Why Invest in Therapy?
According to a study by the American Psychological Association, individuals with depression experience an annual national income loss of $1 billion. The annual national loss of income for those with other mental conditions is even higher, at $1.5 billion.
That loss of revenue combined with the medical costs of both mental health issues and related physical complaints (like stomach pain and headaches) make therapy an important investment.
In Verus Out-of-Network
A therapist who works “in-network” has a contract with your insurance company to accept certain discounted rates.
“Out-of-network” providers have no contract with your insurance company—however it is almost always possible for out-of-network providers to work with you and your insurance company to reimburse you for your fees.
In Washington, DC, most clinicians with advanced training are out-of-network, as the low payments received by in-network providers rarely cover the expenses of high-quality training.
Here’s why many people choose to go to an out-of-network clinician:
- They are looking for top-quality care;
- They want a clinician who is trauma-informed;
- They want a clinician who has been trained in several specialties, such as Neurofeedback, Brainspotting, Sex Therapy, and more;
- They want weekend and evening hours at a NW DC location near a metro.
Viva’s Rates
While Viva is out-of-network, over 90 percent of our clients have their payments reimbursed through insurance. We’ve made this possible by ensuring that every member of our staff is completely DC-licensed. The easiest way to find out what your individual plan covers is to call your provider directly.
Our rates are based on a four-tier system. Our more experienced clinicians have higher rates commensurate with their market value. The following represent costs for a 45 minute session.
Expert: 225
Supervisor: 196
Independent License: 180
Graduate License: 165
When possible, some of our clinicians will make donations to their fee to offset costs.
Budgeting Options
Some clients choose to reduce the cost of therapy by coming in biweekly rather than every week. This way, they still gain the benefits of therapy while lowering the total monthly bill. While results may be slower, the goals of therapy can still be achieved.
You may choose to go with an in-network provider in order to reduce costs. If so, we recommend asking the following questions of your new provider:
- What sort of training do you have in ____?
- What is your professional history with ____?
- Do you belong to any professional organizations or societies related to ____?
Still other people elect to access online mental health programs that teach them solutions for improved emotional health at a fraction of the cost of in-person sessions. Our free, online mental health hub, The Resilient Brain Project, houses myriad podcasts, meditations, tools, articles, and other resources for those looking for tools.
