FAQs

Do you offer in-person services?

Not at this time. Currently, I offer telehealth services exclusively.

How do I know if I would feel comfortable with telehealth psychotherapy?

I understand. Meeting online is different from meeting in person. But telehealth is a remarkable way of collaborating despite physical distance or COVID concerns. The pandemic has expedited the legislation for interstate practice of psychology, and telehealth is likely here to stay. If you feel ambivalent, I have a few suggestions. First, consider using a laptop or desktop computer instead of a small mobile device like a smart phone. The size of the video screen can affect a session. Then, request a phone call. I will return your call within 24 hours. You may also want to learn about my background and practice philosophy before we speak. Last but not least, attend a 90-minute psychoeducation group. It may give you a sense of who I am, how I work, and whether we would work well together.

Are you able to see patients in any state?

I am currently able to see patients in 35 states plus Washington, D.C and The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This is because I hold the traditional psychology license in four states — Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Wisconsin. In addition, I am a PSYPACT-approved psychologist, which means I am able to work with residents in the 35 PSYPACT-participating regions through telehealth. These include 33 states — Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming — as well as Washington, D.C and The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. So, if you reside in any one of these regions, I will be able to provide telehealth services to you.

Do you accept insurance?

No, I’m afraid not. However, if you have out-of-network benefits, I will be able to provide an invoice, which you can then submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. This invoice — sometimes known as the “Superbill” — itemizes the services rendered as well as payments made. Typically, Superbills are not issued after each single session; they cover a period of a month or more. Also, Superbills are not issued routinely; they are available only upon request.

What is a Superbill?

A Superbill is a detailed invoice which itemizes the services a patient has received. It is different from a traditional invoice submitted from the therapist to the patient or patient’s insurer. With a Superbill, the insurer assumes that the patient has already paid the therapist for the services rendered. Therefore, after the Superbill is processed, any payment from the insurer will be a reimbursement to the patient, not the therapist. Please note that the Superbill can only be provided after services have been rendered.

The following information will be included in the Superbill:

• Patient’s identifying information — Name, address, phone, DOB

• ICD code — Diagnosis code

• CPT code — Type of service (initial assessment, individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, etc.)

• Fee & payment — Fee charged by therapist & payment made by patient

How do I know if I have out-of-network benefits?

You can find out by calling your insurance company. Here are a few questions you may want to ask:

• Do you reimburse for psychotherapy by out-of-network mental health providers such as Dr. Corey? (Note: Please clarify with them that I will be billing under Kavalan Health LLC, and not any other hospital systems which may continue to list me as an in-network provider. My in-network status applies only when services are rendered within those treatment settings.)

• What percentage do you reimburse?

• What is my annual deductible? Have I reached it yet?

• What is the coinsurance I will be responsible for?

• Is there an “allowable amount” for behavioral health care?

• Is there a limit to the number of sessions my insurance will cover?

• How do I submit the Superbill for reimbursement?

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for services?

In general, your HSA, or Health Savings Account, allows you to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. This would typically include services by a psychologist. However, there are caveats. Some insurers may require that you provide a prescription from a physician stating that psychotherapy or counseling is medically necessary to treat a specific medical condition. Others may not cover family therapy or marriage counseling. Therefore, it would be up to you to clarify with your insurer in terms of any stipulations. I would recommend the same for people who plan to use their FSA, or Flexible Spending Account, to pay for services.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you wish to cancel any psychotherapy session or psychoeducation class, please do so at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment. If you wish to cancel your registration for any 8-week group therapy series, please do so at least 24 hours in advance of the first group session. No cancellations will be permitted after each 8-week series is in progress. Cancellations can be made directly through the internet portal; you do not need to call or email Dr. Corey or Kavalan Health for this purpose. Please note that full payment is required at the time of booking for all appointments. Therefore, if you fail to cancel at least 24 hours in advance, your will not be able to receive a refund.

Are you HIPAA compliant?

Yes. Here are the HIPAA compliant platforms we utilize:

• Email: All emails — including contact form inquiries and direct email exchanges via addresses at kavalanhealth.com — receive end-to-end encryption through ProtonMail for Business. A BAA (Business Associate Agreement) is in place.

• Scheduling: The scheduling function — including appointment scheduler and intake form entries — is operated and managed by the Squarespace Powerhouse Plan. A BAA is in place.

• Teleconference: All therapy sessions utilize Microsoft Teams online platform. A BAA is in place.

Can I register for an 8-week therapy group after the first session has taken place?

No, I am afraid not. I limit the number to 8 people maximum in a group and ask all participants to register for all 8 sessions in a series with the intent of fostering cohesiveness and preventing disruption. If you miss the window, you may want to check out other groups. Or, you may inquire about when the same topic may become available again.

What happens if I miss a group session?

You have paid for your session(s) at the time of registration. If you miss a group session in a series, you should still plan to attend the next one, as well as any subsequent sessions. But, I am afraid there will be no refund for any missed session(s).

Can I schedule two different types of therapy on the same day?

Yes. However, if you plan to use your out-of-network benefits, you may want to check with your insurance first to see if both sessions would be covered under your policy. Typically, only one type of service is covered on a single day.

Can I participate in more than one therapy group concurrently?

Yes. However, if you plan to use your out-of-network benefits, you may want to check with your insurance first to see if both or all of the groups would be covered under your policy.

Would you be able to work with me and my loved ones separately in individual therapy?

No, I would not be able to. I can only work with one of you in individual therapy. However, if you wanted your loved ones to join you for a family session to discuss specific topics on occasion, that could be arranged.

Can a friend or family member and I register for the same psychoeducation group?

Absolutely. The 90-minute psychoeducation groups are a good way to learn about specific mental health conditions. If you have a group of people who want to learn together, you can register for more than one spot when you schedule.

Do you speak another language?

Yes, I am fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Who did the photography and design for your site?

The portrait and branding photography is by Anna Ko Photography. Anna was kind enough to allow me to play with the images she captured and use them throughout the site. As for the images used in my blog, they are free images available through my web services provider. You can hover over each image to see the name of the photographer.