No Surprises Act: Your Rights & Protections

Beginning January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act offers protections to clients receiving health care services—including mental health care. As a private-pay practice, I want you to feel fully informed about your rights, your costs, and what to expect.

What Is the No Surprises Act?

The No Surprises Act is a federal law designed to protect clients from unexpected medical bills, particularly from out-of-network providers in certain medical settings. It ensures that you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of what your therapy services will cost before treatment begins.

While this law was largely created to address hospital billing, it also applies to private-pay providers like myself.

Good Faith Estimate

If you are not using insurance (i.e., you're paying out-of-pocket), you are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of expected costs. This estimate outlines the anticipated fees for services, based on the information available at the time of scheduling.

You can request a Good Faith Estimate at any time. I will also provide one automatically before we begin services.

Your Rights Under This Law

  • You have the right to receive a written Good Faith Estimate before starting therapy.

  • You have the right to dispute a bill that is $400 or more above the estimate.

  • You can request an estimate at any time—even if you haven’t scheduled yet.

  • You are not required to waive these rights at any point in your care.

How This Applies in My Practice

I am an out-of-network, private-pay provider. This means:

  • Payment is due at the time of service.

  • If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.

  • You will always receive clear communication about my fees, and we can discuss any questions or concerns before starting therapy.

Questions or Concerns?

Transparency, respect, and informed choice are central to my practice. If you have any questions about billing, fees, or your rights, I welcome the conversation.

Learn more about your rights at www.cms.gov/nosurprises