Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a free consultation?
I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation for new clients. This is an opportunity to determine if we would be a good fit and for you to ask any questions you might have.
What happens during the first session?
The initial session is where I get to know you better! In this session, I will likely ask you questions about your history, about what has brought you to counseling, and about some goals you may have for counseling. I may not learn everything about you during this session and that's okay! If you choose to pursue counseling with me, we will have plenty of time to flesh out what you've shared with me during this session.
How often will I need to go to therapy?
I recommend starting with weekly appointments in order to make consistent progress towards your goals. I’ve found that in the beginning if we go too long between appointments, you’ll constantly feel like you have to play catch up instead of being able to get to the heart of the matter. After a foundation has been built, we can begin to look at spacing out appointments as necessary.
How do I navigate the out-of-network reimbursement process?
At your request I will provide you with a monthly superbill to submit to insurance for potential out-of-pocket reimbursement. Here are some questions to call and ask your insurance to get you started:
Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
What is my reimbursement percentage?
Is there a deductible and has it been met?
Where do I submit my out-of-network superbill?
Do we have to live in same state in order to receive therapy support?
I am currently licensed in Texas and Massachusetts. I am unable to provide therapeutic services to you if you are not residing in one of those states at the time of therapy.
What do I do if I need to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
I ask that you give at least 24 hours notice if you are going to reschedule or cancel your appointment. If you fail to do so, you will be charged the full 50 minute session rate. Email, text, and voice reminders are sent out 48 hours in advance to help with this process. If an emergency arises, please contact me and we will discuss next steps.
What is the Good Faith Estimate & Dispute Process Disclaimer?
Transparency in fees and charges is an important part of the therapeutic relationship. In accordance with the No Surprise Act, Kristi Waidhofer, LCSW, provides Good Faith Estimates to all clients. The Good Faith Estimate shows the cost 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. The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that might arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill. Ultimately, Kristi Waidhofer prioritizes working with clients and/ or their families to create a treatment plan that meets the client's emotional needs with clear communication about treatment costs. Frequency and duration of sessions are an ongoing and open conversation.
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 health care provider or facility 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 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 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 or call HHS at (800) 368-1019.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 368-1019.
Keep a copy of the Good Faith Estimate in a safe place or take a picture of it. You may need it if you are billed a higher amount.