Strange Flowers by Serena Weits
  • Once we determine a time that works for you, we can talk briefly about your current challenges that led you to seek therapy. While I inquire on your specific needs, you will be able to get a feel for my style and determine if you feel a sense of connection and safety. It allows a time for asking questions as well. I would let you know whether I have the specialty tools to support you in reaching your goals. Together, we would determine our next steps, which may include logistical aspects of treatment, including payment options and feasibility, setting up a first session (either in-person or virtual), or if you are needing recommendations or referrals. I do not charge for our first phone consultation.

  • My hours are limited to weekdays from 9am to 3pm (last session starts at 2pm). I do not offer evening or weekend hours. My in-person appointments are only offered Tuesdays, Wednesday mornings, and Thursdays. I have more days and flexibility with virtual appointments.

  • Weekly therapy sessions are recommended, especially at the start of treatment. After approximately 3 months, we typically have a good handle of the speed of change and level of frequency that is needed. Sessions can be increased to twice weekly or decreased to every other week or less. Open discussion of needs and concerns can happen at any time. If you are needing a more frequent or more intense level of care than I am able to provide, this will be discussed and referral options will be provided.

  • I require a 48-hour cancellation notice. This ensures that those waiting for my services are given time to schedule if an appointment becomes available. When there is less than 48-hours’ notice or you do not show at the time of your scheduled appointment, you will be charged the full session fee. If you are using your insurance for our sessions, you will be charged the fee I typically receive from your insurance for a full session. When a cancellation is emergent, there is no fee. As an alternative to cancelling, an in-person session can be changed to a virtual video session.

  • No, psychologists are not trained nor authorized to prescribe medications. There are some who have extra training for this certification. Medications can be helpful in reducing specific symptoms and treating mental health conditions. Often medications are used in combination with other types of treatments, such as psychotherapy. Primary care providers are typically the first line of intervention to consider for medication prescriptions. If the first couple trials of medications are not effective, it is strongly recommended to seek a consult with a psychiatrist, who is trained specifically in medication options for mental health conditions.

  • I offer a free 30-minute phone consultation to prospective clients.

    My out-of-network fee is $250 per session.

    If you have a PPO insurance and out-of-network coverage for mental health, you have the ability to see any provider you choose. You can determine to what extent your insurance will reimburse you for care received out-of-network. See below in the Insurance Questions section for a list of questions to ask your insurance about coverage and reimbursement. If you choose to use your PPO benefits, you will need to pay for my services in full at the time of the appointment. I will then offer you a superbill monthly that you would submit to your insurance for reimbursement. HMO plans do not cover my services.

    I have a limited number of reduced fee slots based on need status of the client. Inquire whether there are any available at this time if you believe you would qualify. You may also request to be added to a waitlist for when those become available.

  • I have a limited number of appointment slots for Aetna. I have created a waitlist if I am unable to schedule you. You can determine your insurance co-pay with me on the Alma website: Genelle Weits García - Alma.

    I cannot legally take any clients who have Medicare. I regret to say that I will be unable to meet with you if you have active Medicare or if at some point you change to Medicare.

  • There are several benefits to doing private pay rather than using insurance:

    Flexibility: Private pay allows you to choose the provider that you feel is the best fit for your needs, rather than being limited only to providers who accept your insurance.

    Confidentiality: Because private pay is not tied to insurance, there is generally little to no documentation of your diagnosis and treatment that needs to be sent to a third party. This can be especially important for those who want to keep their mental health treatment private.

    Customization: Private pay allows for a more customized treatment approach, as the provider is not limited by insurance coverage and can recommend the treatment plan that they feel is best for the individual.

    Quicker access to care: Because private pay is not subject to insurance pre-approvals or other delays, you may be able to access care more quickly than you would through insurance.

    Greater control over treatment: When you use private pay, you have greater control over the treatment process and can make decisions about your care based on what you feel is best for you, rather than being constrained by insurance coverage.

  • You may pay by check, debit or credit card, and FSA/HSA cards. Cash is accepted if meeting in person.

  • When you seek services without using your insurance (or do not have insurance), you legally have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much the investment in your health and well-being is estimated to be over the course of treatment in a year.

    Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your first appointment. You can also ask for one prior to scheduling your first session.

    If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than this estimate, you can dispute the bill.

    Make sure to save a copy or picture of the estimate. For questions or more information about this right, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises

Frequently Asked Questions

Out of Network/ PPO Insurance Reimbursement Questions.

1. Does my policy include mental health benefits?

2. Does my policy cover out-of-network therapists? If I see a provider who is not part of your network, do you provide any coverage? Are there any additional out-of-pocket costs?

a. If yes, does my policy cover Licensed Clinical Psychologists (PhD)? Does that provider need to be on your out of network list?

b. If yes, how much will my policy pay for a 60 minute psychotherapy session (procedure code 90837)?

3. What percentage will my policy pay for a 60-minute psychotherapy session (procedure code 90837)? How many intake (90791) sessions are approved on my policy—one or two?

4. How much psychotherapy is covered per year? Are there any dollar or calendar limits to my coverage?

5. Is my mental health deductible part of, or separate from, my medical deductible?

6. What is my yearly mental health and/or medical deductible? (Amount I need to pay before my insurance starts paying their portion).

7. How much of my deductible have I met this year?

8. Can I pay my therapist out-of-pocket and submit a Superbill for reimbursement?

a. If yes, how do I do this? Is there an on-line form to complete or do I need to email, mail, or fax the Superbill? Who do I send this to?

b. Once I mail in a Superbill, how long before I receive a reimbursement?

9. Do you require pre-approval or pre-certification of sessions?

a. If yes, who must obtain the pre-approval or pre-certification? Myself? My therapist? Either?

b. Can this be done over the phone? If not, what is the procedure?

10. How many sessions will likely be pre-approved at a time?

11. Who should be contacted to authorize the pre-approval?

12. Is there anything else I should know?