Frequently Asked Questions

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Insurance & Billing

What insurance plans do you accept?

All Takoma Therapy therapists are in-network with CareFirst/Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). Several therapists are also in-network with Cigna but most are not. For Cigna clients Takoma Therapy will handle out-of-network billing on your behalf.

Contact & Location

How do I contact Takoma Therapy?

Phone: (301) 563-9156. Email: intake@takomatherapy.com. Our Intake Coordinator Kendal Edwards handles new client enquiries and can answer questions about therapist availability, insurance and getting started.

Appointments & Scheduling

How do I get started?

Browse therapist profiles on our Therapists page then call us at (301) 563-9156 or email intake@takomatherapy.com. Our Intake Coordinator Kendal Edwards will help match you with the right therapist. Once matched you will receive a link to the Client Portal to complete intake forms online before your first session.

Services

What issues can Takoma Therapy help with?

Our therapists work with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, abuse and neglect, anger management, divorce, relationship challenges, parenting difficulties, grief and loss, racial identity, work-life balance and long-term illness.

Choosing a Therapist

How do I choose the right therapist?

Read each therapist's profile on the Therapists page noting their specialties, therapeutic style and approach. Our Intake Coordinator can also help match you based on your needs. Takoma Therapy dedicates the first three sessions to exploring whether the fit is right and there is no pressure to commit immediately.

Insurance & Billing

How much does a therapy session cost?

Individual therapy sessions are 55 minutes and cost between $180-$220. Initial consultations are $205-$220. Follow-up sessions are $180-$195. Fees vary by clinician - check individual therapist pages for specific rates.

Contact & Location

Where is Takoma Therapy located?

Takoma Therapy is located at 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 610, Takoma Park, Maryland 20912. We also serve clients from Silver Spring and Washington DC. Virtual sessions are available for clients located in Maryland or Washington DC.

Appointments & Scheduling

Do you offer in-person and online therapy?

Yes. Takoma Therapy offers both in-person sessions at our Takoma Park office at 6930 Carroll Avenue Suite 610 and virtual telehealth sessions via a secure video platform. Each therapist's availability for each format is listed on their individual profile page.

Appointments & Scheduling

What is your cancellation policy?

Individual session cancellations require at least 24 hours advance notice. Late cancellations under 24 hours are charged a $50 fee. No-shows are charged the full session fee. Couples therapy late cancellations are charged $55.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Takoma Therapy is committed to confidentiality and does not share client information with outside parties except as required by law. Legal exceptions include suspected child or elder abuse, credible threats of harm to another person, a client's intent to harm themselves and sexual misconduct by another therapist. Takoma Therapy abides by HIPAA standards.

Insurance & Billing

Does insurance cover couples therapy?

Most insurance plans do not cover couples therapy. Insurance requires a DSM-5 mental health diagnosis to establish medical necessity and couples therapy focuses on the relationship rather than treating an individual condition. You will need to pay for couples sessions out of pocket.

Choosing a Therapist

Will I need a diagnosis to start therapy?

If you are using in-network insurance (CareFirst/BCBS or Cigna) your therapist is required to conduct a mental health assessment and provide a DSM-5 diagnosis as insurance only covers treatment deemed medically necessary. If you are paying out of pocket and not submitting to insurance no diagnosis is required.

Insurance & Billing

How much does couples therapy cost?

Couples counseling is $210 per session. All sessions are 55-60 minutes. Late cancellations under 24 hours notice are charged a $55 fee and no-shows are charged the full session fee.

Telehealth

What platform do you use for telehealth?

Takoma Therapy uses SimplePractice for secure video sessions. SimplePractice is HIPAA-compliant and protects your personal health information. Your therapist is the only person present during the session and sessions are not recorded by AI.

Services

Do you offer therapy for children and adolescents?

Yes. Takoma Therapy provides individual therapy for children and adolescents as well as group therapy options. Browse our therapist profiles to find clinicians who specialise in working with young people.

Insurance & Billing

What is a SuperBill and how do I use it?

A SuperBill is an itemized invoice generated monthly through Simple Practice. If you have out-of-network benefits you can download your SuperBill from the Client Portal and submit it to your insurance company to request reimbursement. The amount reimbursed depends on your specific plan.

Choosing a Therapist

What if I do not connect with my therapist?

It is okay if the first therapist is not the right fit. Trust your instincts. After the initial sessions you and your therapist will discuss whether it makes sense to continue. You can always raise concerns directly - sometimes a conversation resolves the issue and sometimes a different therapist is a better match.

Telehealth

Does my therapist need to be licensed in the state I am in?

Yes. Therapists must be licensed in the state where you are physically located during the session regardless of where you live. All Takoma Therapy therapists are licensed in Maryland and many are also licensed in Washington DC. If you travel or move please inform your therapist.

Insurance & Billing

Do you offer sliding scale fees?

Yes. Each therapist has a limited number of sliding scale appointments available for clients whose insurance is not accepted. These openings fill quickly. We sometimes also have an intern who offers therapy at a very low fee. Contact our intake coordinator for current availability.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Does Takoma Therapy use AI to record or take notes during sessions?

No. Takoma Therapy does not use AI to record sessions or write clinical notes. Your therapist writes their own notes and all therapists have supervisors who review notes as part of clinical supervision.

Insurance & Billing

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for therapy?

Yes. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) you may be able to use those funds to pay for therapy including co-pays, deductibles and out-of-pocket session costs. Takoma Therapy accepts most HSA/FSA cards and can provide a SuperBill if needed.

Choosing a Therapist

How long does therapy take?

The length of therapy varies depending on your needs and goals. Some people benefit from short-term work while others engage in longer-term therapy. Your therapist will work with you to develop a pace that makes sense for your situation.

Appointments & Scheduling

How long is each therapy session?

Individual, couples and family therapy sessions are typically 55-60 minutes.

Services

What group therapy options are available?

Takoma Therapy offers several group programs including the Couples Connection Group, the BIPOC Women's Group and the Transforming Trauma Group. Each group has specific eligibility requirements and includes a free 15-20 minute consultation to determine fit before joining.

Telehealth

Where should I hold my telehealth session?

Choose a private quiet space free from interruptions such as a spare room, a closed-door corner or even a parked car. Try to use the same spot each session to build consistency. Avoid spaces associated with work or rest like your desk or bed. Keep your camera on to support the therapeutic connection.

Services

What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga Therapy is an integrative approach that combines therapeutic conversation with body-based practices. It is available through selected Takoma Therapy clinicians. See the Yoga Therapy service page or individual therapist profiles for more detail.

Insurance & Billing

What is Mentaya?

Mentaya is a third-party platform that helps clients with out-of-network insurance benefits get reimbursed. It checks your coverage, submits claims on your behalf and tracks their status. Learn more at mentaya.com.

Insurance & Billing

What happens if my insurance denies coverage?

If your insurance denies coverage you are responsible for the full cost of your sessions. We verify insurance as a courtesy but cannot guarantee accuracy. Please notify us of any changes to your insurance plan to avoid unexpected charges.

Telehealth

What should I do before and after a telehealth session?

Before your session try taking a few deep breaths, journaling briefly or stretching. After sessions where strong emotions arise give yourself time to regroup by making tea, taking a walk, listening to music or writing down key takeaways. Your therapist can also help you build a personalised post-session self-care plan.