COVID-19 UPDATE
Teletherapy (remote therapy & evaluations) only.
I now offer teletherapy (i.e. online video chat) and phone sessions to my clients.
Teletherapy provides a convenient, affordable means for clients to receive mental health services from the comfort of their own home, without having to come into my office.
Appointments
I can often see new clients within a week or two. I usually schedule appointments between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m on weekdays.
If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call me at (413) 584-2617 and choose option #1.
I answer my own phone, when able, and personally listen to all my telephone messages.
If I cannot answer the phone when you call, you can leave a confidential voicemail at mailbox #1. Please leave your name and any phone numbers and blocks of time when I can reach you “live” by phone. I will do my best to call at those times. All calls are confidential.
There is no charge for initial 20-minute telephone consultation. All other sessions and services are fee-for-service.
Contact Information
Denise Gelinas, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
277 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-2617 and choose option #1
Initial Meetings
Towards the end of the first meeting, I take 10 minutes to go over a few forms I ask people to fill out, either later in the waiting room or at home, to be brought in at the next meeting. At that next meeting, we go over the forms together in case there are any questions from either of us.
Fees
My standard fee is $160 for all 50 minute sessions and clinical services, except for the Initial Office Visit which is $175. I do not charge more for sessions with family members, testing or screening.
Modest fee reductions are available for clients without insurance coverage, on a case by case basis, depending on your overall financial situation.
Longer sessions, when mutually agreed upon (for example, 75 or 90 minutes for clients who drive some distance to be here) are based on the same hourly rate.
I charge the same fee for clinical consultation to clinicians.
Clients are expected to pay in full by check or cash at the time of service unless we make other arrangements. In many cases, I will agree to bill your insurance plan for payment and accept your co-pay for the session. I do not accept credit cards.
Cancellations
There is no charge for a cancellation of at least 24 hours notice. If you do not show up for a scheduled appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours notice, unless there is an unavoidable emergency (car breakdown, child sick at home, your own illness onset, icy driving conditions), you will be charged the full fee for the session. No-shows and late cancellation fees are not reimbursable by insurance.
Insurance
Your health insurance may cover your sessions with me.
Some insurance plans only approve treatment by providers within their network. Others allow out-of-network coverage. Some allow this only under certain conditions (for example, when certain forms are submitted). And some provide coverage for all licensed professionals.
I am a participating provider for most Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans, as well as for Tufts, TriCare, and Pioneer health plans. Also I am eligible for insurance payments from many other plans that offer their members out-of-network coverage.
I recommend that you check with your insurance plan about whether they will authorize coverage for your sessions with me. You are responsible for knowing whether your insurance will cover your treatment with me and whether they require specific authorizations to do so. If your insurance plan declines coverage, you are financially responsible for any unpaid balance on the services you have received.
My Billing Manager files claims to the insurance companies. Most clients prefer to have us take care of that for them. However, clients who wish to file for themselves are welcome to do so of course.