I am currently accepting Cigna & United HealthCare Insurance. 

However, If you are out of network and have a PPO plan that enables you to select an ‘out-of-network provider’ it may be possible that you be partially or fully reimbursed for your sessions depending upon the terms of your policy. For this reason and to avoid unwanted billing surprises, it is best to check with your health insurance company or your employer’s human resources department before you get any out-of-network health care services.

I will provide you with the appropriate paperwork to submit to your insurance provider to facilitate the process. In instances where out-of-network benefits are covered, you will be responsible for payment at each session and your insurance will reimburse your expenses. Dr. K accepts cash, credit or check as reimbursement.

How to check your out-of-network coverage and possible out-of-network benefits:

Questions to ask:

• Are there out-of-network benefits for this policy?
• Do I have a mental or behavioral health policy with out-of-network benefits?
• What are the requirements to use out-of-network benefits?
• Is prior authorization required?
• Is a referral required from my primary care physician?
• Do I have an out-of-network deductible?
  • If yes:
    • What is my out-of-network deductible?
    • How much of my out-of-network deductible has been met?
    • What is the start date of the calendar year my out-of-network policy is based on?                                                                                        Be sure to take down the name of the representative, a reference number for the call and the date of your inquiry

1. Can you disclose anything we’ve talked about in therapy?

Everything that is disclosed during session, stays in session. However, there are several instances in which I am ethically and legally obligated to breach confidentiality.

1. A client presents a serious and imminent danger to others.

 In such an instance, I am obligated by law to inform the appropriate authorities and notify the intended victim.

2. A client presents a serious and imminent danger to themselves.

I will do everything in my power to ensure that every precaution is taken to maintain a client’s physical safety. However, if a client does not cooperate, I am obligated by law to take further measures without their permission to ensure their safety.

3. A client informs me that someone is harming them.

I am a New York State mandated reporter, as such I am mandated by New York State law to report child abuse, neglect and maltreatment.

4. When clients disclose that they have a disease commonly known to be communicable and/or life threatening and a third party is in serious risk of contracting that disease.

 In specific circumstances, I may be justified in disclosing information to identifiable third parties if the parties are known to be at serious and foreseeable risk of contracting the disease.

5. I am ordered by the court to release confidential or privileged information.

However, I will seek to obtain written informed consent from the client to take steps to prohibit the disclosure or have it limited as narrowly as possible to offset potential harm to our relationship.

Confidentiality and your child or adolescent

Ethically, mental health practitioners are advised to inform parents or guardians about the nature of counseling, the importance of confidentiality and to divulge only what is necessary. Above all, mental health practitioners must do what is in the best interest of the client while working to establish a collaborative relationship amongst all parties. When young people are assured that providers will respect their right to confidentiality, they are more likely to seek mental health services and benefit from them.