Getting Started

Step 1

Reach out by email, phone, portal, or through my Psychology Today page and schedule a free 15-minute consultation call. We will discuss your needs and reasons you feel like counseling is right for you. My goal during the conversation is to determine whether we are the right fit and for all of your questions be answered- whether they be about insurance, finances, scheduling, or any concerns you have. A strong therapeutic relationship starts with being comfortable and relaxed with your therapist.

Step 2

We will then make an appointment and I’ll email you a link for SimplePractice, an online platform where you will complete initial intake paperwork and electronically sign initial agreements surrounding practice policies and procedures. Through the platform, you’re able to schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments, as well as message me via HIPPA compliant messaging.

Step 3

I ask that all paperwork be completed at least 24 hours in advance to your first appointment so I have time to review it and prepare for your first session. If you’re unable to complete the paperwork 24 hours in advance, I will reach out about rescheduling.

Step 4 - Our First Session

During the first session, we will further discuss the reasons you have made the decision to start therapy and I will ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of you and your needs. You can also use this time to ask any additional questions that have come up between our consultation call and our appointment. At the end of session, we will develop goals for treatment and discuss how frequent you would like to engage in sessions.

FAQ

Insurances

I currently accept the following insurances:

Commercial Independent Health
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Fidelis
United Healthcare
Cigna
Self-pay

It is the patient’s responsibility to ensure I am a provider with their specific healthcare plan. You are able to verify by calling your insurance and verifying my name with your specific plan. If you do not verify and I am not covered by your health plan, you will be responsible for the out-of-pocket costs.

If you do not see your insurance listed but still would like to have sessions with this provider, sessions would be paid in full and then a superbill would be sent to your email that you could then submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

Accepted Payments

Cash, Check, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, FSA/HAS

Cost of Session(s)

Session cost depends on your individual insurance plan. Please check with your insurance plan for outpatient mental health services for copay and/or deductible information. The self-pay fee schedule is as follows:

Initial session: $200
1 Hour Session: $175
45-minute session: $135
30-minute session: $100

Length/Frequency of Sessions:

The standard meeting time for psychotherapy is 55 minutes. If you are late for a session, you may lose some of that session time. More than 15 minutes late with no notice will be considered a no show.

I am often booked in back-to-back sessions, so please text, call, or email me if you are running late as I will see the message when I get out of my session prior to yours.

Frequency of sessions is up to you. Most commonly, people prefer every 1-2 weeks, however some clients prefer monthly appointments and some like to meet every 3 months. We can ebb and flow and change the frequency as needed depending on the things going on in your life.

Some clients engage in therapy for a few sessions and feel like they have met their needs and goals and choose to end therapy. Other individuals may pause therapy for a few weeks or months depending on what is going on in their life at that time. My goal is for you to feel like your goals and needs are being met, however long it takes us to accomplish that.

Cancellation Policy

If a client cancels or reschedules an appointment within 48 hours of their appointment, no fees will apply. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before or the day of the confirmed appointment will be subjected to a $100 fee. Exceptions to this fee will be made if I fill this time slot with someone on my waitlist who wants to be seen or if you can reschedule within 5 business days. No shows will be subjected to a $125 fee.

One late cancellation/no show fee will be waived throughout your time working with me. However, with less than 24 hours’ notice, fees are necessary because a time commitment is made for you and held exclusively for you.

Scheduling

At the end of every session, we will review upcoming appointments. You have the option to change any appointments already scheduled as well as schedule additional future appointments. It is recommended to book at least 2 future sessions as there are a limited number of sessions available, particularly with evening appointments. I try my best to accommodate all client schedules and preferences, but please be mindful I may not always have the same time/day available at the interval you desire.

There is a client portal that offers online booking to schedule, cancel, and/or to rebook sessions at your convenience. To access please visit https://michaela-wilber.clientsecure.me/

This portal also provides a courtesy reminder email 48 hours before session and a reminder text 24 hours before session. All telehealth sessions also have a 10–15-minute courtesy reminder before the session.

Contact

You are able to contact me by reaching out by phone (716)-248-8271, email [email protected], or through the client portal.

Portal Access

Every client is given portal access when they become a client. You will use the portal to complete initial paperwork. One can use the portal to view, make, change, or cancel appointments.

Are Infants/Young Children Allowed in Sessions?

Yes, I do allow parents to bring their infants and young children (up to age 3) to sessions as needed. They will be in session with us, so please keep this in mind with the young children and what you need to discuss.