Shirley Nicholson Counseling
Life Coach, Psychotherapist (retired)
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-242-7806

Appointments and Fees

The Pros and Cons of Using Insurance –

The advantages of using health insurance, if your plan covers mental health, is that your copay may be small and manageable, after your deductible is met.

The disadvantages of using health insurance are that, in order to qualify for benefits, insurance companies require that the counselor indicate a diagnosis of a mental health disorder. This information is recorded in the medical system and is a permanent record and can follow you. If you later apply for life, disability or other health insurances, the company may need to have access to information about pre-existing conditions.

Some clients who have health insurance prefer not to use their benefits for psychotherapy. By paying for sessions themselves, they can keep personal problems completely private.

My fees –

If you prefer to use your insurance, I am a member of some insurance networks. I ask to be paid by my clients initially, until the insurance company has processed your claim. If I am not a member of your plan, you can still come to counseling sessions, but you will have to pay me directly. I will submit your receipt to your company for an out-of-network reimbursement.

If you do not have insurance or do not wish to use your insurance, my fee is $100.00 per 50 minute session. I accept cash and checks. I do not accept credit cards. In case of financial need, I provide a sliding scale fee. Call or email now for a free, no-obligation, 15 min. consultation to ask questions and get to know me or to schedule an appointment.