Sandra Levy Ceren, Ph. D

Insurance Limitations

Not all health insurance plans are equal. Many are confusing. All plans usually provide some coverage for mental health treatment. Your coverage limits for mental health services is listed in your insurance booklet or you can ask your plan administrator. Check with your employer about the details of your plan and make sure you obtain certification if required.
Your insurance may require you to authorize a release of information of your diagnosis and in some cases a description of your problem, functional status, personal background information, treatment goals, results of clinical tests, medication used, prognosis and progress to date. I will discuss diagnosis and treatment information and its implications with you so that you can make an informed decision.
This sensitive information will be released with your written permission and is necessary for payment of services. Once this information leaves my office, I am not responsible for the confidentiality of those records.
I will fill out forms and provide you with whatever assistance I can in helping you receive the benefits to which you are entitled. However, you (not your insurance company) are responsible for full payment of my fees.
Please be aware that if you use your insurance benefits to pay for treatment, it may adversely affect your ability to obtain life, health and disability insurance.
Your insurance may not cover family or marital counseling or parent consultations.
Some insurance plans list the maximum number of sessions allowed, but may only allow that number after a utilization review. Without insurance treatment is usually more flexible and information about your diagnosis and life situation can be kept private.
If you choose not to use your insurance, you may consider less frequent and/or shorter, prorated sessions where monthly costs may be slightly higher than typical co-pays. This option allows you to avoid the pitfalls associated with some managed care plans (with which I no longer do business). This may be discussed at your first session.