eligible expense under most HSA and FSA plans. You can use your HSA or FSA card directly at the time of service.

Question 12

When is payment due?

Accepted Answer

Payment is collected at the time of service — either at the start or end of your session. For insurance clients, your copay or coinsurance is due at the time of service. Any remaining balance after insurance processes will be billed to you.

Question 13

What is a superbill and how do I use it?

Accepted Answer

A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes the diagnosis code, procedure code, provider information, and session date — everything your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network reimbursement claim. If you have a PPO plan with out-of-network benefits, you submit the superbill directly to your insurer and they reimburse you according to your plan. We provide superbills upon request.

Question 14

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We ask for at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice, or no-shows, may be charged the full session fee. We understand that life happens — please reach out as soon as possible if you need to reschedule.

Question 15

Will I be charged if my insurance denies a claim?

Accepted Answer

If your insurance denies a claim after we have verified your benefits, we will work with you to understand why and explore options. In some cases, a denied claim may result in a balance due. We will always communicate clearly before charging anything unexpected.

Question 16

What happens if I have a deductible I haven't met?

Accepted Answer

If you have not yet met your annual deductible, you will be responsible for the full contracted rate (not our standard self-pay rate) until your deductible is satisfied. Once your deductible is met, your regular copay or coinsurance applies. We recommend checking your deductible status with your insurer before starting.

Question 17

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

We handle billing on a session-by-session basis. If you have concerns about affordability, please reach out before your first session — we want to help you find a workable path to care.

Question 18

How do I get a receipt or invoice for my records?

Accepted Answer

We can provide itemized receipts or superbills upon request. Please contact us at info@unique-connections.com or (623) 288-4051 and we will send one to you promptly.

Insurance & Billing Questions, Answered

Insurance Coverage

Self-Pay & Session Fees

Billing & Cancellation Policy

We're happy to walk you through it.