FAQ's | dbpcaa

How can therapy be helpful?

Therapy can help individuals overcome challenges, experience emotional growth, and feel more confident. My goal is to help clients use existing strengths and resources to more effectively overcome stressors. I achieve this goal by teaching clients new ways of coping with or solving problems and by helping them to gain new perspectives or ways of understanding a situation. I strongly believe that therapy should help clients feel more equipped and confident about life's challenges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you take insurance?

I am currently paneled with a select number of insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Shield, and Cigna. If you have a different insurance policy, it may still provide coverage for my services as an out-of-network provider, depending on your specific plan (i.e., PPO).

Please be aware that some insurance companies require you to pre-approve or pre-authorize treatment, which means that you have to speak to your insurance company before you begin therapy. This is the case even when you are using an out-of-network provider under some plans. Unless agreed upon differently, Dr. Benavidez will provide you with a copy of your receipt on a monthly basis, which you can then submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you so choose. As was indicated in the section Health Insurance & confidentiality of records, you must be aware that submitting a mental health invoice for reimbursement carries a certain amount of risk. Not all issues/conditions/problems, which are dealt with in psychotherapy, are reimbursed by insurance companies. It is your responsibility to verify the specifics of your coverage. If your account is overdue (unpaid) and there is no written agreement on a payment plan, Dr. Benavidez can use legal or other means (courts, collection agencies, etc.) to obtain payment.

What are your fees?

The current hourly rate for individual therapy, parenting coaching, and life coaching is $ 200. An hour is defined as a 50-minute, face-to-face session and 10 minutes of session preparation and documentation.

Family and couples therapy sessions are billed at a rate of $250 for a 50-minute session. The fees for group therapy depend on the type of group and its duration, but generally run from $25-$100 per meeting. Group programs are usually 60-90 minutes in length. For psychological assessments the fee will vary and are available upon request.

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What are the benefits and risks of using insurance?

Using insurance to pay for treatment can make therapy much more affordable. Generally, insurance plans will cover a portion of the hourly fee. However, there are also some disadvantages, especially with regard to control and privacy. If you are using insurance or managed care to pay for therapy, your rights as a client may be limited by your benefit company. That company may limit the number of sessions available to you, the length of your treatment, or your choice of psychologist. Also, insurance companies and managed care organizations usually require that your psychologist provide information about you before they pay for sessions. The information required varies by benefit company, but usually includes any diagnoses for which you meet criteria. Managed care companies also often request specific treatment plans and periodic progress reports, and occasionally require copies of your treatment records. If you wish to use your benefits, you must sign a Consent to Release Form which authorizes release of information to your benefit company. Your benefit company may have less strict policies on confidentiality than the ethical and legal standards upheld by psychologists. Not using insurance benefits and paying directly for services is an option which should be discussed with me if this is a concern.

Appointment Cancellations

When you make an appointment, you are reserving that time for yourself. Please know that if you are late for your session, the session will still end on time. If you cancel an appointment with more than 24 hours notice, this allows time to fill the space, and you are not charged. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, you will be responsible for paying for the missed appointment at our next session. Similarly, if you miss your session entirely, you will still be responsible for paying for the time, and payment will be due at the beginning of the next session.

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Do you prescribe medication?

I offer psychological (i.e., therapeutic), not psychiatric services. Thus, I do not prescribe medication. If you or your child requires medication, I will assist you in finding a physician or a psychiatrist who can offer this service and will work closely with this provider in order to coordinate treatment and track progress.

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What are your hours of operation?

Services are provided Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Weekend appointments are not typically available.

Do you offer afternoon/evening appointments?

Yes. Appointments are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Evening appointments are typically scheduled for no later than 6 p.m.

Do you offer emergency services?

No. If you experience an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also contact the Los Angeles 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 1-877-727-4747. This applies even if you are not currently a client, or if you have set up your initial appointment. Please see the Resources page for additional emergency services, such as 24-hour hotlines.

If you are a current client, meaning you have had at least one intake session with me, you may leave a voice mail (310) 373-0800. You should state in your message that your call is urgent. Voice mail is checked regularly and I will call you back as soon as possible.

If you need to speak with someone immediately, call the crisis line after leaving me a message. When I am out of town, another therapist will be available in the event of an emergency. I will discuss this with you ahead of time.

Where is your office?

25550 Hawthorne Blvd. Ste 210, Torrance, Ca. 90505

Phone Number (310) 373-0800

E-Mail: info@drdbenavidez.com