Frequently asked questions
Do you take my insurance?
We bill some commercial plans and are out of network with others, and we do not bill Medicaid or Medicare. How fees work has the details, and we check your benefits before the first visit.
What is a superbill and how do I use it?
A superbill is a monthly itemized receipt, with the dates and kind of visit, that your plan may reimburse in part for out-of-network care. You send it to your plan. It carries a diagnosis code your insurer can see, and the plan decides what it pays.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you pay without insurance, you have the right to a written estimate of what care will cost before you start. We give you one before the first visit. If the final bill is $400 or more above it, you can dispute it. The estimate is not a contract.
How much does it cost, and how do fees work?
Carmen's fee depends on the length and kind of visit, and you get it in writing before you start. How fees work explains insurance, receipts, reduced-fee spots and the estimate.
Can I use an HSA or FSA card?
Yes, most HSA and FSA cards work for visits. Check with your plan administrator about what they cover.
What happens in the first session?
The first visit is for the adults only. You and Carmen talk, you ask your questions, and she explains how the play room works and what stays private. Your child comes to the second visit, with you nearby.
How often do we come, and for how long?
Visits are 50 minutes, usually weekly. Carmen sets the pace with you and does not promise a number of visits.
Is Carmen licensed in Iowa?
Yes. Carmen is a licensed marital and family therapist in Iowa. The board and license class are in the footer of every page, and you can verify them with the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science.
What do I do in a crisis?
Call or text 988, any time, or call 911 in an emergency. This site and our messages are not watched around the clock.
What is private, and what are the limits?
Carmen shares themes and what she sees with parents, not a play-by-play. She explains in writing, before you start, what stays between her and your child and when she must share, such as a risk of serious harm or a report the law requires.
Who signs consent for my child?
A parent or legal guardian signs before the first visit. If the parents live apart, we ask who has legal authority to consent to a child's mental health care, and we ask for the paperwork.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for 24 hours' notice to change an appointment. If a late change may be charged, we tell you in writing before you start.
Is there a question left?
Write to us or ask for a call.