Frequently Asked Questions

Did you know that plums blossom in the spring and winter? Fascinating, right? The plum fruit perfectly represents the mission of The Plum Psychology: To help children, adults, families and communities thrive, and to find meaning and peace.

FAQs

General

  • Rhode IsIand, Massachusetts and the state of Washington.

    **You must be in one of these states in order to receive therapy services. If you live on the border of these states then you must travel to Rhode Island, Massachusetts or Washington for services.

  • Yes.

  • You can call (401) 267-2753 or send an email to Hello@PlumPsychology.com to schedule an appointment or learn more about the practice and services offered. Let me know a good time to call you when you reach out.

    You may also complete the form on the Contact page.

  • Therapy is a deeply personal experience. Please feel free to ask as many questions as possible that come to mind so that your provider may best assist you on your therapy journey. Above all, therapy is about goodness of fit. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, feel free to explore with your therapist, to determine what this is related to or about. You may also freely make the decision to move on to another therapist that may better suit you. These are your perfectly ok choices, and your therapist is happy to accommodate either option.

    (Scroll to the bottom of this page, FAQs for an overview of the process).

  • In case of a medical or clinical emergency, including a threat to your safety or the safety of others, please go to your nearest emergency room. You may also call or text the National Suicide Crisis Line, 800-273-8255.

    Click here to learn more about Crisis Resources.


Policies

  • If you do not plan to use your insurance (whether in-network or not) or are uninsured, the No Surprises Act applies to you.

    You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care (including mental health) will cost:

    Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

    You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

    Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

    If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

    Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1 (800) 985-3059. You may also call the practice at (401) 267-2753.

  • Things come up and this is understandable. The practice kindly requests that you provide 48 hours’ notice in the event that you need to cancel your appointment.

    Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice are billed directly to your credit card on file for the full cost of the session ($205+). Given their high frequency, the practice is unable to accommodate work and school related late cancellations.

    If you miss 3 or more appointments in a 4-month period, then the practice will no longer be able to hold your designated therapy time slot. If frequent cancellations become a concern we can also discuss this as part of your therapy planning.

  • Yes, generally. The Plum Psychology is bound by the legal and ethical standards of the practice of psychology as dictated by the State of Rhode Island and the American Psychological Association. Click here to learn more about our Privacy Policy.

    However, Therapy is NOT confidential under the following circumstances:

    (1) If you give explicit voluntary consent by signing a release of information form, information may be shared with whomever you designate on the form.

    (2) If you express serious intent to harm yourself or others, information would be disclosed to the extent necessary to ensure the safety of those at risk.

    (3) If you indicate knowledge of a situation involving abuse or neglect of children or elderly persons, a report may be made to the appropriate authorities. In child cases, reporting may be necessary when a person who is engaged in abuse or neglect in the past currently has contact with children.

    (4) If a court subpoenas your records, information deemed essential by the court may be released, but every effort will be made to protect your confidentiality within the law.

    (5) Information may be disclosed as necessary to insurance companies and their 3rd party handlers.


Services

  • The Plum Psychology provides evaluation and psychotherapy services for diverse children (ages 0-5 thru adolescence), adults, and families and concerns.

    Learn more about Concerns I treat

    Your therapist will utilize an integrative approach to care, which can include Cognitive Behavioral, Systems, developmental and health psychology approaches.

    For children, your therapist will encourage play and ask that the child bring a few of their favorite toys to session.

  • No. Your therapist will screen for developmental disabilities as part of your (and/or your child’s) treatment planning but the practice does not offer comprehensive testing. If the is a question of whether you or your child would benefit from neuropsychological, psychoeducational or developmental testing, your therapist will discuss this with you and potential referral options.

  • No. Your therapist will discuss you (and your child’s) current medications and comforts with medication management as part of treatment planning. Your therapist is happy to provide recommendations for local providers who are trained and licensed to prescribe psychiatric or other medicines based on your presenting concerns and comforts.

  • Generally, no. This is a service that needs to be performed with evaluation by another provider. The reason for this policy is to avoid having the performance of administrative functions interfere with your therapy. This is also a lengthy conversation that you need to have over time with your provider before you decide to get your ESA and request a letter. It is important to discuss the work and emotional needs related to caring for a pet versus the benefits.

    Click here to learn more about ESAs.

  • No. As your child’s therapist, The Plum Psychology cannot ethically evaluate them in custody matters, as this is a dual role conflict of interest. The practice also offers no specialization in forensic evaluations. You must receive these services from a qualified professional who specializes in forensic evaluations and services.


Costs and Insurance

  • Costs for common sessions are as follows:

    $205 45-minute individual

    $245 55-minute individual or 45-minute family

    $285 intake session, may be billed 1-3 times depending upon treatment complexity but usually once.

    $40-45 Interactive complexity

    Please ask for costs for other less common services and related lengths of sessions. The practice is happy to provide you with a superbill for insurance or HSA/FSA reimbursement. A limited sliding scale is available (see sliding scale).

    *If you have health insurance (whether in-network or out-of-network), your out-of-pocket costs, including co-pays, coinsurances, deductibles etc. are determined by your plan. Contact your insurance carrier to obtain information regarding your specific cost-sharing requirements and whether teletherapy is covered.

    *If you do not want to use your insurance or are uninsured, please click here for the No Surprises Act and your right to a Good Faith Estimate.

  • The Plum Psychology transitioned to out-of-network status for Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2024. Currently, the practice only accepts the Brown University student insurance (USHR). For all other insurances, contact your insurance carrier directly before you schedule an appointment to discuss reimbursement options, including coverage for teletherapy. Also, please speak to your therapist if you need financial accommodation.

  • Yes. The Plum Psychology reserves a few sliding scale slots to help individuals and families who otherwise might not be able to afford therapy. Please speak with your therapist if you need this accommodation.


Payment

  • The Plum Psychology accepts most major credit cards. The practice is a teletherapy only service and is unable to accept cash or check payments. at this time.

  • Yes (?) As long as your FSA or HSA card is issued by a major credit card carrier, the practice has experienced that you can use these forms of payment for therapy. It is recommended that you follow up with your benefits specialist in the event that you are unsure.

  • No. Payments are due at the time of service before the start of each session and billed directly to your credit card on file.