Rates & Policies
Rates
All sessions are offered via secure telehealth and are available to clients located in Washington State.
Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania – Virtual National Network, Quest Behavioral Health, Regence BlueShield of Washington
- Initial Psychiatric Evaluation (60–90 minutes) – $300
A comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, history, goals, and diagnostic considerations. This includes time for developing a treatment plan tailored to your needs. - Follow-Up Medication Management (30–45 minutes) – $200
Includes ongoing evaluation of symptoms, side effects, medication adjustments, and supportive care. Brief therapy or psychoeducation will be included. - Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART, 90 minutes) – $250
A structured, evidence-based therapy for trauma, anxiety, addiction-related distress, and more. ART sessions are longer by design and conducted separately from medication management.
Payment
- Payment is due in full at the time of service.
- Accepted forms of payment: credit/debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, or other pre-approved electronic methods.
- A card is required to be kept on file through our secure client portal.
If you’d like to seek out-of-network reimbursement, we can provide a superbill upon request for you to submit to your insurance provider.
Cancellations & No-Shows
- 24-hour notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
- Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will be subject to a $100 fee.
- No-show appointments will be charged $200.
Please understand that your appointment time is reserved just for you. Timely cancellations allow us to offer the time to another client in need.
Controlled Substances & Benzodiazepines
We do not prescribe benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, Ambien, Lunesta). If you are currently taking a benzodiazepine, we can discuss safe discontinuation and explore evidence-based alternatives for anxiety, panic, or sleep concerns.
Medication Refill Policy
- Medication refills are handled during scheduled appointments.
- Please ensure you schedule your follow-ups in advance so there is no gap in care.
- If a one-time bridge refill is needed between appointments, please allow 48 business hours for processing.
- Refill requests outside of scheduled visits may incur a $50 administrative fee, at the provider’s discretion.
Good Faith Estimate (GFE)
Under the federal No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your mental health care will cost. Upon request—or at the time of scheduling—you will receive an estimate of expected charges. If you have questions about this policy, feel free to contact me.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re unsure which service is right for you or have questions about policies, please reach out or schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Mercedes Stepp, APRN
Better Life Psychiatry PLLC