Insurance
I am an out-of-network provider. I do not accept insurance. Out-of-network reimbursement allows clients to seek therapy with a provider of their choice while potentially receiving partial reimbursement from their insurance plan. Check your plan. Check the information below about Mentaya.
Questions?
Please contact me for any additional questions you may have about starting therapy. I look forward to hearing from you!
Payments
Payment is due at the time of service. I accept cash, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, HSA/FSA.
Payment is due at the beginning of the session, and your securely stored card will be charged. Please notify me of any changes before sessions begin.
Cancellation & Missed Session Policy
Your session day and time have been held specifically for you. I schedule on the same day and time each week, so there are no surprises.
Sessions cancelled with less than 72 hours’ notice and missed sessions are charged at the full scheduled session rate.
A Note About OON Benefits
Out-of-network (OON) benefits reimburse you for medical bills you have previously paid.
I am unable to answer specific questions about what OON benefits you may or may not have.
I have partnered with Mentaya, a service that streamlines reimbursement for your therapy sessions through OON benefits. Mentaya is perfect if you:
• Have out-of-network benefits
• Feel overwhelmed by superbills and insurance
• Have submitted superbills but failed to get any reimbursement
• Simply want to skip the hassle of paperwork
Please ask me about this service!
Therapy Session Options and Investment
Consultation
20-Minute Phone Consultation — $0
Individual Sessions
Initial Session (80 minutes) — $200
Individual Session (50/80 Minutes) — $180/200
Relationship Sessions
Initial Relationship Session (80 minutes) — $260
Relationship Session (50/80 Minutes) — $240/260
Additional Fees
Late Cancellation or Missed Sessions — Full session fee
Court Preparation — $200 per hour
Deposition or Court — $1,500 per day, pro-rated
Client Phone Calls/Emails 5-10 minutes— $33
Client Phone Calls/Emails 11-20 minutes— $66
Client Phone Calls/Emails 21-30 minutes— $100
Records Requests — $50 per request per file
Report/Letter Writing— $200 per hour, pro-rated every 15 minutes
Returned Payment Fees— Checks are not accepted
Chargeback Fees— Up to $100 per charge
All expenses, including travel and legal, incurred by the therapist
Late Arrival for Individual Counseling
If you are late, we will start when you arrive and end at the previously agreed-upon time. Payment for the full session is due before the session begins. Late arrival does not change the amount due.
Late Arrival for Relational Counseling
The session starts when all parties are present, and payment has been made. When one or more of the partner(s) is late, we will start when all arrive and end at the previously agreed-upon time. Payment for the full session is due before the session begins. Late arrival does not change the amount due.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Research shows the therapeutic alliance, your comfort and trust with your therapist, is one of the biggest predictors of success. The first few sessions are a great time to see if my active, structured approach feels like a good fit for your personality and goals.
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For couples or individuals dealing with complex, long-standing patterns, I typically recommend a 6-to-12-month timeline. This allows enough time not just to end the negative behaviors or thoughts that sabotage you, but to actually rewire habits and ensure lasting change.
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To maintain momentum and see real progress, I schedule weekly sessions. This consistency helps us stay focused on the work without spending half the session just "catching up" on the previous week’s events.
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No, I do not accept insurance. I am an out-of-network (OON) provider. I can provide you with a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement, depending on your specific plan.
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No. In couples therapy, the client is the relationship itself. My goal is to be a neutral, active guide who helps both of you identify the cycles that keep you stuck, rather than determining who is "right" or "wrong." We all work together to replace unhelpful actions with tools to be successful.
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While relationship work is most effective when both partners are present, individual therapy can still help you understand your role in the relationship dynamics and adopt new ways to handle conflict, friendship, intimacy, and shared meaning. However, if the goal is marriage restoration, having both parties committed to the weekly process is ideal.
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Therapy provides a structured environment to explore whether restoration is possible. We focus on de-escalating the immediate conflict so you can make decisions from a place of clarity rather than a place of reactiveness.
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Many couples find that passive therapy, where you just vent for an hour, doesn't lead to change. My approach is active and evidence-based. We don't just talk about the conflict; we work on the underlying emotional blueprints and practical communication strategies to resolve it.
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No. That is a deeply personal decision that belongs to you. My role is to help you gain the insight and tools necessary to see if a healthy, connected future is possible.
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If there is active physical or sexual abuse, or a fear for safety, traditional couples therapy is often contraindicated. Call 1-800-799-7233 for help when you are in a safe location, using a phone that your partner cannot track.
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We always start with your current goals. However, for many adults, present-day struggles (like anxiety or relationship conflict) are often tied to survival strategies learned in childhood. We move at your pace to connect these dots only when it serves your healing. There are methods that do not rely on sharing the details of your trauma. Contact me for more information.
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It means I operate with a deep understanding of how trauma impacts the brain and nervous system. Instead of asking "What is wrong with you?", we look at "What happened to you?" and how your brain adapted to help you survive.
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Trauma isn't just about major events; it’s also about what didn't happen (neglect, lack of emotional attunement). If you find yourself struggling with self-worth, trust, or emotional regulation, your experience is valid and deserving of support.
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Sometimes, processing long-buried emotions can be tiring. However, we focus heavily on resourcing and grounding first, giving you the tools to manage your emotions so that the deep work doesn't overwhelm your daily life.
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Yes! Due to neuroplasticity, the brain is capable of healing and forming new patterns at any age. Many high-achieving adults finally find the space to address these issues once they’ve reached a level of external stability.
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Yes. Research shows that for most concerns, including couples therapy and trauma work, telehealth is just as effective as in-person sessions. It also offers the added benefits of privacy, comfort, and zero commute time.
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You need a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform to ensure your sessions remain confidential.
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Medication is a personal choice and a valuable tool. For many, the integration of medication and therapy yields the best clinical outcomes. However, it’s important to view them as complementary rather than interchangeable; medication addresses the biological symptoms, while therapy addresses the behavioral and emotional patterns.
I recommend that all clients undergo an annual physical with a full blood panel. Certain underlying medical conditions can manifest as depression, anxiety, irritability, or erratic behavior. Identifying and treating these physiological factors ensures that our therapeutic work isn't being hindered by an undiagnosed medical issue.
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The first step is a brief, free consultation call. This allows us to discuss your needs, answer any specific questions, and ensure our schedules align before booking your first full session.
Still have questions?
Counseling208, LLC, DBA Susan Barker Therapy, is an inclusive and affirming business. I work with partners and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Differences include, but are not limited to, internal, external, and worldview diversity.