Frequently asked questions

policies

Here is a brief overview of the practice policies to assist you with common questions and answers. 

SESSIONS & Fees

Sessions are 50, 75 or 100 minutes in length and are scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The fee is $210 per 50 minute session. Reduced fee slots are currently filled.

  • 50 min session (most popular)

  • 75 min session (recommended for couples and families)

  • 100 min session

CASH & CHECKS

Cash, checks, credit cards, debit cards, Paypal, and Venmo are accepted. Checks are made out to 'Teagan Darnell'.

24-HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY

A 24-hour cancellation policy is upheld. If the therapist is not notified about a cancellation 24 hours before the scheduled session, the regular fee charge will be applied. 

Paperwork

Paperwork can be completed through your online client portal. You will receive an email to setup your portal and can login at https://teagan-darnell-therapy.clientsecure.me/client_portal/ * Please have the paperwork completed and submitted online before your initial session unless an alternative has been discussed.

INSURANCE

Reimbursements Through Insurance

I am an out of network, private pay provider. I am not a contracted provider with any insurance company or managed care organization. Should a
client choose to be reimbursed through insurance, some insurance PPO’s reimburse for out of network providers. Please contact your provider to ask them if your plan offers partial or full reimbursements for out of network services.  A superbill will be automatically generated for you at the beginning of each month, which you can submit to your insurance provider. You can access the superbills through the client portal (login above) and you will also receive an automatic email notification when new superbills are available. 

  • To be fully informed, check with your insurance company at the beginning of treatment and inquire specifically about your mental health benefits. Ask them if your plan offers partial or full reimbursements for out of network services when you submit a superbill. Also ask about any limits they place on treatment.  (i.e. number of sessions allowed, maximum amount reimbursed per session, whether they reimburse for family sessions, etc.)

  • Remember to save your client portal login information or refer back to the original setup email. The button link above will allow you to login to your client portal.

  • Automatic email notifications will be sent to the primary email address on file when new superbills are available.

  • Please be aware that if you submit your superbill to your insurance carrier, a DSM diagnosis code will be filed in your medical records regarding your current mental health status.

Texting / Email Contact

The best way to contact me is through email. I reserve texting for scheduling purposes and brief contact. If you would like to send me information about any therapy content, please send it via email.

Minors

If a minor is beginning therapy, a parent guardian signature will be needed. If parents are divorced or separated with shared custody, consent from both parents will be needed. An informed consent must be signed by a parent or guardian until the client reaches the age of 18. Minors are protected under confidentiality after the age of 12. A consent to release can be signed when parent collaboration is appropriate. *Important Notice: When I am contacted by a parent/guardian with information regarding treatment via phone, email or in person, my policy is that I will inform the minor that their parent/guardian has contacted me and disclose the content shared. This is very important for maintaining transparency and trust with the minor which is of critical importance in the therapeutic process.

Confidentiality

All clients are protected by the law of confidentiality, meaning that all content discussed in therapy is kept private. Breaches to confidentiality are legally required when a client is a threat to themselves, is a threat to others, reports child abuse, reports elder abuse, or as a result of a court ordered breach. Otherwise, the content shared in session stays between the client and the therapist. Informed Consent forms must be signed before therapy begins. If clients would like information to be exchanged with other doctors, schools, other practitioners, family members, parents, etc., a release form can be signed. 

Letter writing + Court

I do not consent to requests for court appearances (unless legally mandated). A strict letter-writing policy is upheld and documents are only written for limited and necessary circumstances. Letters will not be written for custody or divorce cases. If documents are composed, the time delegated is billed at the normal hourly rate.

Location / Directions

1931 San Miguel Dr. Suite 210, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. The office is located up the street from Whole Foods in Walnut Creek. Follow Newell Avenue up the hill and it will turn into San Miguel Drive. The office is a brown building on the right hand side of the street after the first stop sign. Feel free to park in any of the spots in the parking lot. The suite is located on the second story of the building.