You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under federal law, health care providers must give clients who don’t have insurance—or who choose to self-pay—an estimate of the expected charges for services, including counseling. At My Mental Health Council, you will receive an initial Good Faith Estimate as part of your intake paperwork. After your intake session, we also provide a personalized Good Faith Estimate that reflects your specific care plan moving forward.
The Good Faith Estimate requires providers to give an exact figure rather than a range. Out of an abundance of caution and transparency, we base our estimates on the cost of weekly appointments. This means your personal estimate reflects the total amount you would owe if you attended therapy every week of the year, without skipping sessions for holidays, breaks, vacations, illness, or other events. This estimate is meant to give you a clear picture of the possible financial commitment across a calendar year.
In reality, the frequency and duration of therapy depend on your individual needs, goals, and budget. As the client, you decide how often to attend therapy and when to conclude treatment. Your counselor will work with you to find the rhythm of care that best supports your well-being.
You are entitled to receive your Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your services begin, and you may request one at any time before scheduling services. If you ever receive a bill that is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the charges. We encourage you to save a copy or picture of your estimate for your records.
For questions or to learn more about your rights under the No Surprises Act and Good Faith Estimates, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at 1-800-985-3059.