FAQs

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes! I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs and determine if we would be a good therapeutic match. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for my approach before committing to therapy.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment by phone at (401) 424-1551 or e-mail at elise@elisemcdonaldlicsw.com . Please include your name, contact information, and a brief description of what you're seeking help with when reaching out.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not accept insurance directly, but that doesn't necessarily mean therapy with me isn't covered. If your plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be reimbursed for a portion of your session. I provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company. Working outside of insurance also allows us to tailor treatment to your needs, without limits on session frequency or a diagnosis being required before we begin.

You can use the tool below to run a quick, free check of your out-of-network benefits. It takes just a few minutes and gives you a preliminary estimate of what your plan may reimburse per session, so you can make an informed decision before we begin.

How do I know if my plan will reimburse me?

Please keep in mind that this is an estimate, not a guarantee of coverage. Your final reimbursement depends on your specific plan, deductible, and your insurance company's determination. For the most accurate information, you can also call the member services number on the back of your card and ask about "out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits".

What are your session fees?

• Initial intake session: $250 (60-75 minutes)

• Standard 50-minute therapy session: $200

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Notice to Clients and Prospective Clients: Under the law, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services, within one business day of your service.

You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment.  If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. 

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or how to dispute a bill, please call (800) 985-3059 or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Where are sessions located?

All therapy sessions are conducted via a secure Video Telehealth platform. This allows for convenient access to care from the comfort of your own space.

How long does therapy typically last?

Sleep therapy treatment typically ranges from 4 to 12 sessions, depending on the specific sleep issues being addressed and your individual progress. Individual therapy for issues other than sleep typically lasts between 6 to 12 months. However, the duration can vary significantly based on:

• Your specific goals and concerns

• The complexity of the issues being addressed

• Your individual progress

• Your personal preferences

We will regularly review your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

What happens during the first session?

The initial intake session allows me to gather comprehensive information about your concerns, history, and goals. We'll discuss:

• The challenges you're currently facing

• Relevant background information

• Your expectations for therapy

• Initial thoughts about treatment approaches that might be helpful

• Any questions you may have about the therapeutic process

How often will we meet?

Most clients begin with weekly sessions. As progress is made, we may transition to biweekly or monthly sessions. The frequency of our meetings will be part of your individualized treatment plan.

What is your cancellation policy?

I require at least 24 hours notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or missed appointments will be subject to a $100 fee outside of situation of medical emergency.

Do I need any special equipment for Telehealth sessions?

You will need:

• A device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone)

• A reliable internet connection

• A private, quiet space where you can speak freely