Frequently Asked Questions
What are your hours?
CMFT is open Monday - Friday. Appointment availability can vary depending on the therapist. Clients are seen by appointment only. Email us or set up a free 15 min consultation to determine if our schedule will fit yours. Click below.
Do you offer Virtual or in person sessions?
We are only offering virtual therapy sessions at this time.
Do you accept insurance?
Collaborative MFT is an in-network provider with most Aetna commercial plans. We are NOT a provider for Aetna Medicaid or Medicare.
CMFT Therapy services are often reimbursable by most insurance companies. We work with many insurance companies as “out-of-network” providers, such as Oxford, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Behavioral Health. If you’d like to use your “out-of-network” benefits, a receipt will be provided to you, which you will then submit to your insurance provider. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm your eligibility for reimbursement.
Is Couples Therapy covered by insurance?
Insurance Disclaimer for Couples Therapy
Please note that while most insurance companies do not reimburse for couples therapy per se, they may cover conjoint therapy sessions when there is a medically necessary reason for treatment. This requires that one partner be identified as the primary client experiencing diagnosable mental health symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or related concerns.
In order to meet insurance requirements, we must document a primary diagnosis and establish medical necessity for treatment. This means the focus of therapy must include addressing the symptoms and needs of the identified individual, even if both partners participate in sessions.
We are happy to submit claims (Aetna) or provide a superbill (all other Insurance providers) for potential reimbursement, but coverage is ultimately determined by your insurance provider. We encourage you to contact them directly with questions about your in-network and out-of-network benefits for conjoint psychotherapy (CPT code 90847).
Are there any fees not covered by Insurance?
Cancellation or “No Show” Fees are not covered by insurance. We have a 48hr cancellation policy. In order to avoid the cancellation fee, we ask that you please provide us with advanced notice.
What are your fees and how do you accept payment?
Payment is due at time of service, unless a prior payment plan is arranged. CMFT accepts payment in the form of credit card, HSA or FSA card, using our secure online portal.
Fees are based on either your health insurance’s contracted rate or the Therapist's level. There are four levels of therapists at CMFT: Senior Licensed Therapist, Licensed Therapist, Associate Therapist, and Intern Therapist. For a 45min session, the fee range is $100-$300. The cost is based on time spent and is the same amount for couples, family and individual therapy sessions.
Our Affordable Therapy program is led by the Masters Degree Level Intern Therapist. Fees average $100 per 45min and are based on financial need and sliding fee scale.
Do you have a sliding fee scale?
We have low cost counseling services available via our Affordable Therapy program. Therapy is provided by a supervised Mental Health Practitioner who is a Masters Degree Level Intern. Supervision is provided by the Clinical Director, Dana M. Galante, LMFT. The fee for service is $100 per 45 min session and adjusted based on financial need.
We aim to provide access to care for all in our community. Please inquire about our sliding fee scale and how it may apply to your situation. With this service, we are able to take your current financial situation into account when setting up session fees and payment plans.
How long will I be in therapy?
Services last as long as you and your provider agree they are necessary. CMFT holds the belief that we all need a “tune up” periodically and that life transitions are more easily handled with support and guidance. We provide cost-effective, short-term, and results-oriented services while becoming a resource to turn to every time you are in need.
How often are the sessions?
Sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis. As you approach the “ending phase” of treatment and your goals are being reached, sessions will begin to be tapered off and entered into maintenance sessions as needed.
How do I get started?
To get started, please set up a free phone consultation with Dana M. Galante, LMFT or book an appointment with any of the available therapists.
Who are Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)?
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples and family systems. MFTs treat a wide range of serious clinical problems including: depression, marital problems, anxiety, individual psychological problems and child-parent problems.
What are the qualifications of MFTs?
MFTs have graduate training (Master's or Doctoral degree) in Marriage and Family Therapy and at least two years of clinical experience. Marriage and Family Therapy is recognized as a "core" mental health profession, along with Psychiatry, Psychology, Social Work and Psychiatric Nursing.