ODYSSEYCounseling and Therapy                   Mike Binks, MEd, LPC, CADC 3

Cost per session.

60-minute session...$110

90-minute session...$165

For those who cannot afford this rate, I offer some "sliding scale" slots with a fee schedule that is based on verifiable gross annual income.

Fees are paid in full at each appointment, or in advance.  I currently accept cash and checks.

Insurance (take a deep breath)...

Some - but not all - insurance companies may cover my services, either as an "in-network" or "out-of-network" provider.  

I do not bill your insurance company directly, so I'll always collect the full fee of $110 each session, either in cash or with a check.  I will be sure to provide you with a receipt of services that you can then submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.  This receipt will include a diagnostic code (that reflects the reason you are seeking therapy) and a billing code (that clarifies whether we did an individual or couple/family session). 

I will also give you copies of any documents needed (like treatment plans) for re-authorization after the approved number of sessions has run out.

Just a friendly warning that insurance companies are difficult creatures to work with:  I can't guarantee you will be reimbursed, even when an insurance representative has given you the green light.  When you call to get the facts, be sure to write them all down and keep them for future phone conversations with other insurance representatives.

Calling your insurance company.

1) Give the agent my name (Mike or Michael Binks), my tax i.d. number or EIN (26-4238869), my credentials (Oregon LPC license number C1884 & Oregon CADC III license number 06-11-88), and my National Provider Identifier (NPI) number 1598773608. 

2) Remember to ask specifically about deductible costs and co-pays you would have if you were to see me. 

3) Also be sure to specifiy if your insurance company will reimburse for code 90806 (individual counseling) or 90847 (couple or family sessions, to address the needs of an individual).  NOTE: Most insurance companies will refuse to cover "marriage counseling," but if one person in the relationship is struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or other difficulties, insurance companies will often allow us to address the individual's needs through work with the couple.

4) Ask about how costs may differ for seeing an in-network vs. an out-of-network provider, and ask them which category I fit as a therapist.  This will allow you to make informed decisions about what you're willing to pay to see me, especially if you would get a reduced or waived deductible and lower co-pay with another therapist.

5) Find out the specific number of sessions authorized, so you can keep track of when they run out.  When you've used up all of your authorized sessions, insurance companies will often re-authorize for continued sessions, at which point they'll ask for a treatment plan or an update of progress in treatment.  I'm happy to provide these documents for you.

6) If you get the "thumbs up" during your initial call, be sure to ask for an authorization number.  It may serve you well in follow-up phone conversations with other representatives.  This is especially important if you need "pre-authorization," so you can show that you talked to an insurance representative before you ever had your first appointment with me.

7) Ask when your insurance year "resets," because you'll have to mark it on your calendar and call back then to get the facts all over again.  Those facts can change from one year to the next without you necessarily knowing about it.

8) At this point, you may be inclined to let your insurance company know that it should not be this difficult to get from them what you pay for.

9) Whew! Now you're ready to set up our first appointment...

Good news!

Receipts not submitted for insurance claims may be tax deductible under medical expenses!  You can find out more from the person or company that helps you prepare your taxes.

Call with questions or to make an appointment.

Insurance issues tend to be confusing.  Please feel free to call or e-mail me with questions or concerns, or to set up our first appointment:

phone (503) 740-0573

I look forward to hearing from you!