Insurance and Telehealth

I am an in-network provider for Premera, Lifewise, First Choice, and all plans that use the First Choice network (e.g., Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of WA Access PPO plan only).  For clients with these plans, I will bill insurance directly for sessions; copays are usually required. Please note that I do not accept Athem Blue Cross/Blue Shield that reimburses via Premera.  
Many other insurance policies (e.g., Aetna, Regence) allow for out-of-network coverage for outpatient mental health services.  In this case, you would pay for services up front (see rates to the right), receive a monthly invoice to submit to your insurance company, and get reimbursed directly for, typically, a percentage of charges. Every insurance plan is different, so please check your plan to understand your benefits and applicable deductibles prior to our first meeting.

When checking with your insurance company, you may be asked to provide:
​Therapist name and credentials:  Susan Busteed LMHC, CN
License number: LH6083250
NPI number: 1245680556
Common CPT codes: 90791 (initial visit) & 90837 (ongoing visits)

Please be aware that not all insurance health plans have "virtual visits", "telemedicine", or "telehealth" as a part of their benefits. If your plan does not cover this, my services will be "out of pocket" for you. ​

Rates, Payments & Good Faith Estimates (GFEs)

• $155 for 55-minute sessions
• ​Check, cash, and debit/credit cards accepted (Visa, American Express, Mastercard).  Please note that I do not accept HSA cards.
• Payment is due at the time of service

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using their insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. If you are not using insurance, you have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your mental health care will cost. You can ask for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a session.  For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.  ​

​Reduced Fee Spots

​I believe that financial hardship or lack of adequate health care coverage should not be a barrier to obtaining needed counseling. 15% of my practice involves providing counseling to those who would not otherwise be able to afford it due to loss of insurance or personal hardship.   While all of my sliding scale spots are filled at present, I can add you to my waiting list for a reduced fee spot should one open up in the future.