Paying for Your Therapy at HopeWorks Counseling in Kingsport
Navigating costs shouldn’t stand in the way of your healing journey. At HopeWorks Counseling in Kingsport, Tennessee, we offer clear guidance on payment options so you can focus on building a healthier, more balanced future for yourself.
To keep our care accessible, we accept variety of insurance plans, EAP benefits, and self-pay options. We are happy to review your specific coverage and help you find the most affordable way to begin your sessions with us.
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Do you accept insurance? Yes. We accept the following insurance plans: Aetna Aetna EAP (Resources for Living – Eastman) BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee BlueCare Tennessee (TennCare) BlueCare Plus Medicare CHAMPVA Cigna Cigna EAP CCA- Corporate Counseling Associates CoverKids Oscar Health TennCare (Medicaid) TRICARE East UnitedHealthcare Optum Behavioral Health VA Community Care (Region 3) ****We do NOT take: UHC Comm Plan Wellpoint
What is my deductible? A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket for healthcare services before your insurance company begins contributing toward covered costs. For example: If your deductible is $1,500 and you have not met any of it yet, you may be responsible for the full session fee until the deductible is satisfied. After your deductible is met, your insurance may begin covering part of the cost. You can also ask: “How much of my deductible has already been met this year?”
What is coinsurance? Coinsurance is different from a copay because it is based on a percentage of the session cost rather than a fixed amount. With coinsurance: You and your insurance company share the cost of care. Your percentage responsibility begins after your deductible has been met. For example: Your plan may cover 80% of therapy costs. You would be responsible for the remaining 20%. Unlike copays, coinsurance amounts can vary depending on: The therapist’s contracted rate Whether you are in-network or out-of-network The type or length of service provided Example of Coinsurance If the allowed session rate is $150 and your plan has: 80% insurance coverage 20% coinsurance responsibility Then: Insurance pays $120 You pay $30 However, if the allowed amount changes, your portion changes too. How Deductibles Affect Coinsurance In many plans, coinsurance does not begin until your deductible has been met. For example: You have a $2,000 deductible. You have only met $500 of it so far. Until the remaining deductible is satisfied, you may be responsible for the full therapy session fee. After your deductible is met: Your insurance begins sharing costs through coinsurance. This is one reason therapy costs may suddenly decrease later in the year after insurance starts contributing more.
Why do some clients choose private pay instead of insurance? Private pay means paying directly for therapy services rather than billing insurance. While many clients choose to use their insurance benefits, others prefer private pay because it can offer additional flexibility, privacy, and control over their care. When insurance is used, insurance companies typically require a mental health diagnosis, treatment documentation, and proof of medical necessity in order to approve and continue covering services. Some clients prefer private pay to reduce insurance involvement in their mental health treatment and maintain greater confidentiality. Potential benefits of private pay may include: Increased privacy and reduced sharing of personal health information with insurance companies No requirement for a mental health diagnosis to receive services Greater flexibility in treatment planning and session frequency Fewer insurance-related restrictions, authorizations, or session limits More freedom to focus on personal growth, relationship concerns, stress management, or life transitions without medical necessity requirements Depending on a client’s insurance plan, deductible, or copay responsibility, private-pay or reduced-fee options may sometimes be comparable to — or even less expensive than — using insurance benefits. We are happy to discuss available options and help clients better understand potential costs before beginning services.
What are EAP services? Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are employer-sponsored benefits that may provide short-term counseling and mental health support services at little to no cost to employees. EAP services are often designed to help individuals address concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, work-related stress, substance use concerns, and other life difficulties. Many employers — including companies such as Eastman Chemical Company — may offer EAP benefits as part of their employee benefits package. EAP plans commonly include a limited number of sessions per issue or concern before regular insurance or private-pay options begin. If you believe you may have EAP benefits through your employer, you can typically: Contact your Human Resources department Call the Member Services or Behavioral Health number on your insurance card Review your employee benefits information Ask whether your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling services If available, the EAP provider can usually explain: The number of sessions covered Which services are eligible Whether telehealth is included How to obtain an authorization or referral number if needed Which providers participate with the EAP program We are happy to help answer questions about EAP services and determine whether your available benefits may apply to therapy services.
Good Faith Estimate (No Surprises Act) If you are paying privately or choosing not to use insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges for therapy services under the No Surprises Act. This estimate helps you understand anticipated costs before beginning treatment. Please reach out if you have questions.
Understanding Therapy Costs
Understanding benefits and payment, from deductibles to copays, can be complex. We are here to help you navigate authorizations, claims, and affordability to ensure a smooth healing process. Below you will find comprehensive in-depth, detailed, step by step instructions and answers to all your questions.
How do I verify my insurance coverage? The best way to understand your therapy benefits and possible out-of-pocket costs is to call the Member Services number on the back of your insurance card before your first appointment. Insurance plans can vary significantly — even between plans from the same insurance company — so verifying your specific benefits can help reduce confusion and avoid unexpected costs later. When you call, let the representative know you are seeking outpatient mental health therapy services and would like to verify your behavioral health benefits. Helpful questions to ask include: Do I have outpatient mental health benefits? This confirms whether your insurance plan includes coverage for therapy services. Is therapy covered under my plan? Ask whether your specific plan covers outpatient counseling or psychotherapy services. Is my provider in-network or out-of-network? Coverage and costs can vary depending on whether your therapist is contracted with your insurance company. Do I have a copay, coinsurance, or deductible for therapy sessions? This helps you understand what portion of the session cost you may be responsible for paying. What will my estimated cost per session be? Insurance representatives may be able to provide an estimate of your expected out-of-pocket cost for therapy appointments. Is telehealth or online therapy covered? If you are interested in virtual sessions, verify whether telehealth services are included under your plan. Are couples counseling, family therapy, or group therapy services covered? Some plans cover these services differently than individual therapy, so it is important to ask specifically. Do I need a referral from my doctor? Certain insurance plans require a referral from a primary care provider before therapy services are covered. Do I need prior authorization before starting therapy? Some plans require approval before services begin or after a certain number of sessions. Are there limits on the number of therapy sessions covered each year? Some insurance plans place limits on the number or frequency of covered sessions. Do I have out-of-network benefits? If your provider is not in-network, you may still qualify for partial reimbursement through out-of-network coverage. It may also be helpful to write down: The date and time of your call The name of the insurance representative Any reference number provided for the conversation Notes about the information discussed While we are happy to assist with insurance verification whenever possible, insurance companies determine final coverage and payment based on your individual plan and claim processing. Benefit information provided by insurance representatives is considered an estimate and is not a guarantee of payment or coverage.
What is a copay? A copay (or copayment) is a fixed amount you pay for a therapy session through your insurance plan. This amount is determined by your insurance company and usually stays the same for each visit. For example: Your insurance plan may require a $25 copay for outpatient mental health therapy. This means you would pay $25 at each session, and your insurance company would pay the remaining covered portion. Copays are often: Due at the time of service Applied per session or appointment Different depending on the type of care you receive Some plans have: One copay amount for primary care visits A different copay for mental health therapy Separate copays for specialists or telehealth appointments It is also important to understand that: A copay does not always mean insurance covers 100% of the remaining balance. Certain services may still apply toward your deductible. Coverage rules vary between plans. Example of a Copay If your therapist’s contracted session rate with insurance is $120 and your plan has a $30 copay: You pay $30 Insurance pays the remaining covered amount In this example, your cost remains consistent regardless of the total contracted rate.
Copay vs. Coinsurance: What’s the Difference? Copay- Fixed amount Usually predictable Example: $25 per session Coinsurance- Percentage of the session cost Can vary based on session fees Example: 20% of the allowed amount Why Your Actual Cost May Change Even when insurance information is verified ahead of time, actual client responsibility can still vary because of: Deductible status changes Claims processing Coordination of benefits Session type Authorization requirements Insurance policy updates Insurance companies determine final payment only after a claim has been processed. Helpful Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company When verifying benefits, consider asking: Do I have a copay or coinsurance for therapy? Does my deductible apply before copays begin? Is coinsurance based on the billed amount or contracted rate? Are telehealth sessions billed differently? Are couples or family sessions covered differently? Is my responsibility different for out-of-network services? Understanding these details ahead of time can help reduce confusion and allow you to make informed decisions about your care.
Do I need a referral or prior authorization before starting therapy? Some insurance plans require a referral from a primary care physician or prior authorization before therapy services will be covered, while others allow clients to begin therapy without additional approval. Requirements vary depending on your insurance company and individual plan. To find out whether your plan requires either of these, we recommend calling the Member Services or Behavioral Health number listed on the back of your insurance card. Let the representative know you are seeking outpatient mental health therapy and ask: “Do I need a referral for therapy services?” “Does my plan require prior authorization for outpatient mental health counseling?” “Are there any approvals required before or during treatment?” “Are there session limits that require additional authorization later?” In some cases, authorization may also be required after a certain number of sessions have been used. If required approvals are not obtained, insurance may deny coverage for services. Verifying these requirements ahead of time can help avoid delays, denied claims, or unexpected costs.
Payment Information Payments are securely processed through the client portal. A card may be kept securely on file and charged automatically either immediately following your session or later that evening for copays, self-pay fees, deductibles, coinsurance, outstanding balances, or applicable late cancellation/no-show fees in accordance with practice policies. Accepted forms of payment may include: Credit cards Debit cards HSA cards FSA cards Cash Electronic receipts are typically provided after payment is processed. While all major payment methods are accepted, cash or debit card payments are always greatly appreciated due to credit card processing fees associated with electronic transactions.
Therapy Rates & Fees
Private-pay options provide a flexible alternative for individuals who prefer higher levels of confidentiality or whose insurance coverage may be limited. Choosing this route allows for therapy tailored directly to your needs without heavy insurance oversight.
In many instances, our flat session rates are highly competitive and can be more cost-effective than meeting high insurance deductibles or out-of-pocket copayments.
$ varies
We provide professional LCSW supervision focused on clinical excellence and therapist development. Our sessions are designed to cultivate your clinical skills and confidence, meeting board requirements while providing a supportive space for you to refine your unique therapeutic approach and professional identity.
Group Therapy
Time / Cost varies
$25-$65
Sliding Scale
To ensure counseling remains accessible, we offer sliding scale slots based on financial necessity. These reduced rates are offered at therapist discretion based on current availability.