Whether you’re new to therapy or simply new to my practice, this page will walk you through what to expect…
Getting Started with Therapy
The first step for new therapy clients is to contact me directly. You're welcome to reach out by email at heather@heatherbthurstonphd.com or by phone at 919-415-1795.
I provide therapy for clients locally in Cary, NC, and the surrounding area, as well as online for clients in all PSYPACT states via secure telehealth. Because I am typically in session throughout the day, I'm often unable to answer calls as they come in. For that reason, email is the best way to initiate contact. I'm happy to schedule a brief phone call to answer questions about the individual therapy or couples therapy process.
If I am maintaining a waiting list for new clients, I can add your contact information and I will reach out as soon as I anticipate a regular opening in my schedule.
Intake Session
Your First Appointment
The therapy process begins with an intake assessment, a 60 minute appointment. During this session we will discuss your current concerns, treatment goals, and relevant history. An important part of beginning therapy is making sure the therapeutic relationship feels like a good fit. After scheduling your intake session, I will establish your account in TherapyPortal, my secure patient portal, where you can manage appointments and billing as well as complete forms. You will receive an email notification when your account is set up.
Intake Paperwork
Before your intake session, you will complete intake forms online through TherapyPortal. You will receive an email when these documents are available. Completing these forms before your first session is required and helps us make the most of our time together.
Moving Forward in Therapy
At the end of the intake appointment, we will discuss a potential treatment plan.
If we both feel comfortable working together and I have the appropriate expertise to address your goals, we'll discuss an approach and schedule ongoing sessions. Standing appointment times are reserved on a weekly or every other week basis. Appointments at a reduced frequency are arranged at the end of each session or through the portal.
If either of us feels that it's not the right fit, I will provide referrals and recommendations to help connect you with other providers who may better meet your needs.
Throughout our work together, we will regularly review your progress and making adjustments as needed. Changes to treatment goals, session frequency, or decisions about ending therapy can be discussed at any time.
Insurance & Billing Information
Please note that I am an out-of-network provider with insurance companies. You are required to pay the full session fee at the time of each appointment. Many plans do offer reimbursement for out-of-network behavioral health services. At your request, I can provide a Superbill for you to submit to your insurance company.
To estimate your out-of-pocket cost, you can subtract your insurance reimbursement from the session fee.
(session fee-reimbursement to you = ultimate cost per session)
Helpful questions to ask your insurance company include:
What is the reimbursement rate for out-of-network clinical psychologists (CPT codes 90791 for intake session, 90834 for individual therapy, or 90847 for couple therapy)?
Do I have a deductible for behavioral health services?
Is there a limit to the number of sessions covered?
No Surprises Act
The No Surprises Act, enacted in December 2020, provides important billing protections for clients receiving out-of-network care. As part of the intake process - or upon request - you will receive a copy of your rights under this law, along with a Good Faith Estimate of Services.