Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

  • Currently, I only offer virtual, telehealth services. I do not offer in-person services at this time.

  • I am in-network with Aetna and BCBS of Massachusetts. I can also provide superbills for my out-of-network clients to help with reimbursement. Additionally, I offer several reduced rate appointments. Please reach out with any questions so we can work together to find what works best for you.

    You can check your insurance eligibility here: https://headway.co/providers/lauren-hammond?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=121454

  • If you are calling your insurance to check on you coverage, tell them that you would like to know what your out-of-network benefits are for behavioral or mental health services. They will ask you which services you would like to know the reimbursement rates for.

    The most common types of sessions I do and corresponding codes for the insurance company are:

    - Intake appointments (90791)

    - 55-minute therapy sessions (90837)

    On occasion, I will have shorter, 45 (90834) or 30 (90832) minute therapy sessions, or group psychotherapy (90853).

    Your insurance company should be able to tell you either an amount, or a percentage, that they will reimburse.  

  • Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate, which explains how much your medical care is estimated to cost. 

    Under this 2022 law, health care providers are required to provide clients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of their bill for medical items and services.

    • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs such as medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

    • Your health care provider will aim to provide you with a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You may also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service or item.

    • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill. Please discuss this with your provider.

    • Be sure to save a copy or photo of your Good Faith Estimate.

    For further questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.

  • PSYPACT is an interstate agreement that allows licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services across state boundaries without requiring a provider to become licensed in every state to practice. This means I am allowed to provide telehealth services if you live in one of the participating states below.

    Participating states include:

    Alabama

    Arizona

    Arkansas

    Colorado

    Connecticut

    Delaware

    District of Columbia

    Florida

    Georgia

    Idaho

    Illinois

    Indiana

    Kansas

    Kentucky

    Maine

    Maryland

    Michigan

    Minnesota

    Mississippi

    Missouri

    Nebraska

    Nevada

    New Hampshire

    New Jersey

    North Carolina

    North Dakota

    Ohio

    Oklahoma

    Pennsylvania

    Rhode Island

    South Carolina

    South Dakota

    Tennessee

    Texas

    Utah

    Vermont

    Virginia

    Washington

    West Virginia

    Wisconsin

    Wyoming

What Does Beginning Therapy Look Like?

15 Minute Complimentary Consultation

I offer a free, 15 minute zoom consultation. Like any other relationship, it’s important to make sure the fit with your prospective therapist is right for you. When we first meet, you'll be getting a sense of me just as much as I’ll be getting to know you. If it turns out we’re not the right fit, I’ll help you find a provider to work with.

Intake Session(s)

During our first meetings, I’ll be gathering a lot of information about you, your life experiences, your current struggles, and your goals for treatment. This will help me determine the most appropriate approach to treatment and whether I have the expertise to help you. Generally, the first 1-2 meetings are focused on assessment, determining the most appropriate treatment, discussing the specifics of that treatment, and developing a plan moving forward together. You’re encouraged to ask questions of me during this time to make sure that you feel I’m the right person to help you.

Time-Limited

Given that positive change is most likely to occur when there is consistent follow-up and problem solving, I’ll typically meet with clients weekly until the situation or reason for seeking treatment has noticeably improved. Once clients have achieved significant progress, we collaboratively may decide to taper the frequency of sessions (every other week, once per month, or less) or end treatment. We’ll work together to figure out what the best follow-up plan is for you.

Coordination

As clinically appropriate, and with your consent, I’ll coordinate with other providers involved in your care, which may include a psychiatrist, registered dietitian, primary care physician, and/or other medical specialists.

Nondiscrimination Commitment

In my work as a psychologist, I do not discriminate against clients because of any of the following factors: age, sex, marital/family status, race, religious beliefs, ethnic origin, place of residence, veteran status, physical disability, health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or criminal record unrelated to present dangerousness. This is both a personal commitment, as well as one required by federal, state, and local laws and regulations.