+ How do I start?

There are several ways for you to begin the process of engaging in therapy. You can send an inquiry directly through the website or send an email at drmartinez@enlightenpsych.com. Dr. Martinez will respond as soon as possible to schedule your first appointment, gather some necessary information, and answer any questions you might have. You will then receive an email confirming your intake appointment day and time, as well as including a link to complete your electronic paperwork which must be completed prior to your first appointment.

+ What happens during the initial appointment?

The initial consultation (intake session) will last approximately 60 minutes but can extend to additional sessions. Typically, during the first session, we will discuss your reasons for seeking treatment and basic background information about you. Policies, fees, and scheduling will also be discussed in this appointment. To the extent possible, Dr. Martinez will offer you some first impressions of what the therapy work will include. She will also discuss scheduling and create a plan for ongoing treatment with you.

+ How much does therapy cost?

For those clients choosing to pay out-of-pocket, either due to lack of mental health coverage or to maintain confidentiality from insurance companies, the out-of-pocket cost for a one-hour intake session is $275 and subsequent 55-minute therapy sessions are $225. What insurances do you accept? Dr. Martinez is in-network with most private insurance companies, including:

• Aetna

• First Choice Health

• Kaiser Permanente PPO (and some HMO options)

• Lifewise

• Premera Blue Cross

• Regence Blue Shield

For all other insurance companies, Dr. Martinez is considered an out-of-network provider. If your insurance company offers out-of-network benefits, you may receive full or partial reimbursement for the cost of services. Most insurance companies that provide out-of-network benefits cover between 50%-80% of the cost per session. Dr. Martinez will provide statements for clients to submit to the insurance company so that they can be reimbursed directly.

+ Will insurance pay for treatment?

Most clients use their health insurance benefits to help cover the cost of psychotherapy sessions. Most insurance plans require some patient portion, such as amounts working toward deductibles, co-payments or co-insurances.

+ How does the billing policy work?

When you complete your initial intake paperwork, you will have the opportunity to provide billing information, including your insurance information and a credit card to cover your out-of-pocket costs. Clients often choose to provide an HSA debit card or a credit card for this purpose. This information is entered into the HIPAA compliant, encrypted electronic medical records program that manages insurance claims. In your treatment contract, you will be asked to authorize Enlighten Psychology to take these payments whenever necessary.

After each session, Dr. Martinez will send a claim to your insurance company. Insurance companies usually respond within 2-4 weeks with payment and instruction on what the patient portion for that session is. You will also receive this detailed information on the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company. Once we have received this information, we will automatically take payment in accordance with your insurance company’s direction. We will not contact you for permission to take this payment. You can request a statement of your account at any time.

+ What types of payments do you accept?

Dr. Martinez accepts most major credit cards and HSA cards as forms of payment. A credit card is required to be kept on file.

+ What types of problems do you work with?

Dr. Martinez has a wide breadth of experience and expertise. She works with adolescents (13-17), and adults of all ages. She helps clients with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, mood lability, relationship conflict, trauma, life transitions, behavioral problems, work problems, and general feelings of dissatisfaction.

+ How frequent are sessions and how long will therapy last?

Therapy sessions are usually 55 minutes, although some insurances require they be capped at 45 minutes. The frequency and duration of your therapy will be determined after you have met with Dr. Martinez, discussed your goals, and created a treatment plan. However, most clients attend therapy weekly at least to start. Every client is individual in their goals and needs. Some clients may choose to attend only a few sessions, and others will maintain a long-term relationship for several years.

+ Is everything I say in therapy confidential?

Dr. Martinez is bound by the federal HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) laws that strictly protect your Personal Health Information (PHI). This includes information about what you discuss in therapy, any paperwork you complete, information about you or your appointments, and even the fact that you are a client at Enlighten Psychology. Dr. Martinez is not allowed to disclose this information to anyone without your written permission except in a few circumstances. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. We are required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, we must notify the police and inform the intended victim.

• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, we will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, we will take further measures without their permission that are provided to us by law in order to ensure their safety.

• In order to obtain payment from health insurance companies.

• In order to coordinate treatment among your providers.

+ Can I include other people in my therapy?

Dr. Martinez values the opportunity to meet and include important people from your life into your therapy. If you decide to invite an important person into your therapy, then you will be asked to sign a Release of Information (ROI) which will detail who you are giving Dr. Martinez permission to speak with. You may also discuss any limits to what you would like to be disclosed.

It is also often helpful to allow Dr. Martinez to coordinate your care with other health providers, such as primary care physicians, pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and other therapists.

+ What is your cancellation policy?

Therapy works best when scheduled appointments are regularly kept. If you need to cancel an appointment, it is important that you contact Dr. Martinez and let her know as soon as possible about your need to cancel. Alternative appointments will be offered, if available.

If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified Dr. Martinez at least 48 hours in advance, you will incur a cancellation fee. No-shows and late-cancellations are billed at the rate of $225 and are not covered by insurance.

+ Do you provide services in other languages?

Yes, Dr. Martinez is fluent in Spanish.

+ What happens if I have a crisis or an urgent situation?

Dr. Martinez will respond to messages and phone calls as soon as possible. However, she does not provide urgent, crisis, or emergency services. If you are experiencing a life threatening crisis and require immediate assistance, dial 9-1-1, or go directly to your nearest emergency room immediately.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, but do not require hospitalization, you may call the following:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TTY: 1-800-799-4889)

King County 24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-866-427-4747 (TTY: 206-461-3219)

For less urgent matters or for scheduling issues, please leave a message on Dr. Martinez’ voicemail (425-780-5329) or send her an email (drmartinez@enlightenpsych.com). Note that email is not a secure, confidential form of communication and should not be used for discussion of clinical issues or for urgent communications.