Frequently Asked Questions

HOW CAN I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?
You can reach out to me via email or website message to arrange a free phone consultation. After this conversation, if you decide to move forward with treatment, we will schedule an initial evaluation to get started. You can also send a consultation request via https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/pei-chun-liao/

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WHAT HAPPEN AFTER YOUR CONSULTATION?

1. Assessment & Paperwork
   After your initial consultation, if you choose to proceed with the initial intake evaluation, you will receive several self-report assessments and documents to complete. These include consent forms and information necessary to proceed with therapy. Any questions are welcome along the way, and we’re happy to guide you through the process.

2. Proceeding with Initial Intake Evaluation
   During the initial intake evaluation, we will schedule a session to gather more detailed information about your history, concerns, and goals. This evaluation helps us create a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan for your therapy.

3. Treatment Plan and Feedback Session
   Once your assessments and intake evaluation are reviewed, we collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals and needs.

4. Scheduling Sessions
   You can then schedule regular sessions at times that work for you

5. Ongoing Support & Adjustments
   Your progress is monitored regularly, and treatment plans are adjusted as needed to ensure the best outcomes.

6. Confidential Communication
   Between sessions, you can reach out with questions or updates. All communication is secure and HIPAA-compliant.

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WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE INITIAL EVALUATION?
The initial evaluation is a thorough diagnostic assessment that lasts about one to two hours, depending on whether the client is an adult or a minor. For children and adolescents, the session is divided between the child and their parents. Along with the diagnostic interview, this process may include standardized protocol, self-report questionnaires, as well as collaboration with school staff or other professionals involved in the client’s care. During the following feedback session, I will share my diagnostic impressions and outline a personalized treatment plan.

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HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT USUALLY TAKE?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on structured, goal-oriented, and time-limited treatment. However, the duration of therapy varies depending on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, coexisting conditions, and the client’s engagement with therapy assignments. Each individual’s path to progress is unique, and treatment plans are tailored accordingly.

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HOW FREQUENT ARE THE SESSIONS?
Typically, sessions are held weekly for 45 minutes at the beginning of treatment. As progress is made and clients become more confident in managing their symptoms independently, sessions can transition to biweekly or monthly. For clients who have completed therapy, "booster" sessions are available to reinforce skills and maintain progress. If necessary, more intensive treatment options (e.g., two or three sessions per week) can be arranged for clients whose symptoms significantly impact their daily lives.

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ARE IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL SESSIONS AVAILABLE?

Currently, all sessions are conducted virtually through a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform for clients located in states where I am licensed to practice, including New York,  Washington, and PsyPact States. Clients interested in in-person sessions are welcome to discuss potential options.

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DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE? HOW DOES BILLING WORK?
I accept Aetna. Other than Aetna, I am an out-of-network provider and do not directly accept insurance. However, many insurance plans offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network behavioral health services. To explore this option, you can contact your insurance company and ask about coverage for outpatient therapy. Providing standard CPT codes such as 90791 (initial evaluation) and 90834 (45-minute therapy session) may help clarify your benefits. For all other insurances, you may have out-of-network benefits, which means that insurance will reimburse you for a portion of our session cost, often 50% or more for each session (Please confirm with your insurance company for more details).

For client’s interested in streamlined out-of-network reimbursement, I use Alma Therapy to verify your out-of-network benefits and submit superbills for you. Payment for services is due at the time of each session and can be made by cash, check, or credit cards. At the end of each month, I will provide a detailed statement that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. 

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Why CHOOSE SELF-PAY INSTEAD OF INSURANCE for PSYCHOTHERAPY?

1. Freedom in Treatment Decisions
   Insurance companies often restrict therapy options to what they deem "medically necessary," which can limit flexibility in creating a personalized treatment plan. They may deny services for certain diagnoses, restrict the number or length of sessions, or dictate specific treatment approaches. By choosing self-pay, treatment goals and strategies are decided collaboratively between you and Dr. Pei ensuring care that is tailored to your unique needs.

2. Unrestricted Access to Care
   Insurance policies frequently impose strict guidelines on therapy, such as capping the total number of sessions, limiting weekly appointments, or setting time constraints for each session. These restrictions may conflict with what is clinically recommended for effective treatment. Self-pay clients benefit from care that follows best-practice recommendations without being bound by these external limitations.

3. Enhanced Privacy
   When using insurance, sensitive information—such as diagnoses, presenting concerns, treatment goals, and symptom history—is shared with the insurance company and individuals involved in claims processing. With self-pay, your privacy is better protected, as no third party has access to your and/or your child's confidential information.

4. Flexibility Around Diagnoses
   Insurance reimbursement typically requires a formal diagnosis. While having a diagnosis can be helpful for some, it is not always necessary and may have unintended consequences for others. Self-pay clients are not required to have a diagnosis, allowing for greater flexibility in addressing concerns without the need for formal labeling.

5. Timely, Specialized Care
   With self-pay, you can access treatment from Dr. Pei without the delays often associated with navigating insurance networks. Waiting to use in-network providers may result in delays or less specialized care. Choosing to pay out-of-pocket can ensure you receive timely, high-quality, and specialized treatment tailored to your child’s specific needs, particularly in areas where expertise is crucial. By opting for self-pay, you or families can prioritize individualized, flexible, and confidential care without the constraints of insurance regulations, ensuring a treatment plan that best aligns with their values and goals.

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