FAQs + Fees
Have other questions?
Can you see me via telehealth?
I am able to take on new telehealth clients who reside in DC or Virginia. Our sessions will take place via a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform or over the phone, and I will send you the intake forms through a secure document transfer that allows for e-signing.
What should I expect during our first session?
Much of the first session will be about the two of us getting to know one another. The most important aspect of the therapy process is the relationship between client and counselor. You must feel that you are working with someone capable of understanding your situation, and with whom you feel you can be honest. Our first session also may include discussion of your primary areas of concern, talk about my own counseling approach, and initial goal-setting. We also will complete some paperwork and discuss your scheduling preferences.
How often should I expect to meet with you?
I work with clients on a weekly basis and sessions are scheduled for the same day and time each week.
What is your cancellation policy?
I have a standard, clinical 24-hour notice policy for cancellation or rescheduling. If I do not receive at least 24 hours notice of your cancellation, you will be charged the full fee for the session. This clinical policy is not applied on a case-by-case basis, but as a standard to keep therapists out of the unsafe ethical position of having to judge whether one reason for cancellation is more worthy than another. Fee-for-service work requires this kind of boundary, as most clinicians do not charge when they, themselves, get sick, have childcare issues, take a vacation, or when the client cancels with more than 24 hours notice. The policy is our only protection and makes it possible for clinicians to be available to clients on their terms in a private practice environment.
What is your professional fee?
I charge $240 for individual 50-minute sessions and $310 for 55-minute couples/family sessions.
What are my payment options?
Payment is required at every session. You may pay by cash, credit card, or via check (made out to "Stacy Notaras Murphy").
Can I use my insurance?
I am considered an out-of-network provider for your insurance panel. If you plan to use your insurance benefits during our work together, it’s a good idea to contact your company and ask about its reimbursement rate for “out of network mental health.” You will be required to pay the full fee at the time of service, and will receive a monthly billing statement including codes that may be required for insurance reimbursement. You may also use this statement to receive reimbursement through your flexible spending plan.
What is the best way to reach you with a schedule change?
All cancellations or rescheduling requests must be made by voicemail or via the encrypted Signal app.
Do you provide a Good Faith Estimate for services?
Yes, I will provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) for psychotherapy services as required by the No Surprises Act of 2021. The document will be written for the entire year and sent to you via email as an encrypted PDF.
You have the right to receive a GFE document explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a GFE for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a GFE before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your GFE, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your GFE document.
For questions or more information about your right to a GFE, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.