Policies
The purpose is simply to protect the trusting therapeutic relationship.
I am committed to working wholeheartedly with each of my clients and fostering long-term therapeutic relationships that feel genuine and trustworthy. My commitment to you is to be reliably available for our scheduled sessions and to dedicate myself to our psychotherapeutic work.
Informed Consent and Agreement
Informed Consent and Agreement
A. Informed Consent for Psychotherapy and Telehealth Services:
Psychotherapy services aim to reduce distress, improve relationships, and address mental health issues. However, there are no guarantees for success in therapy due to various factors involved. During therapy sessions, it is common to discuss uncomfortable topics and situations, which are considered part of the therapeutic process.
Clients have the right to discontinue services and request referrals at any time. The benefits of telehealth services include accessibility, convenience, and flexibility. However, technical interruptions and privacy concerns may arise during telehealth sessions. All telehealth sessions will be conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform.
B. Informed Consent for Electronic Communications:
The client and therapist will communicate through electronic means such as email, phone, and texting, for scheduling, payment, appointment confirmation, and cancellation.
Emergency Crisis Disclaimer: Han Bertrand does not provide emergency or crisis services. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or severe emotional distress, Han cannot provide the immediate assistance that's needed. Please seek urgent care by taking the appropriate emergency actions in your location.
C. Confidentiality and HIPAA Privacy Notice:
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a federal law, requires the therapist to protect the client’s Protected Health Information (PHI).
The client's consent is required for the therapist to disclose PHI to a third party, except in the following cases: 1) court order; 2) suspected child or elder abuse; 3) imminent danger to oneself or others; 4) request from the client's health insurance company (only if the client uses insurance).
D. Appointment and Payment Agreement:
Each session is a one-hour appointment and will end earlier than the full hour to allow the client some extra time to mentally process and prepare themselves before resuming their daily activities.
The fee for private pay is $200 per session. If the client chooses to use health insurance, the client will only be responsible for the copay if the deductible does not apply. However, any sessions that are not paid by the client's insurance company for any reason will be the client's financial responsibility.
Logistics
Appointment, Cancellation
Availability
Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 2 PM (ET).
I am based in Boston, Massachusetts.
One-Hour Appointment
Each session is a one-hour appointment, ending early to allow you time for a comfortable transition back to your day.
I encourage you to take a few minutes before the hour to breathe deeply and gather your feelings, thoughts, or simply be aware of what's been on your mind. As we approach the end of the session, we will pause our conversation. This will give you the remaining time to ask questions, give feedback, discuss logistics, and prepare to return to your day.
Weekly Session
I primiarly schedule sessions on either a once-weekly or twice-weekly basis, with appointments held at the same time each week.
Non-weekly sessions, such as every other week, once a month, or as needed, are possible. However, there is no guarantee of consistent openings for appointments, as I reserve appointment spots only for weekly sessions. This means if you prefer non-weekly sessions, your appointment time will differ each time, and availability cannot be guaranteed.
Same-Day Cancellation/No-Show Fee is $100
You are free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
A flat fee of $100 will be charged for any cancellations made on the same day or for no-shows. This is because same-day cancellations do not allow me to offer the opening to others, and the fee compensates for half of my financial loss. I reserve a specific spot on my calendar for our weekly sessions, and this spot is dedicated solely to you; it will not be given to anyone else.
Frequent cancellations (two or more cancellations within a 30-day period, excluding holidays, vacations, and occasional schedule conflicts) may result in losing the reserved spot.
Location, Telehealth
Location
I'm a licensed psychotherapist based in Boston, Massachusetts, and hold licenses a clinical social worker in Massachusetts (LICSW #123987), Oregon (LCSW #L14216), and Florida (LCSW #TPSW3510).
I can only provide psychotherapy services to individuals currently residing in the states where I am licensed. However, as a consultant, I offer consultations to people worldwide.
Zoom Video Meeting
I provide telehealth services exclusively via Zoom video meetings (HIPAA-Compliant) to ensure accessibility, flexibility, and consistency.
I have no plans to return to in-person sessions. Telehealth allows me to offer drop-in, additional, or urgent sessions, and you can reach me via both email and text.
Zoom Meeting Interruptions
If a Zoom meeting ends abruptly, it means that I've lost power and internet at my home office unexpectedly.
While this situation is rare, it's unpredictable during stormy weather. If that happens, I will reach out to you as soon as I am able.
Fee, Payment
Fees
$200 Per Session. Each session is a one-hour appointment, ending early to allow you time for a comfortable transition back to your day.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance without any charge. However, same-day cancellations or no-shows will incur a $100 flat fee. Please note that if you use insurance to cover therapy, this fee cannot be covered by your insurance and is solely your responsibility.
Monthly Payment via Zelle
You are expected to make a monthly payment at the end of each month upon receiving my billing email.
Payment Method
I exclusively accept payments through Zelle, although PayPal is an option if you don't have access to Zelle. My Zelle account is linked to my email address, which will be included in your monthly bills.
Unfortunately, at the moment I am not able to accept payments through HSA/FSA, Debit Cards, or Credit Cards.
You can use monthly bills for HSA/FSA reimbursement, and I'll provide the necessary paperwork for out-of-network reimbursement if requested.
Payment Agreement
If you are a Private Pay client, you will be charged my full rate of $200 per session.
If you use BCBS insurance, you will only be responsible for your copays. However, you are financially responsible for any sessions that are not paid by your insurance company.
If you use BCBS insurance and you have an unmet deductible, you will pay me out-of-pocket based on the rate your insurance plan determines (about $150 per session) until you meet your deductible.
Insurance
Private Pay, BCBS Insurance, Out-of-Network
In-Network with BCBS Insurance PPO and HMO (Massachusetts Residents Only).
Out-of-Network with Most Non-BCBS PPO Insurance Plans (Massachusetts Residents Only).
Private Pay Only for Clients Residing Outside of Massachusetts (No Health Insurance Accepted).
BCBS (In-Network): For Massachusetts Residents Only
If you're residing in Massachusetts, I accept either private pay or BCBS insurance. If you choose to use BCBS insurance, please be aware that you are financially responsible for any sessions not covered by your insurance company. Please ensure to call your insurance company directly to verify that your BCBS insurance is your primary insurance and will cover psychotherapy services (telehealth). Learn more about how to avoid future surprise bills on this page: https://www.hanbertrand.com/insurance.
For clients who do not have a Massachusetts residential address, I only accept private pay and I cannot accept any insurance. I am happy to provide the necessary paperwork for Out-of-Network reimbursement if you're eligible.
Out-of-Network Reimbursement: For Massachusetts Residents Only
I'm happy to provide the necessary paperwork for out-of-network reimbursement if you're eligible.
Please reach out to your insurance company to confirm that you have out-of-network benefits that will reimburse you for psychotherapy services.
You can also use the Reimbursify app to easily submit your claims for reimbursement. Typically, it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to receive your reimbursement check from your insurance company.
Privacy Notice
If you choose private pay and do not need paperwork for Out-of-Network reimbursement, your monthly bill will not contain any of your protected health information.
However, as insurance companies require a DSM-5 diagnosis code for Out-of-Network reimbursement, if you require paperwork for reimbursement, your monthly bills will include your protected health information, such as a diagnosis.