Frequently Asked Questions
I’m interested. How do I start this process?
You can reach me via phone at (310) 770-3136 or email aprilslaughterwellness@gmail.com to discuss what feels comfortable for you. Some clients prefer to speak over the phone or set up a video call before entering into treatment. In these cases, I am happy to provide a complimentary, brief consultation to see if we are a good fit. Some clients prefer to dive right in and set up a first session which we can do via email.
Where is your office?
My office is conveniently located in Northwest Counseling and Wellness Center at 12335 Hymeadow Drive #300. The building is across from Westwood High School and has plenty of parking.
What are your hours?
My schedule varies weekly. Typically we set up a weekly session at the same time and same time each week. This does not work for everyone so please discuss your needs with me and I will give you my options for flexible scheduling. I also offer intensives and telehealth sessions.
How long does therapy take?
Sessions are typically 45-50 minutes but sometimes clients prefer double sessions or intensives. Treatment can be short or long term depending on your needs. At the beginning of treatment we will work together to identify what you would like to work on and how we can accomplish those goals. Therapy is different for everyone.
How much does it cost?
My rate for a 50 minute session is 300. When possible, I offer limited sliding scale appointments on a case by case basis and depending on availability. If you need a reduced rate, please discuss it with me. If I cannot accommodate I can provide you with referrals that may be more appropriate.
Do you take insurance?
I do not take insurance directly but am happy to provide you with a “superbill” that you may be able to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. I would encourage you to check with your insurance prior to treatment about their specific policies regarding reimbursement for out-of-network providers.
Notice of your right to a Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
Under the law, healthcare providers need to give clients 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 Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of your healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. The Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your healthcare needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate is created.
The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during the course of care. You could be charged more if special circumstances occur. In non-emergency circumstances, you will be provided with an updated Good Faith Estimate for any new expected charges.
If you are billed for more than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill under federal law. Specifically, if you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
You may contact the healthcare 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 within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date of the original bill.
There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on the Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the healthcare provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount.
To learn more or to get a form to start the dispute resolution process, go to www.cms.gov/nosuprises or call HHS’ toll free number: 1-877-696-6775.
Make sure to keep a copy of your Good Faith Estimate in a safe place or take pictures of it. You may need it if you are billed a higher amount.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call HHS’ toll free number: 1-877-696-6775.