Finding care
What does psychiatric care cost without insurance?
How to plan for psychiatric care costs, ask about insurance, understand reimbursement, and request an estimate before beginning treatment.
It is hard to choose care when you cannot find the price. It is harder when the appointment fee is clear but the costs around it are not.
This article explains how to think about the costs of care. It does not provide Washington-wide price averages. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner, not a physician psychiatrist; different clinicians and practices set their own rates.
Check the current appointment fees
A free 15-minute consultation comes first. The current fee schedule lists evaluation and follow-up fees, visit lengths, and payment policies in one place.
Insurance participation is not yet active. If you hope to use insurance for future care, you can join the insurance interest list. For appointments before participation is active, see current fees and payment details.
Think about the total, not just one visit
Ask about the expected cost of the evaluation and follow-ups, not just the first visit. Follow-up frequency depends on your needs; an estimate should reflect the care reasonably expected for you.
Medication, lab work, and care from other providers are separate. Ask what monitoring a proposed treatment might need and who would provide it. If cost will determine whether you can follow a plan, bring that up before you commit.
Check the cancellation policy before scheduling a paid appointment.
What a superbill does
A superbill is an itemized receipt with information your insurer may need, including diagnosis and billing codes. It does not guarantee payment by the plan.
Ask whether your plan covers out-of-network video visits with a psychiatric nurse practitioner, what deductible remains, and what amount the plan allows for the service. A percentage of the allowed amount may be quite different from a percentage of the full visit price.
Reimbursement may be based on the plan’s allowed amount rather than the full visit price, and your deductible may apply first. Some plans have no out-of-network benefits.
Ask for an estimate before treatment
People who are uninsured or choosing not to use insurance have federal rights to a Good Faith Estimate. A bill at least $400 above a provider’s estimate may qualify for the federal dispute process. CMS explains the rules and how to get help.
You can request an estimate from this practice by calling (509) 356-2424. You can also use the free consultation to ask whether the service and ongoing costs fit what you need.
Common questions
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. The 15-minute video or phone consultation is free, with no payment card required. It does not include clinical evaluation or treatment.
Will insurance reimburse me if I pay directly?
Not necessarily. Reimbursement depends on your plan’s benefits, deductible, allowed amount, and other requirements. Check with your insurer before relying on it.