FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
your helpful guide
Here, we've gathered answers to some of our most common questions. Whether you're curious about what therapy will look like, how we work with clients, or what you can expect during your journey with us, you'll find helpful information to guide your decision-making process. If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for, feel free to reach out – we're here to help!
Typically, the first 2-3 sessions will be a bit more structured where we ask you questions related to your personal history, your ancestry, current experiences, strengths, and more. It’s a chance for us to get to know you better and understand the various experiences throughout your life that helped shape you. We respect that getting to know a clinician is similar, in many ways, to getting to know a stranger that you are just meeting; therefore, share as much as you are comfortable with and feel free to identify any boundaries that may exist for you. Therapy is a process and there’s no need to rush.
This is a common prediction that we are asked to make, and it’s understandable to want to know. Transparently, it would be super cool if we had the answer; however, the reality is that it’s different for everyone. Healing isn’t linear, nor predictable; growth doesn’t always feel good, and therapy can help by building tolerance for that discomfort. Some people pursue therapy for months or years and usually notice they feel better sooner than they realize. Our sessions will likely be a mix of moments of growth, a deepening of your understanding of self, laughter and humor, and some powerful emotions. Remember, you’re not alone; we are right there alongside you. We are on your team.
Some people know right away from their consultation call; for others, especially folks who are new to therapy, it can take a few sessions to settle in and get to know whether or not it’s going to be a good fit. Feel free to ask us questions and talk with us about your experiences throughout the process. Doing so will also offer us further insight into how to better meet the needs of your system! Sometimes making a referral to another provider, based on a number of factors, is the most appropriate way to support your healing journey. We always want our clients to feel supported, heard, trusted, and cared for.
GETTING STARTED
Costs for services will vary depending on the clinician. We encourage you to reach out to the provider that you would like to work with to learn more. This will include individual and couples counseling, consultation, and supervision services.
We can certainly understand that this may be a new concept or term for some, so we have included a link to provide more information: https://www.thesuperbill.com/blog/what-is-a-superbill
Effective January 1, 2022, a ruling went into effect called the “No Surprises Act,” which requires mental health practitioners to provide a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) about out-of-network care to any patient who is uninsured or who is insured but does not plan to use their insurance benefits to pay for health care items and/ or services. The Good Faith Estimate works to show the cost of items and services that are reasonably expected for your mental health care needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created. The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You are entitled to receive this Good Faith Estimate of what the charges could be for psychotherapy services provided to you.
While it is not possible for a psychotherapist to know, in advance, how many psychotherapy sessions may be necessary or appropriate for a given person, this form provides an estimate of the cost of services provided. Your total cost of services will depend upon the number of psychotherapy sessions you attend, your individual circumstances, and the type and amount of services that are provided to you. This estimate is not a contract and does not obligate you to obtain any services from the provider(s) listed, nor does it include any services rendered to you that are not identified here.
This Good Faith Estimate is not intended to serve as a recommendation for treatment or a prediction that you may need to attend a specified number of psychotherapy visits. The number of visits that are appropriate in your case, and the estimated cost for those services, depends on your needs and what you agree to in consultation with your therapist. You are entitled to disagree with any recommendations made to you concerning your treatment and you may discontinue treatment at any time.
Good Faith Estimate Disclaimer: This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created. Your provider may recommend additional services that are not reflected in this Good Faith Estimate. The Good Faith Estimate is only an estimate—actual items/ service charges may differ. The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unanticipated costs that may arise and are not reasonably expected during treatment due to unforeseen events. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur.
Other potential items and/ or services associated with therapy charges may include but is not limited to no show/ late cancellation fee(s), record request(s), letter writing(s), legal fee(s)/court attendance(s), professional collaboration(s), and in-between session supports. The Good Faith Estimate does not obligate the client to obtain listed items or services. The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens and/or your bill is $400 (or more) than your Good Faith Estimate, federal law allows you to dispute the bill.
You are encouraged to speak with your provider at any time about any questions you may have regarding your treatment plan, or the information provided to you in this Good Faith Estimate. You may contact the health care provider or facility listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can ask them to update the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate; ask to negotiate the bill; or ask if there is financial assistance available. You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill. If you dispute your bill, the provider cannot move the bill for the disputed item or service into collection or threaten to do so. If the bill has already moved into collection, the provider or facility must cease collection efforts. The provider or facility must also suspend the accrual of any late fees on unpaid bill amounts until after the dispute resolution process has concluded. The provider or facility cannot take or threaten to take any retributive action against you for disputing your bill.
There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the Selected Dispute Resolution (SDR) entity reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate but reduced by the $25 fee. If the SDR entity disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount.
To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers or call 1-800-985-3059. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers, email FederalPPDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov, or call 1-800-985-3059. Keep a copy of this Good Faith Estimate in a safe place or take pictures of it. You may need it if you are billed a higher amount.
Cancellation policies will also look different from provider to provider within Wildflower Collective, as each therapist is their own PLLC with their own policies. Please refer to the informed consent and/or Professional Disclosure Statement provided, or feel free to reach out to your specific provider for more information.
BILLING & POLICIES
Please do! Disagreeing with us will happen, is normal, and is expected. We invite you to correct us, as it will benefit your care and improve our understanding of you. It might take some time to feel comfortable doing so, and that’s totally okay! We strive to remain present and open to your feedback, and our continuous goal is to better understand all parts of you.
That’s a great question! This is important to us as a collective both professionally and personally. Anti-oppressive care involves centering the experiences of BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals under the belief that all bodies and identities deserve care. In order to do this we continue to acknowledge our gaps in understanding, as well as our unearned privilege. We think the process of unlearning and learning is so important in this work and this shows up in how we shift our language, schedule our sessions, and conceptualize this profession based on its roots in white-supremacy.
How this gets practiced in the room starts with examining the dynamic between the therapist and the individuals we work with, specifically as it relates to power and privilege. We engage from a place of non-violence, collaboration, consent and cultural humility in order to balance those dynamics and respect the autonomy and identity of each individual. Additionally, we integrate ancestry and identity-based trauma into sessions, as well as welcome cultural practices to stand by the statement that all parts of you are welcome.
A few examples of how we show up in our personal lives are going to protests, having difficult conversations with friends and family, reading, and engaging in our own therapy to somatically unlearn. If you’re curious about your individual therapist and what actions they’re taking personally towards anti-racism and anti-oppressive care, we encourage you to ask them!
Yes! It’s majorly the same. One of the differences may include the method of bilateral stimulation available to you; however, there are several effective tools & resources that allow for profound healing to occur – virtually or in person. Some people find it comforting to be in their own space as they’re reprocessing, and others find it important to be in an office with their therapist. It’s all based on your preference.