Rates
Mike’s counseling rates: $180 per session (50 minutes) for individuals, $300 per session for couples.
Please Note: INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER COUPLES COUNSELING
Insurance
Currently, Mike is an out-of-network provider for many plans in the area. If you are planning to use insurance please notify Mike in advance which insurance you have so he can help verify coverage with you and whether he is accepting new patients under your plan. NOTE: Mike Zukowski LMFT is not covered or reimbursed by MEDICARE.
You can file for out of network benefits with me. You pay me and I provide a receipt for you to file with your insurer. Then your insurer will pay you the out of network rate. So check to see if you have out-of-network coverage. In order to make the best decision about filing insurance, check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
- Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
- What is my deductible and has it been met?
- How many sessions per year does my insurance cover?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
- Is it medically necessity? (couple’s counseling doesn’t usually qualify)
By adding up those benefits, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s worth it to file.
Here’s what most therapists won’t tell you: Keep in mind that when you file, you will receive a diagnosis that is filed with the Medical Information Bureau. It will remain on file as part of your medical records for the rest of your life. If you apply for any type medical, health or life insurance, the therapist you see will be contacted and asked to release all records. In some cases, a mental health diagnosis can affect benefits or your premium.
If you want to go in network, let me know and I’ll do my best to help you find a good therapist. Most seasoned therapists have gotten out of the insurance business. If you can’t afford full fees and would like to stay out of the insurance part of it, I have suggestions for low costs clinics.
For your protection and confidentiality, I recommend self-pay for therapy if at all possible. Insurance companies require disclosure of highly personal information, the confidentiality and privacy of which I cannot guarantee. Insurance companies also restrict the amount of sessions allotted. For these reasons and more, I choose not to be on insurance or managed care panels.
Fortunately, tax laws have created new programs that may help you pay for your therapy, even if you pay out of pocket. These include Medical Savings Accounts and Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Medical Accounts. You can also deduct the cost of therapy from your taxes if you itemize. It is a medical expense. Ask your Accountant or Compensation and Benefits Administrator if you qualify for either program. You can also pay me with a credit card.
Call me with any more questions. My goal at this point is to help you find a therapist who fits your needs and your budget. You can find out more about my services and see what others have said at the links below.
Payment
We accept cash, check and all major credit cards as forms of payment.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 48 hours beforehand. Otherwise, you may be charged for the full rate of the session.
Any Other Questions
Please contact me for any additional questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!
NOTICE TO CLIENTS
The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of marriage and family therapists. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 574-7830.