Quality Therapy Should Be Accessible—And You're Worth the Investment
Affordable Therapy Options for Women in PA, NJ, DC
I've worked to make generational growth therapy accessible through multiple payment options. Because your healing matters, and cost shouldn't be the barrier that keeps you stuck.
Whether you're using insurance, paying privately, or need a sliding scale option, there's a path forward. Let's make this work.
Using Your Insurance Benefits
I'm in-network with several major insurance providers, which means therapy may cost you as little as your copay—often $10-60 per session, depending on your specific plan.
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I currently accept:
Aetna
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield (newly in-network!)
Quest Behavioral Health (newly in-network!)
I'm also in-network with Independence Blue Cross and AmeriHealth, though availability for new clients with these plans may be limited.
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1. Verify your benefits
Before we meet, contact your insurance to confirm your mental health coverage. I encourage you to do this yourself so you fully understand what your plan covers.
Not sure what to ask? Use this script when calling:
"Hi, I'd like to verify my outpatient mental health benefits for therapy sessions with an in-network provider. Can you tell me:
Is Akilah J. Pierre, LMFT (NPI 1154957686) in-network?
What is my copay per therapy session?
Do I have a deductible, and if so, has it been met?
How many sessions are covered per year?
Is prior authorization required?
Are telehealth sessions covered the same as in-person?"
Write down the representative's name, date, and reference number for your records.
2. I handle the billing
Once your deductible is met (if you have one), I submit claims directly to your insurance. You'll pay your copay before each session.
3. Your privacy is protected
Insurance requires a mental health diagnosis for coverage. This will be part of your file, and your insurance company will have access to it for billing purposes.
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If I'm not in-network with your plan, you can still work with me using private pay and request a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many plans reimburse 50-80% of the session cost—contact your insurance to confirm your out-of-network benefits.
Private Pay: More Than a Backup Option
Private pay isn't just for people whose insurance I don't accept. It's a choice many clients make because of the unique benefits it offers.
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Why clients choose private pay:
More privacy, less paperwork
No insurance company involvement means no one reviews your treatment, sessions, or progress except you and me. Your therapy stays completely between us.
No diagnosis on your record
Insurance requires a mental health diagnosis to cover therapy. With private pay, there's no diagnosis required—and nothing goes on your permanent health record.
True flexibility
You're not limited by insurance-approved session counts or needing reauthorization. We work together as long as it serves your growth—whether that's 8 sessions or 80.
Continuity of care
If your insurance changes—new job, different plan, moved states—your therapy doesn't get disrupted. We continue working together without interruption.
HSA/FSA eligible
You can use your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account for sessions.
Superbills available
I provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. (Note: Superbills require a diagnosis code for insurance reimbursement purposes.)
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$90-115 per session, based on financial need.
Sliding scale spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Sometimes spots open up when clients complete therapy or transition to other payment options.
Interested in sliding scale? Mention it when you book your consultation, and we'll discuss current availability.
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Whether you use insurance, private pay, or a sliding scale spot—you're making an empowering choice for yourself. Choosing therapy isn't just an investment in your well-being. It's you saying: I matter. My healing matters. I'm worth taking care of.
And you absolutely are.
The Logistics: When, How, and Why
Clear payment processes mean we can spend your full session time on YOU—not sorting out logistics.
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Payment is due before your session. Here's how it works:
After you book an appointment, you'll receive an invoice
Once the invoice is paid, your appointment is confirmed on my calendar
We meet for your session at the scheduled time
Why prepayment? It allows us to use your entire 50 minutes for therapy, not payment processing. Your session time is yours.
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Credit/debit card
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Credit card on file: Yes, required for all clients to maintain your appointment spot and process payments efficiently.
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Life happens. Here's how to handle schedule changes:
To reschedule: Contact me at least one week before your appointment. You can move your session to another day that same week, the week before, or the week after—no charge.
If you no-show: You forfeit the session fee. If you'd like to continue therapy, you'll need to book and pay for a new appointment.
If I no-show: Your next session is free. (Though this has never happened—I show up for you.)
To cancel without rescheduling: You forfeit the session fee. The spot was held for you, and I showed up ready to work.
This policy protects both of us. It ensures I can hold space for you, and you can trust that your appointment time is reserved and protected.
Your Money Questions, Answered
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A: Let's talk. I offer limited sliding scale spots ($90-115) for clients with financial need. I also accept insurance, which can bring your cost down to $10-60 per session. During your free consultation, we can discuss what's feasible for your situation.
Don't let cost be the reason you stay stuck. There's usually a way to make it work.
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A: You have options:
Private pay ($130/session) with the benefits listed above
Superbill for out-of-network reimbursement (many plans reimburse 50-80%)
Sliding scale if spots are available
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A: We'll address this openly if it comes up. Sometimes sliding scale spots open. Sometimes we can adjust session frequency. Sometimes we take a pause and resume when finances shift.
What I won't do: Drop you without a conversation. Your healing matters more than perfect circumstances.
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A: Here's what I know: You'll spend money either way. You'll spend it managing the fallout of not dealing with these patterns—through stress, health issues, relationship problems, opportunities missed because guilt or self-doubt held you back.
Or you'll invest in changing those patterns now.
Therapy isn't just about feeling better (though you will). It's about breaking cycles, reclaiming your life, and finally prioritizing yourself. That ripples into every area of your life—your relationships, your career, your sense of peace.
You're not just paying for 50 minutes a week. You're investing in the life you actually want to live.
And yes. You're worth it.
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A: No. We work together for as long as it serves your growth. Some clients work with me for a few months to address specific patterns. Others continue for ongoing support through life's ups and downs. You're never locked in.
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A: Federal law requires me to provide a Good Faith Estimate of costs for clients not using insurance. This estimate shows what you can expect to pay based on the services we discuss. You'll receive this before we begin working together. [Learn more about Good Faith Estimates →]
You've Made It This Far—Let's Keep Going
If you're reading this, you're already considering making a change. That's the hardest part.
The next part? Booking a free consultation to see if we're a good fit.
đź”´ Only 12 spots remaining for new clients
In our consultation, we'll discuss:
Your specific situation and what you want to change
Which payment option works best for you
Whether generational growth therapy is the right fit
What working together would look like
Available: Tuesdays–Thursdays, 1–8 PM | Where: Online (PA, NJ, DC)
This is an empowering choice you're making for yourself. I'm here to make it as accessible as possible.
You matter. Your healing matters. Let's make this work.