Frequently Asked Questions
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We see clients in-person in both Durham and Chapel Hill. Our Chapel Hill availability is currently limited to Mondays and Fridays.
Durham: 1921 N. Pointe Dr, Durham, NC 27705
Chapel Hill: 1709 Legion Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
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Potter Counseling and Consulting is currently In-Network with Aetna and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. We accept the following Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans:
Blue Care
Blue Advantage
Blue Classic
Blue Options
City of Charlotte Network
Blue High Performance Network
MyBlue w/Duke Health
North Carolina State Health Plan Network
Blue Federal plans
Many, but not all Out-of-State BCBS PPO plans
To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, call them to check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand your benefits. Some helpful questions you can ask them are below.
What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
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If we are "out-of-network" with your insurance provider, you will be responsible for paying the private pay rates at the time of your session. We can provide you with a "superbill" so that you can pursue reimbursement from your insurance company. You may call the member services number on the back of your insurance card to inquire about their out-of-network coverage for outpatient mental health services.
We also offer reduced fee services with our clinical interns that can help make the cost of counseling more affordable.
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You can pay for session fees via cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flex Spending Accounts (FSA). We keep a payment method on file in our secure client portal. Full payment for sessions (private pay, deductible, co-pay, or co-insurance) is expected at the time of service delivery.
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As of October 1st, 2023, our rates will be changing to the following rates detailed below. These rates apply to both office-based and telehealth counseling.
Fully Licensed Clinicians:
Initial Clinical Assessment for individuals/children: $185
Initial Clinical Assessment for couples: $200
Individual Therapy Session: $160
Couples Therapy Session: $160
Associate Level Clinicians:
Initial Clinical Assessment for individuals/children: $175
Initial Clinical Assessment for couples: $200
Individual Therapy Session: $140
Couples Therapy Session: $140
Counseling Interns:
Initial Clinical Assessment for individuals/children: $80
Initial Clinical Assessment for couples: $90
Individual Therapy Session: $60
Couples Therapy Session: $70
No-Shows or Late Cancellation Fee
We ask that you communicate with your clinician as early as possible with schedule changes or a need to cancel. We understand the need for changes when there is illness or family emergencies. Our clinicians will also communicate their own scheduling changes as early as possible to give you the same courtesy.
A cancellation with less than 24 hours notice for non emergencies results in a $70 fee.
No show fees will be charged for the full session rate, consistent with the rates established above. If the session is canceled after the start time of your scheduled session you will also be charged the full hourly fee. Exceptions may be made after discussion with your clinician in the case of illnesses and emergencies.
Please note that insurance policies do not reimburse for missed or canceled sessions.
Other Fees
Client-requested documentation or communication with individuals not directly involved in the client's treatment will be prorated to the out of pocket session cost of 1 hour.
Court-related costs: If one of our therapists receives a subpoena to testify in court, a fee of $300 per hour (including travel time) will be assessed. Our therapists do not voluntarily testify in court.
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During the first session, you can expect the following things to take place. Your therapist will review and discuss the paperwork completed prior to the session to clarify any questions or concerns. They will discuss your concerns and what brings you to therapy. They will then collaborate with you on a treatment plan to address your unique goals and needs. Other logistics such as frequency and scheduling of sessions with take place.
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In 2022 a new law known as the “No Surprises Act” went into effect. This law only applies to patients who are not using their health insurance benefits for their treatment. In it, you are given the right to receive a ‘Good Faith Estimate’ explaining how much your care may cost.
You also have the right to receive a ‘Good Faith Estimate’ for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like evaluations and session fees.
Your provider must give you a ‘Good Faith Estimate’ in writing for scheduled services within designated timeframes.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your ‘Good Faith Estimate’, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, click here.
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