Typically, individual visits are about 50- to 55-minutes, whether we are meeting for the first time or as a follow up visit. This rate is a consistent $230. I work collaboratively with you to come up with treatment plan and payment scale that is practical and can extend reduced rates when spots are available. Group visits are $85.

I accept Aetna and BCBS of MA. For all other insurances, I am not in-network under my business entity, Dr Shannon Albert PLLC. This means I am considered an out-of-network provider. It is important to me that our work together is timely and based on your needs -- not reactive to any insurance restrictions. I will provide billing statements that include the necessary documentation for you to obtain reimbursement using your out-of-network benefits. If you are unsure of your benefits, I highly encourage you to call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. Many insurances will reimburse a percentage of costs to an out-of-network provider after the deductible has been met. Questions to ask your insurance company include:

• Does my plan include out-of-network behavioral health benefits?

  • If so, is there a deductible? What is it? (i.e. do you have to pay out-of-pocket until you meet your deductible?)

• What is the “allowable rate” for psychotherapy with a doctoral-level psychologist? Is the rate different for telehealth appointments, and if so, what is that rate?

• What percentage of the allowable rate will be reimbursed?

• Do I have a co-pay or co-insurance? If yes, what is it?

• Is there a limit on the number of sessions I can attend in a given time period using out-of-network benefits?

• What is the process for submitting out-of-network receipts?

It was a really difficult decision to uncouple with most insurance companies as I am acutely aware of how hard people work to obtain and afford their insurance, as well as how expensive health care costs can be. Unfortunately, insurers impose limitations -- be it session length, number of visits, treatment options, delayed payments, and/or notoriously low reimbursement rates -- all of which can compromise care. I now accept two insurance plans, allowing me to continue offering personalized, high-quality treatment that reflects care and attention dedicated to your unique circumstances, while maintaining the sustainability of my practice. For more insight into why it is so difficult to find providers in-network with your insurance, visit this article.

Everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care! I maintain a number of reduced-fee spots and I also offer group services, such as my 5-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia group, to expand lower cost services without the reducing quality or evidence-backing. I also work with you to personalize your treatment schedule based on your goals and budget, whether that means capitalizing on one-at-a-time visits or adjusting visit frequency. For additional reduced cost care options, I recommend The Affirmative Collective or Open Path Collective.

At this time, I only offer telehealth (virtual) services for individuals residing in the state of Washington.

I previously worked in a large health system where I was enrolled in various health plans. Now, as a private practice clinician under a unique tax ID, I am not in-network with any insurance companies. Washington state law requires insurers to update directories at least monthly, so if my name still appears on your plan as a covered provider, it represents long-outdated information. As a consumer, you have the right to accurate directories (see WA Provider Directory Requirements) and the option of reporting inaccuracies to your insurer and/or filing a complaint with the WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner if left unaddressed.