ASSESSMENTS
Dr. Figueroa conducts a thorough evaluation in the initial interview. Assessments generally include an empathetic exploration of current concerns, past experiences, and family history. A complete evaluation may include meetings with family members or significant others, consultations with current providers, and medical evaluations. By the end of your initial evaluation, Dr. Figueroa will offer you some initial impressions and an initial treatment plan. A three-session comprehensive assessment is often necessary before determining the psychotherapy approach that will be best for you.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Emotional difficulties often results from unrecognized beliefs, conflicts or patterns. Being unaware of your feelings, thoughts, and actions, may lead you to continue to engage in maladaptive ways of thinking and relating. Psychotherapy aims to help you develop a deeper awareness and a better understanding of your own mind, in order to relieve symptoms, enhance well-being, and develop healthier relationships.
There are, however, no guarantees that therapy will be effective or that it will not cause emotional distress. It may involve discussing difficult aspects of your life that may lead to unpleasant emotions. While negative feelings are common in therapy, it is important that you let your therapist know when they occur.
Dr. Figueroa has experience with various types of psychotherapy. Dr. Figueroa will collaborate with you to determine the psychotherapeutic treatment that best suits you as an individual. Regardless of the therapeutic approach, Dr. Figueroa will provide a warm environment where you can feel safe to explore your beliefs and emotions.
MEDICATIONS
Psychiatric medication can play an important role in relieving distress, and improve emotional health and balance. Medications are often used as adjuncts to psychotherapy. If a medication is indicated, Dr. Figueroa will discuss with you the potential benefits, risks, side effects and alternatives of specific medications. Dr. Figueroa will also explain the dosage and frequency of administration, the usual length of treatment and any risk of long term treatment or sudden discontinuation of a medication.
FEES:
$500 for 90-minute initial evaluation
$395 for 60-minute initial evaluation
$395 for 60-minute therapy sessions, with or without medications
$300 for 45-minute therapy sessions, with or without medications
$250 for 30-minute therapy sessions, with or without medications
Any other professional services that require longer than 10 minutes such as report writing, telephone conversations, preparation of treatment summaries, communication or coordination of care with family or other providers, or time spent performing any other services on your behalf will be charged $75 for each 10-minute increment.
You will be expected to pay for each session at the time of each session. Credit cards, personal checks and cash are accepted.
CANCELLATIONS AND NO-SHOW POLICY
Once your appointment is scheduled, you will be expected to pay for it unless you provide at least 48 business hours advance notice of cancellation. Business hours are considered the weekdays between Monday and Friday, during the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. This means that if you have an appointment on Monday at 4 pm, you must cancel by 4 pm the previous Thursday. If you do not provide at least 48 business hours’ notice, or fail to show for a scheduled appointment, you will be responsible for the full cost of the session. Please note, insurance companies will often not reimburse for missed sessions or sessions that are cancelled late.
INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT
If Dr. Figueroa is an in-network provider for your plan, we will bill your insurance directly. You will be responsible for a copay or coinsurance at the time of service. Dr. Figueroa is currently an in-network psychiatrist for most AETNA PPO plans. We cannot guarantee that AETNA will cover the cost of the services provided and any remaining balance not paid by the health insurance (AETNA) will still be the patient’s responsibility.
If Dr. Figueroa is an out-of-network provider for your plan, we will not bill your insurance directly. If you plan to use your insurance benefits, we will provide you with a standard receipt and form that can be submitted to your insurance company. We recommend you contact your insurance provider to inquire about your out of network benefits if insurance reimbursement is an important issue.
Please be aware that most insurance agreements require you to authorize us to provide a clinical diagnosis, and sometimes additional clinical information such as treatment plan or summary, or in rare cases, a copy of the entire record. We are required to submit this information on your behalf if you choose to obtain insurance reimbursement.