Session RATES & INSURANCE
We Are a Private Pay, Out-Of-Network Practice
Learn about our session fees, how out-of-network benefits work if you opt to use them, and your options for making therapy more affordable.
Why are we out-of-network with all insurance panels?
We've chosen to remain out-of-network with all insurance panels to provide truly client-centered treatment guided entirely by our clinical expertise, not insurance limits.
Practically speaking, remaining independent means we can:
- Provide specialized, evidence-based treatment without session limits
- Set session lengths based on what you actually need
- Protect your privacy with minimal third-party involvement
- Focus entirely on the most effective care, not just what's covered
That said, we're happy to support clients who want to use their out-of-network benefits. Here's how:
- Many clients receive 50–80% reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits
- Use our free Mentaya benefits tool to check your out-of-network coverage
- For claims, we provide a detailed superbill after each session - you can submit it yourself or use Mentaya to handle it for a small fee
Session Rates
We're a private-pay practice, which means you pay us directly and we provide you with everything you need to seek reimbursement from your insurance company. Here's what to expect.
Licensed Psychologists
Dr. Ivy Ruths, PhD
- Initial Evaluation - $365
- 45 minute Follow Up Session – $295
- Full Hour Follow Up Session - $365
- Full Hour Parent Support/SPACE Session - $365
- Half Hour Check-in Session - $205
- 180 minute Intensive Outpatient Session - $885
Dr. Alyssa Hertz, PsyD
- Initial Evaluation - $355
- 45 minute Follow Up Session – $280
- Full Hour Follow Up Session - $355
- Full Hour Parent Support/SPACE Session - $355
- Half Hour Check-in Session - $195
- 180 minute Intensive Outpatient Session - $840
Licensed Professional Counselors
- Initial Evaluations (60m): $250
- Follow-up Sessions: $190 per therapeutic hour (45 minutes)
- Check In Sessions (30m): $130
Licensed Professional Counselor - Associates
- Initial Evaluations (60m): $215
- Follow-up Sessions: $160 per therapeutic hour (45 minutes)
- Check In Sessions (30m): $107.50
- Supervised by Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisors
Doctoral Clinicians and Counseling Interns
- All Sessions (45m follow up and 60 minute intake): Start at $130, unless otherwise agreed upon based on financial need ($50-$75/session)
- Supervised by Licensed Psychologists
- Excellent care at reduced rates
Important Payment Information
- Payment is due at the time of service
- We accept cash, credit cards, checks, and HSA/FSA cards
- Superbills are provided after payment is received
- 48-hour cancellation policy applies to all appointments
Using Your Insurance Benefits
We are out-of-network with all insurance companies. That means we don't bill or talk with insurance directly, but many clients use their out-of-network benefits to get reimbursed for a portion of their sessions.
Option A: Let Mentaya Handle It
For a small fee, Mentaya takes the whole process off your plate. They'll submit your claims, track them, follow up on anything that's delayed or denied, and keep you updated the whole way. For most clients, it's well worth it.
Mentaya will:
- Verify your specific insurance benefits
- Submit claims on your behalf
- Track the status of each claim
- Follow up on delayed or denied claims
- Provide reports on your reimbursements and outstanding deductible
Option B: DIY Submission
Want to skip the fee and do it yourself? Here's how.
What You'll Need:
- Your superbill from us (we'll send it after your session)
- Your insurance company's claim form (usually on their website or member portal)
- Your insurance card
Step-by-Step:
- Find your insurer's out-of-network claim form online, or call the number on your card if you can't locate it
- Fill out your personal info, policy number, and group number
- Enter the service details from your superbill: date of service, CPT code, diagnosis code, and amount paid
- Attach the superbill to your completed form
- Submit via your insurer's preferred method — online portal, email, fax, or mail
- Keep copies of everything and note any confirmation numbers
What to Expect:
- Reimbursement typically takes 2-6 weeks
- You may receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) before the actual payment arrives
- If a claim is denied, your insurance company can explain why and walk you through the appeals process
Our Practice Information for Forms:
- Practice Name: Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center
- Address: 4306 Yoakum Boulevard, Suite 510, Houston, Texas 77006
- Phone: 832-205-8120
- Tax ID: 82-2261531
- Organization NPI Number: 1467200162
- Provider specific NPI Numbers are included on superbills
Please Note:
As an out-of-network practice, we cannot communicate with your insurance company. All insurance verification, claims submission, and follow-up will be handled entirely by you as the client. We provide the documentation you need, but you are responsible for all insurance interactions.
Other Ways to Make Therapy More Affordable
Our Doctoral Clinicians
Working with one of our doctoral clinicians is a great way to get high-quality, specialized care at a lower rate. They're completing their clinical training under weekly supervision from our licensed psychologists, so you get excellent care with an experienced team behind the scenes.
Use Your HSA or FSA
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use those funds to pay for sessions directly. Because contributions are pre-tax, you're effectively saving 20–30% depending on your tax bracket. Most accounts come with a debit card you can use at the time of your appointment.
Sliding Scale
We offer a limited number of sliding scale spots based on financial need and availability. Mention it when you schedule your first appointment and our Client Care Specialists will walk you through the process. Spots are limited and may have a waitlist.
Potential Tax Deduction
Therapy costs may qualify as a deductible medical expense if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income and you itemize deductions. Keep your receipts throughout the year and check with a tax professional to see if this applies to your situation.
Be Strategic With Your Deductible
If you have out-of-network benefits, a little planning goes a long way:
- Schedule more sessions in a month once you've met your deductible
- Submit claims promptly so reimbursements don't pile up
- Appeal denied claims - it's often worth it
- Consider timing elective therapy around your deductible reset date
FAQ's
General Rates & Insurance Questions
Why doesn't Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center accept insurance directly?
It's an intentional choice, and one we think benefits you. By staying independent from insurance panels, we can:
- Provide specialized, evidence-based treatment without arbitrary session limits
- Set session lengths based on what you actually need, not what insurance allows
- Protect your privacy with minimal third-party involvement
- Match you with the right specialist for your specific concerns
- Focus on the most effective treatment approaches, not just the covered ones
We believe this leads to better outcomes and more personalized care. And while we don't bill insurance directly, we're committed to giving you everything you need to make the most of your out-of-network benefits.
What if my insurance says they don't cover out-of-network providers?
Don't write it off just yet. Some plans that appear not to have out-of-network benefits actually have options worth asking about:
- Gap exception coverage — may apply when there are no in-network providers who specialize in what you need
- Separate behavioral health coverage — many people have a different carrier for mental health benefits and don't realize it
It's worth a call to your insurance company to ask specifically about these. A little persistence can sometimes uncover benefits you didn't know you had.
How long will therapy take, and how can I budget for it?
Everyone's path is a little different, but one of the advantages of evidence-based treatment for anxiety and OCD is that it tends to follow a clear structure.
After your initial intake, your therapist will walk you through a personalized treatment plan — including session frequency and an estimated timeline. That gives you something concrete to plan around financially, and a sense of where you're headed. Our goal-oriented approach is designed to be effective and efficient, not open-ended.
What information will be on my superbill?
Everything your insurance company typically needs:
- Your name and demographic information
- Date of service
- CPT codes (the service codes that describe the type of therapy)
- ICD-10 diagnosis codes
- Our practice information and your provider's details
- The fee you paid
If you ever need a superbill resent or have a question about what's included, just reach out and we'll take care of it.
How do I submit my superbill for reimbursement?
You have two options:
- Let Mentaya handle it. We've partnered with Mentaya to make this as easy as possible. For a small fee (5% of the reimbursed amount), they'll submit your claims, track them, and follow up on anything delayed or denied. Most clients find it well worth it.
- Submit it yourself. After each session, we'll send you a superbill with everything your insurance company needs. Most insurers have an online portal where you can upload it directly — or you can submit by email, fax, or mail. Full instructions are in the "How to Get Reimbursed" section above.
What if my claim is denied?
If your insurance company denies your claim:
- Call your insurance company to find out exactly why it was denied
- Check whether there was a simple error in the submission that can be corrected and resubmitted
- Ask about the formal appeals process — most companies have one
- Submit any additional documentation they request
If you're using Mentaya, they will help with resubmission and follow-up on your behalf.
Our practice isn't able to contact your insurance company, file appeals, or handle denials on your behalf. We can always resend a superbill if you need one, but all communication with your insurer is handled by you.
Can I use my spouse's or parent's insurance for reimbursement?
Yes, if you're covered as a dependent on someone else's plan, you can generally use their insurance for reimbursement. Just be aware that the policyholder will typically receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that includes information about your treatment, including diagnoses and fees.
Remember: Investing in specialized mental health treatment now can mean fewer sessions overall and provide you with skills and relief that last a lifetime. Many clients tell us it's one of the best investments they've ever made in themselves!
