Insurance & Fees
Insurance & Fees
Using insurance for therapy in New Jersey and New York.
I'm in network with several major insurance plans, and I also provide superbills for out-of-network benefits and offer private-pay sessions. Here's how each option works, so cost doesn't have to be the thing that stops you.
I offer online therapy to older teens, adults, and couples located in New York and New Jersey. You can use your insurance, use out-of-network benefits, or pay privately — and if you're not sure which applies to you, we can sort it out together during a free 15-minute consultation.
Insurance plans I'm in network with
- Aetna
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Carelon Behavioral Health
- Independence Blue Cross
Plans and networks change, and coverage varies within each insurer. Please confirm current participation and your expected cost with your insurer before we begin.
How to check your coverage
Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card, or check your insurer's website, and ask:
- Do I have outpatient mental health (behavioral health) benefits for telehealth?
- Is Payal Dalal, LCSW, in network for my specific plan?
- What is my copay or coinsurance for a therapy session?
- Do I have a deductible, and how much of it have I met this year?
- Do I need a referral or pre-authorization for therapy?
Using out-of-network benefits
If I'm not in network with your plan, you may still be reimbursed for part of the cost. After you pay for a session, I provide a superbill — an itemized receipt with the codes your insurer needs. You submit it to your insurer, and they reimburse you according to your out-of-network benefits.
Before starting, ask your insurer whether your plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, what percentage they reimburse, and whether you have an out-of-network deductible. Reimbursement isn't guaranteed and depends entirely on your plan.
Private-pay fees
Some people choose to pay privately for more flexibility or privacy, since insurance usually requires a diagnosis to cover therapy. A limited number of sliding-scale spaces may be available; we can talk about availability during a consultation.
Your right to a Good Faith Estimate
If you don't have insurance or choose not to use it, federal law (the No Surprises Act) gives you the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges before care begins. Ask me anytime and I'll provide one. For more information, visit cms.gov/nosurprises.
Questions people often ask
Can I use insurance for online therapy?
Yes. Most plans cover telehealth therapy the same way they cover in-person sessions, but it's worth confirming with your insurer.
What if my plan isn't listed?
You may still be able to use out-of-network benefits with a superbill, or pay privately. Reach out and we can look at your options together.
Will my family know I'm in therapy if I use insurance?
If you're on a family member's plan, the policyholder may receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) showing that a visit took place. If privacy from family matters to you, private pay is an option, and we can talk through what makes sense.
Do I need a diagnosis to use insurance?
Insurers generally require a diagnosis to cover therapy. We can talk about what that means for you during our first sessions.
Related
- Fees & FAQ
- Therapy for South Asian adults and children of immigrants
- What is psychoanalytic psychotherapy?
Not sure where to start? A free consultation is a good first step.