FAQ

What do I need to do prior to my appointment?

Please download the previously provided client paperwork (should have received via email), complete and provide the completed forms at least 24 hours prior to your first appointment.   

What should I expect during my first session with my counselor?

Your first session is a time for me to get to know you and for you to ask questions of myself and the process. I will review your demographics and self-assessment forms, ask what has brought you to your session and what your goals for counseling are.

 How long is a session?

A session lasts 50-60 minutes unless you have scheduled a longer period of time. Examples of a possible longer sessions – Coaching, couples/families, wilderness, groups or personal preference.

Do you take insurance?

I am able to accept Medicaid in the State of Colorado. I do not accept any other insurance plans at this time.

Payment’s accepted are Health Savings Account (HSA) Cards, credit cards, checks and cash.

Although I may not be in network with your insurance provider I am willing to work with you on making your sessions affordable. Depending on your financial situation and out of pocket insurance expenses, my sliding scale fee structure may be a favorable option. If you would like more information about this option please let me know.

What is a sliding scale?

Sliding scale refers to fee structure that is based on a client’s ability to pay, and is based on annual income. If a client is unable to pay the full hourly rate, I will work with them to find a rate that is affordable for them.  

What is the cost of my session?

Individual and Couple’s sessions range from $50 up to $150 per session. Wilderness/ Eco sessions will vary depending on the time commitment needed for that session, but will be based on the individual/couple’s session rate. Group costs are varied per person per session.

You are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate

Under the No Surprises Act (H.R. 133 – which went into effect on January 1, 2022), health care providers need to give clients or patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

Disclaimer
This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs 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 may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications orspecial circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute(appeal) the bill.

Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate within the following time frames:

• If the service is scheduled at least three business days before the appointment date, no later than one business day after the date of scheduling.
• If the service is scheduled at least 10 business days before the appointment date, no later than three business days after the date of scheduling; or
• If the uninsured or self-pay patient requests a good faith estimate (without scheduling the service), no later than three business days after the date of the request. A new good faith estimate must be provided, within the specified time frames if the patient reschedules the requested item or service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

In the case that the bill you received does not match the Good Faith Estimate you may contact the health care provider 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 resolutionprocess, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4months) of the date on 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 this 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.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate
or the dispute process, visit http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers or call
1-800-985-3059.

Keep a copy of this Good Faith Estimate in a safe place or take
pictures of it. You may need it if you are billed a higher amount

What if I have to cancel my appointment?

As of November 1, 2020, please know that Summit Alternatives will implement a mandatory 24-hour cancellation policy for all scheduled appointments.  This policy will be asserted to all clients who fail to cancel an appointment at least 24 hours in advance of their scheduled time or those who miss the appointment without any notice.  Summit Alternatives will reserve the right to assess you a fee of 50% of the rate of your session.  Some approved exceptions may be considered for emergency, illness and weather-related cancellations but a phone call must be made to your counselor for these exceptions to be granted.  If we are able to reschedule your appointment the same week, no fee will be implemented. If you are sick and feel you are contagious, please know that this is understood, and an exception will be made.  Healthy body helps a healthy mind! 

Terminating your services with Summit Alternatives is your right and if your intention is to no longer attend your scheduled appointments please communicate that decision so we can process with you with your best interest in mind. 

Is my information confidential?

Yes, all of your information is kept confidential to the extent that the law allows. I will not speak to anyone about you unless you request that we to do so, and sign a release that allows me to speak to a specific person about you.  I will at no time acknowledge to any outside entity that you are a receiving services with Summit Alternatives without your expressed permission to do so.

Do you prescribe medications or diagnose mental illness?

I do not have a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner on staff, so I do not write any prescriptions for medications.

I am not able to diagnose mental illness.

If you believe you would need medication or mental health assessment for diagnosis we will be able to recommend you to a qualified professional.

Am I able to speak to Michael between sessions?

You can email or call your me if you have an issue in between sessions or call our office and leave a message and I will get back to you at their earliest convenience.
If you are experiencing an immediate mental health emergency, please call 911 and seek assistance immediately.