Joan Lavendar PsyD - Comprehensive Personalized Psychotherapy Services

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How to get started

You can get started by contacting me online at www.joanlavender.com or by phone at 212-866-0461. In a brief phone conversation, I will gather basic information about the nature of your situation. Any practical concerns or preferences you may have can be addressed at this time. All information will be confidential and in accordance with state and federal regulations governing mental health care.

While I have treated a wide range of problems, I may suggest you need specialized help for certain types of difficulties such as more serious drug/alcohol, legal issues, immediate high risk or violent behavior.

Please note that I am an Out of Network Provider. I am not an In Network Provider with any insurance company. My practice is a private payment service. I am glad to provide you with an itemized bill suitable for you to present to your insurance provider, but I will ask you to pay me directly. For your own sake I strongly suggest that you contact your insurance company and other financial resources before you start psychotherapy.

Helpful hints about insurance reimbursement

In order to make sure that you have the financial/insurance support to start and continue treatment, you must clarify in advance what type of mental health benefits your insurance company offers for psychotherapy treatment. Insurance companies have complicated procedures that change without notice so you should document every contact you have with your insurance providers. This will help you to protect your ongoing treatment.

  1. Call your insurance company customer phone number on the back of your insurance card. Tell them you need to know the details of your mental health coverage.
  2. There are two categories of mental health coverage: In Network and Out of Network providers. Ask for the Out of Network benefits. These are the ones you will need in order to start treatment with me.
  3. Does your insurance provide Out of Network (OON) benefits?
  4. If yes, ask what is the Deductible?
  5. What is the Percent of Coverage? Is it 50/50, 70/30, or some other ratio? Make sure you know exactly what side of the percent you will be receiving.
  6. You will hear the terms R&C (Reasonable and Customary). R&C is the fee or price that your insurance company has decided to pay for your sessions with me. Different insurance companies have different prices for the same treatment. Since I am a clinical psychologist (not psychiatrist), there will be a specific R&C listed for my services.
  7. My total fee will most likely be different than the R&C listed. If I charge $185, the R&C might be a lower figure. This is the usual situation. You will be making up the difference between what I charge and what the insurance company is willing to reimburse.
  8. PreCertfication (PreAuthorization). Some insurance companies require that you call them before you start treatment to precertify the treatment. If you do not do this, you could lose any chance of getting reimbursed for sessions with me.
  9. Ask about the maximum numbers of visits you are given for the year. For your lifetime? And, does the payment year start in January, or at some other point?
  10. If your insurance company asks for the CPT Code, this refers to the length of the session with me. Individual sessions that are 45-50 minutes are coded CPT 90806; family therapy is CPT 90847.
  11. Ask for the specific address where you will need to send your claims. Is a special form needed to submit claims? How long does it take to receive your reimbursement cheque?
  12. Be prepared for more changes regarding insurance coverage. Your place of employment can switch insurers, you can move employment and start with a new insurance, or your benefits can change without notice. Try to plan ahead.

  • What kind of symptoms/diagnoses can you get help for?

  • Adjustment Reactions
  • Anorexia Nervosa
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Bipolar Mood Disorder
  • Body Image
  • Bulimia Nervosa
  • Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Depression and Mood Disorders
  • Dissociative Disorders
  • Personality Issues: Overly Sensitive, Intense, Moody, Avoidant, Self-Defeating, Obsessive-compulsive, Perfectionistic
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Social Phobia
  • Somatization
  • Women's Issues

  • What kind of life situations can you get help for?

  • Abuse and neglect
  • Adult siblings
  • College transition
  • Competition, jealousy and envy
  • Cross-cultural situations
  • Creativity, talent and accomplishment
  • Family
  • Friendship issues
  • Grief and loss
  • Intimacy
  • Loneliness and Aging
  • Work

  • For

  • Individuals (older adolescents and adults)
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Groups
  • Joan Lavendar Office Phone Number