FAQs

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What is couple and family therapy?

Couple and family therapy focuses on the couple or family as the client and unit of focus, rather than focusing on an individual. Even if an individual is in therapy alone, couple and family therapists explore individual issues within the context of the family, including family of origin and current family.

What do sessions cost and how can I pay for them?

A standard 55-minute session is $200.  An initial couple assessment (our first appointment) is 75 minutes and is $250.  After our first appointment, we will decide together about session length, and your session length doesn't have to be the same each week.  Extended sessions (75 minutes) may be recommended during the first stage of therapy and can be helpful when working through past hurts, exploring patterns that are getting you stuck, or delving into core emotions. When progress is sustainable between sessions, we may decide to move to 55-minute weekly sessions or bi-weekly extended sessions.  I will continue to check in with you about the pace of therapy so you are comfortable with the progress you are making.

Payment can be made by cash and personal checks and is due at the time of service.

Do you accept insurance?

While I do not bill insurance companies directly, I will provide you with the receipt you need to file a claim for reimbursement. This receipt will have my National Provider ID (NPI), insurance billing codes, and diagnosis codes, which is the information you will need to submit to your insurance company. Your insurance company will then reimburse you directly and this reimbursement is usually a portion of the session fee based on your out-of-network benefits.   Please read your insurance policy carefully or contact your insurance provider so you understand what your benefits will and will not cover.

I am committed to providing you with the best services possible and have found that third-party payers, such as insurance companies, can potentially interfere with effective treatment and raise issues regarding confidentiality. For instance, insurance companies often limit the number of sessions and require that services include a mental health diagnosis.

In accordance with the No Surprises Act and government requirements, anyone choosing not to use insurance has the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate, which indicates how much your treatment may cost depending on the services and frequency of service delivery you choose.

Are sessions virtual or in person?

I am currently providing sessions both virtually and in person at my office in Ellicott City.

How long does therapy last?

Your goals and personalized treatment plan will influence your length of therapy. Because therapy is unique to each individual, couple, or family, there is no standard amount of time in which therapy is completed.

In general, weekly sessions last for three to twelve months, and some clients like to have monthly check-in appointments after weekly sessions have been completed. People working on severe issues may require more time. The length of therapy is ultimately up to you.

How can I set up an appointment?

Please call me at 410-696-2183 or email me at sara@saraphillipsmft.com for a phone consultation or to set up an appointment.