Payment Methods & Insurance Information
Transparent Pricing for Mental Health Services in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia
How Do I Pay for Therapy Sessions?
Payment Requirements
Full payment is due at the time of service for all sessions and fees. We accept major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, as well as HSA/FSA cards that carry a credit card logo. Your payment information is stored securely in encrypted electronic medical records.
What Insurance Plans Are Accepted?
In-Network Coverage
CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans — Most CareFirst PPO and Blue Shield plans are accepted. We submit claims directly to insurance, and you pay only your copay or deductible at the time of service.
Call your insurance company or check your online portal. Ask for coverage under “Joseph LaFleur” or “Joseph LaFleur and Associates.” Confirm your copays, deductibles, and specific coverage details. Coverage varies by plan, and verification is your responsibility prior to the first session.
Out-of-Network Coverage
All Other Insurance Plans — You pay the full session fee at the time of service. We submit claims electronically on your behalf when possible, and your insurance reimburses you directly. Monthly invoices are provided for your records upon request.
Common billing codes: 90791 (intake/assessment) and 90837 (standard session).
Self-Pay Rates
| Service | Code | Duration | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intake/Assessment | 90791 | 16–60 minutes | $205 |
| Standard Session | 90837 | 55 minutes | $205 |
| Short Session | 90834 | 35–45 minutes | $185 |
| Consultation | 90832 | Up to 30 minutes | $150 |
Family and relationship counseling also available ($205 for 55 minutes; extended sessions negotiable).
Sliding scale fees may be available for financial hardship. Please discuss during your initial consultation.
How Does Insurance Billing Work?
In-Network Process
Verify your coverage before your first appointment. At each session, you pay your copay or deductible. We handle all insurance claim submission directly — no additional paperwork required on your end.
Out-of-Network Process
Pay the full session fee at each appointment. We submit electronic claims to your insurance on your behalf when possible. Your insurance company then reimburses you directly. Monthly invoices are provided upon request for your records or tax purposes.
Financial Considerations & Payment Policies
Transparent, Accessible Mental Health Care
We understand that therapy represents a significant financial investment in your mental health and wellbeing. Our practice is committed to providing transparent pricing and working with clients to make mental health services as accessible as possible within our operational requirements. We maintain clear financial policies to ensure sustainable, quality care for all clients while offering flexibility when possible.
Our Commitment to Affordable Care
All fees, copays, and payment requirements are clearly outlined before treatment begins. There are no hidden costs or surprise charges. We provide a detailed explanation of your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses and maintain regular communication about any changes to financial arrangements.
Financial Assistance Options
We offer sliding scale fees for qualified individuals experiencing financial hardship, payment plans for self-pay clients when arranged in advance, insurance maximization to help you understand and use your benefits effectively, and flexible scheduling to accommodate work schedules and reduce time off.
Requirements for Financial Assistance: Honest disclosure of financial circumstances during the initial consultation, advance communication about financial challenges (rather than after services are rendered), commitment to agreed-upon payment arrangements, and regular reassessment of financial assistance needs.
If you have financial concerns, please discuss them during your initial consultation. Early communication allows us to explore all available payment options, determine eligibility for sliding scale fees, plan a sustainable treatment approach within your budget, and avoid financial stress that could impact your therapeutic progress.
Waiting to discuss financial constraints until after receiving services significantly limits our ability to offer assistance or alternative arrangements.
When Financial Issues Arise During Treatment
If financial circumstances change during treatment, communicate immediately rather than avoiding payment discussions. Schedule a brief consultation to review your options. We can explore modified treatment plans if necessary, including temporary adjustment of session frequency, brief treatment planning for immediate stabilization, connection to community resources and lower-cost options, and maintenance sessions during financial recovery periods. If our services become unaffordable, we can provide referral resources to help you continue care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Payment
“Do you accept my insurance plan?”
We are in-network with most CareFirst and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. For all other insurance, we function as out-of-network providers. You pay the full session fee at the time of service, and we submit claims electronically on your behalf. Your insurance then reimburses you directly.
“What if I don’t have insurance?”
We offer self-pay rates starting at $150 for consultations and $205 for standard therapy sessions. Sliding scale fees may be available for financial hardship.
“When do I need to pay?”
Payment is required in full at the time of each service. We securely store your payment method in encrypted electronic medical records for convenience.
“Can I use my HSA or FSA card?”
Yes. HSA and FSA cards with credit card logos (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are accepted for mental health services.
“Will you help with insurance paperwork?”
Yes. For in-network plans, we submit claims directly. For out-of-network plans, we submit claims electronically on your behalf. You pay at the time of services and your insurance reimburses you directly. We also provide detailed monthly invoices upon request.
Questions About Payment or Insurance?
We encourage open dialogue about financial concerns before they become barriers to your mental health care.
District Counseling and Psychotherapy
2001 L Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036