How do I get started?

If you’re interested in working with me, please reach out using the contact form or my email. We can schedule a free 15-minute phone call where you can ask questions and share a bit about what you’re looking for in therapy. As you reflect on whether you think we’ll be a good fit, you may want to think about a few factors, including:

-the clinical (ex. Do my skills match your needs?)

-the human (ex. Do I seem like someone you could talk to?)

-the logistical (ex. Could our schedules align? Are you open to telehealth? Are there insurmountable financial barriers?)

If we decide we seem like a good fit, I’ll send you some paperwork to complete and then we can pick a time for our first therapy session together.

You are welcome to ask questions throughout our journey.

Where do we meet?

Currently, I meet with all clients through video sessions hosted by a secure telehealth platform called TherapyNotes. You will receive a link to the session and I will join you there. I recommend finding a safe, private, quiet place to be for the session - somewhere that supports your engagement in the session and allows me to see and hear you.

How often will we meet?

In most cases, we begin with one session each week. This helps us get to know each other, develop goals for our work together, and help therapy get situated within your life. As therapy progresses, we can reassess our frequency and make adjustments.

Are you in-network with my insurance?

Currently, I am in-network with United Healthcare/Optum, Highmark, and the Princeton University Mental Health Exclusive Provider Network.

If you would like to use a different insurance and have out-of-network benefits, I can provide a “superbill” that you can submit to your insurance carrier. They may reimburse you for some amount of the session fee. I recommend calling your insurance carrier to familiarize yourself with your mental health benefits (often under the “behavioral health” umbrella of your insurance plan).

What is your rate?

$165 per 45-minute session. At times, I may be able to offer a lower fee to those unable to pay the full cost. You are welcome to ask about this, if you are unable to pay the full cost.

What is your late cancellation policy?

I do not charge for cancellations over 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours ahead of a scheduled session or do not attend the session (no-show), you will be responsible for the full session fee. If we’re working together through insurance, this may be a lot more than your copay or coinsurance fee and insurance will not cover it.

Why do I see “Carinthia” in some places and “Alison C.” in some places?

My full name is Alison Carinthia Bank and I have always gone by my middle name, Carinthia. I try to use “Carinthia” where possible to keep things simple, but you may see variations of my full name if you’re looking at paperwork related to my licenses or working with insurance. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions about this!

What are your privacy practices?

I comply with the Privacy Rules established under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). A Notice of Privacy Practices can be found here.

How are you complying with the “No Surprises Act?”

I will provide you with a "Good Faith Estimate” of the costs of therapy, if you are not using insurance.