Questions
What people ask us first
Do you take my insurance?
Some of our clinicians are in network with some commercial plans, and the others are out of network. Write to us with your plan, and we will tell you which clinician can bill it. We do not bill Medicare or Medicaid.
What is a receipt for reimbursement?
It is an itemized receipt, called a superbill, that you send to your plan if you are out of network, and the plan may reimburse part of the cost. We give you one each month. It carries a diagnosis code your insurer can see, and the plan decides.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you pay without insurance, you have the right to receive a written estimate of what your care will cost before you start. If a bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it. The estimate is not a contract.
How much does it cost and how do fees work?
It depends on the clinician and on whether you use insurance. We give you your fee in writing before your first session, and the fees page explains each way of paying.
Can I use an HSA or FSA card?
Yes. We take HSA and FSA cards like any other card, at the end of each session.
What happens in the first session?
Your clinician explains how they work, what confidentiality means and where it stops, and the risks and benefits of therapy. Then you talk about what you came to talk about, as far as you wish.
How often and how long are sessions?
Individual sessions are 50 minutes and couples sessions are 80 minutes. How often you meet is up to you and your clinician, and there is no set number of sessions.
Are you licensed where I live?
Our clinicians are licensed in New Mexico. You can meet us in person in Taos, or by video if you are in New Mexico at the time of the session.
What do I do in a crisis?
Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site is not monitored around the clock, and a message to us is not read right away.
What is confidential, and what are the limits?
We keep your records private and share them only as the law allows. Before you start, we explain the limits of confidentiality in writing, and we talk about them in your first session.
Can you see my teen?
Velvet sees adults, 18 and over. If you are looking for care for a teen, write to us and we will help you find a colleague.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for 24 hours' notice to change an appointment. Your fee in writing says what happens with a late change.
Still have a question?
Write to us. Our coordinator replies by the method you choose.