Elaina A. Vasserman-Stokes, PhD, LPC
Child and Adult Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis
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The Lourie Center for Children's Social and Emotional Wellness
Postdoctoral Fellowship
George Washington University
Assistant professor in Clinical Psychology and Counseling
Before We Meet
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I am considered an out of network provider. I recommend that you contact your insurance carrier to see if any portion of my services as an out-of-network provider will be covered and/or their out-of network reimbursement rates. I will provide you with a monthly statement that you will be able to submit to your provider for out-of-network reimbursement. Services may be covered in part by your health insurance and in full by your flexible spending account. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
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Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
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What is my deductible and has it been met?
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How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
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What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
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Does my insurance cover out of network providers?
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Our First Session
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The first session typically last 50 minutes. I will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the concerns you are bringing to counseling as well as your background and current state of well being (mental, physical, spiritual, etc.). I will gather this information through active listening and thoughtful questioning--and sometimes through the use of more formal assessment tools we agree upon together. For children's appointments, my practice policy is to meet with the parents first.
Payment
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My fees are industry standard for DC. All major credit cards accepted for payment. I have a limited number of reduced fee hours for patients with financial necessity. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Going Forward
Our first 5 meetings are considered an assessment period during which we both decide whether this therapeutic relationship is a good fit and provides a clinically appropriate level of care to help you feel supported. I believe that progress in therapy is stronger and longer lasting over time, and requires patience, commitment and a strong therapeutic relationship. This is achieved by meeting 1 -3 times per week. The length of each treatment depends on the details of each relationship.