Question 1

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Austin Roots is primarily a private-pay practice. I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield. If you have out-of-network benefits, you may also be able to receive reimbursement for sessions. I'm happy to provide a superbill and help you understand how that process works.

Question 2

What are your rates?

Accepted Answer

Individual therapy is $180 for a 50 minute session. If you have BCBS your co-pay, co-insurance or deductible will be due at the time of service.  Individual supervision is $600, or group supervision is $400 per month with a minimum of 4 hours a month. Consulting projects will be priced on an individual basis based on scope and commitment required.

Question 3

Can you prescribe medications?

Accepted Answer

No, I am a psychotherapist, not an medical doctor.  We will only do therapy together.  A psychiatrist can prescribe medications and I have many psychiatrists I can refer you to if the need for medication arises in our work together.

Question 4

Can I see you in person or virtually?

Accepted Answer

I can meet in person on Tuesday and Thursdays 8am until 2pm at 1010 Mo-Pac Circle, in Austin TX.   I can meet with patients in Texas virtually.  Those seeking supervision can be seen in person and virtually. For consulting projects I will meet you in person as needed.

Question 5

How do I know you have the experience I need to help me?

Accepted Answer

You don't know! I suggest a brief phone call prior to any appointment to see if we both think this would be a good working relationship. Whether it is therapy, supervision, or consulting you will be asked to share a lot of vulnerable information and both of us need to trust each other in order to make progress.

Question 6

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Accepted Answer

A Good Faith Estimate outlines the anticipated cost of therapy services prior to scheduling, or at any time you request one.

Receive an estimate including:
Type of service,  expected frequency of sessions, provider information, expected total cost over 12 months (or length of treatment if known)

The Good Faith Estimate is not a bill. It is designed to prevent surprise charges and help you understand what therapy may cost.

You can find more information here

Question 7

How do I file a complaint?

Accepted Answer

You have a right to have your complaints heard and resolved in a timely manner. If your issue cannot be resolved, you may file a complaint with the licensing board:

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
ATTN: Enforcement
1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 7.300
Austin, TX 78701
Telephone: 1-800-821-3205
For more information, please visit the BHEC Website:
 http://www.bhec.texas.gov

If you have a complaint concerning the HIPAA Privacy Regulations, you may contact the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, at: OCRMail@hhs.gov.
 
To file a consumer complaint regarding the privacy and security of your
health information, you may contact the Texas Office of the Attorney
General and file a consumer complaint by clicking this link: 
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/health-care/patient-privacy

Question 8

How do I request my medical records?

Accepted Answer

Texas law requires that requests for mental health records be made in writing. To obtain your records, or your child’s records, please follow the steps below:

Submit a written request
Choose one of the following options with the subject line: “REQUEST FOR RECORDS” :
Via Patient Portal
Via Email (if you do not have portal access) Email your written request and completed Authorization form to: turnipseed.andrea@gmail.com	
Additional requirements (if applicable):
Litigation-related records If records are requested for use in litigation, please include:
Cause number
Case title
Court where the case is pending
Business Records Affidavit
If you require a Business Records Affidavit, indicate this in your request
Fee: $15
Affidavits will not be provided until payment is received
Records fee
Fee for providing records: $25 for electronic records
Accepted payment methods: credit cards, or cash.
Texas law does not require records to be released until fees are paid
Couples, family, or third-party records If you are requesting:
Couples counseling records
Family counseling records
Records for anyone other than yourself or your child
State and federal law require either:
A valid Court Order, or
An Authorization signed by the individual (or parent/legal guardian)
Relevant law: 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e); Texas Health & Safety Code §§611.004, 611.0045, 611.008

Instructions for Attorneys and Document Companies
A subpoena alone is not sufficient to compel disclosure of confidential counseling or billing records, or other Protected Health Information (PHI), under HIPAA (45 C.F.R. Chapter 164).
For mental health or medical records requested or subpoenaed in litigation (including testimony), HIPAA permits disclosure only under the following circumstances:
In response to a valid court or administrative tribunal order, or
When the individual (or parent/legal guardian):
Is a party to the proceeding
Has notice that the PHI has been requested
Does not object to the disclosure
An Authorization from the individual or parent satisfies this requirement.
Relevant law: 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e)

Important Note
If the client or parent has indicated that they do not consent to release of records:
A “Statement of Assurance” will not be accepted
A valid Authorization or Court Order will be required

Frequently Asked Questions