Fees & Insurance

No, not at this time. NY Therapy Space/Jennie Chung, LCSW-R is not in-network with any insurance panels and would be considered an “Out-Of-Network” Provider. However, in lieu of offering sliding-scale rates, Jennie Chung, LCSW-R contracts with Headway.co to offer a limited number of openings at insurance rates. If you would like to be put on the waitlist please contact us. Please note, however, that current clients will be prioritized.

If a therapist is out of network, it generally means that your insurer is “only willing to pay a certain amount toward your therapy with that person. Such plans usually cover these providers/services at a lower fee than they would services with an in-network provider. Clients are often required to pay for services up front, and if applicable, will submit claims to their insurance who will reimburse them for eligible costs later.

There are good reasons why many mental health professionals do not accept insurance. Like medical services and procedures, insurance providers require that mental health services be considered medically necessary in order to be covered. For people with a diagnosable mental health condition, this requires your insurance company to have access to your psychiatric records including diagnoses and treatment summaries. 

In addition, insurance providers are able to influence decisions about your treatment that are outside the control of you and your provider. For example, when a diagnosis must be assigned, limiting the number of therapy sessions covered, only covering a particular type of treatment, not covering a certain diagnosis, making you try medications before covering certain treatments, or denying the need for a psychological evaluation or psychotherapeutic treatment completely.

When your insurance obtains your medical records, it is important to understand that any diagnoses can, and may, be considered pre-existing conditions and if you are using benefits provided by your employer, it is sometimes possible that they may request access.

Whether or not you have a diagnosable mental health condition is highly relevant. Many individuals seek mental health services for themselves or their child who do not necessarily meet criteria for a mental health disorder. Unfortunately, insurance providers refuse to cover services that are not tied to a diagnosable mental health condition. Insurance companies are known to audit treatment notes to determine if your treatment is actually medically necessary. If determined not to be, insurance providers can and often take back what they have already covered (from the therapist) or reimbursed (from you) and refuse to cover services going forward. This puts both the therapist and you in a tough position. 

Self-paying for mental health services seems wrong, but currently one of the only options for many people seeking to improve their overall wellbeing and life satisfaction. This option also gives you the most autonomy over your health and well-being.

Jennie Chung, LCSW is considered an out-of-network provider with all insurance companies. This means that all services are paid for by the patient (not the insurance company) at the time of service. If you have a PPO plan and have out-of-network benefits through your insurance, you may be eligible for reimbursement through your insurance company. However, you will still be required to provide payment for services upfront. If you choose to use your PPO out-of-network health benefits, Jennie Chung, LCSW-R can provide you with a receipt for services (often referred to as a “superbill”) that includes all information needed to submit a claim to your insurance company. It is not guaranteed that services provided will be reimbursed by your specific insurance plan. Some plans require patients meet an out-of-network deductible before covering services. For information about reimbursement rates, you can contact your insurance provider about your specific out-of-network benefits. 

Set up a consultation and come speak with me!

However, I definitely encourage you to contact your insurance company to check eligibility for out-of-network reimbursement. Here are a few things we recommend asking: 

• Do you have out-of-network benefits for mental health care?
• Does it cover services provided by an LCSW for telehealth services?
• What is the resimbusement for CPT codes: 90791, 90834 and 90837?
• What is your deductible, and do out-of-network services apply towards it?
• Do you have an out-of pocket limit (i.e. the maximum amount you would be responsible for paying)?
•  What kind of documentation is required and what is the best way to submit it?
• What is the timeframe for reimbursement of funds?

Jennie Chung, LCSW/NY Therapy Space can accept all major credit and direct payments may also be made through paypal, venmo, or Zelle. For recurring services such as therapy, a card is required on file and will be automatically run at the end of each session. 

Zelle is the preferred method of payment, which is completely free with your debit/checking account.