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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept insurance? I accept the following insurances: 1. Lyra Health EAP 2. Aetna I am considered out-of-network for all other insurances. I am happy to provide you a superbill to support you in accessing your out-of-network coverage. Other funding sources that I accept: 1. Private Pay (credit card, debit card, HSA) 2. Lotus Therapy Fund

What is the difference between using in-network insurance, using out-of-network insurance, and paying privately? 1. In-Network Coverage: This refers to therapy sessions provided by mental health professionals who are contracted with your insurance company. When a therapist is in-network, it means they have agreed to accept the negotiated rate from your insurance company for their services. As a result, your out-of-pocket costs for therapy sessions are typically lower when you see an in-network provider. Your insurance plan will usually cover a portion of the cost, and you may be responsible for a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible, depending on your specific plan. If you would like an in-network therapist and have an insurance that I am not currently in-network with, I recommend that you use platforms like https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists or https://www.therapyden.com/ to search for a therapist using insurance filters. 2. Out-of-Network Coverage: If you choose to see a therapist who is not contracted with your insurance company, you're accessing out-of-network coverage. In this case, your insurance plan may still provide some coverage for therapy sessions, but typically at a lower rate than if you were seeing an in-network provider. You may have to pay the therapist's full fee upfront and then submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. I help you with this claim by providing you a Superbill that holds all the information requested in the claim. The amount you receive back from your insurance company varies depending on your plan. At times, you can expect to receive 60-80% of your session cost. There are services out there that help you simplify this process, researching your out-of-network coverage and submitting claims for you. Examples of these services are https://www.thrizer.com/ and https://www.mentaya.com/ . 3. Private Pay: This means paying for therapy sessions entirely out of your own pocket, without involving insurance. Some people prefer private pay for various reasons, such as privacy concerns or wanting to see a therapist who doesn't accept insurance. While private pay means you have full control over your therapy sessions and confidentiality, it can also be more expensive compared to using insurance. Each option has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on factors like your financial situation, insurance coverage, and personal preferences regarding therapy. It's essential to carefully review your insurance plan and discuss payment options with your therapist to make the most informed decision.

Do you have sliding scale availability? At this time, I do not offer sliding scale as I prefer to provide accessible care through other means (e.g., insurance, Lotus Fund, free gender affirming surgery letters). If you are looking for low-fee therapy, I invite you to look at therapists listed here https://openpathcollective.org/ .

Are you currently accepting clients? At this time, I am accepting clients using private pay, out-of-network insurance, Lyra or Lotus Therapy Fund. I am not currently accepting Aetna clients. Please email if you'd like to join my waitlist.

What is the Lotus Therapy Fund and who qualifies for free therapy sessions? The Lotus Therapy Fund (LTF) was created by the Asian Mental Health Collective in order to increase access to quality mental health for Asian Americans. Lotus Therapy Fund provides 8 sessions of free therapy to individuals in need, matching them with an Asian therapist with availability to see new clients. I am currently an LTF Provider. Clients must be US residents and at least 18 years old. Navigate to the Asian Mental Health Collective Webiste for more information. https://www.asianmhc.org/lotus-therapy-fund/

How do you determine your private pay fee? I set my private pay fee based on local cost of living, research regarding the “going rate” of therapy in the area that I live in as well as my clinical specializations and professional experience.

I see that you work with children. What is the youngest age that you will see? I see children of all ages, 0-18. Of course, my therapeutic approach differs if I am treating a 2 year old versus a 17 year old. With the youngest of children, therapy often looks more like parent coaching and support. As children grow, I often turn to play-based therapy, parent-child therapy and expressive arts.

I see you on various platforms, what is the easiest way to reach you or schedule a session? The primary platform that I operate out of is Simple Practice. Once you become a client, you have access to a Client Portal that allows you to view documents as well as upcoming appointments and cancel or reschedule appointments. I use Headway to process Aetna insurance claims. I use Grow Therapy to process Kaiser NorCal claims. The easiest way to schedule with me is through my Simple Practice portal. https://sarahlesko.clientsecure.me/ You are also welcome to call or text me at (916) 934-2636 or email me at sarahleskolmft@gmail.com.

On Good Faith Estimates A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a document provided by a service provider, such as a healthcare provider or a financial institution, to inform a client or patient about the approximate costs associated with a particular service or transaction. In the context of a therapy practice, a Good Faith Estimate typically outlines the expected costs of therapy sessions, taking into account factors such as session duration, therapist's fees, and any additional services provided. The purpose of a Good Faith Estimate is to provide transparency and help the client or patient understand what to expect in terms of financial obligations before receiving the service. It allows individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare or other services by providing an estimate of the costs they may incur. Please let me know if you would like a GFE.

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