Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule an appointment?
Select any of the 'Contact' or 'Schedule a Consult' buttons or email me amandakutzphd@gmail.com or navigate to the contact page itself. I offer a free 20 minute consultation where we can discuss your goals for therapy and my approach to see if working together is the right fit.
Do you take insurance?
I take some University of Utah health plans (usually offered through the marketplace) and HMHI (offered to University of Utah employees). I am out of network with all other plans. I provide an invoice that can be used for reimbursement if your insurance plan offers that for out of network providers.
Why is therapy so expensive?
I am not a low cost therapist and I acknowledge that. My rate is set at the market rate for psychologists trained with expertise in particular areas (mine areas are insomnia and anxiety disorders). There are therapists in Utah and nationwide who are more inclusive of insurances they take or have more sliding scale spots available. You can find therapists who take your insurance by searching on Psychology Today or similar platforms.
I worked for several years in managed healthcare systems serving underserved populations and presently volunteer my time and services where and when I can. However, being a therapist can be taxing work so maintaining my fee structure allows me to see less patients (and be less likely to experience burnout) so I can devote more of my attention, time and presence to the clients I work with.
Who do you work best with?
I work best with individuals who are willing to engage in the process of therapy. Therapy is a collaboration between therapist and client and clients often see greater benefits from therapy when they are willing to implement changes in their lives. However, I know willingness can be very tricky! I could spend a whole course of therapy on helping someone move towards greater willingness. Sometimes, simply willing to be willing is where we need to start.
Change can be challenging and require space and energy in life. That space and energy is not always with us and that is ok. I am willing to work with you through wherever you are in but I am actually not a prononet of 'everyone needs therapy all the time' - if you need a break or now is not the right time, I see it as my role to help you voice that not to keep you in the chair when it's not the right time for it.
What is your cancellation/no-show policy?
You can always reschedule or cancel an appointment but advanced notice is required. I require 48 hours notice if you need to cancel an appointment. This is provide time for me to fill the appointment spot with another client who might need it. The no-show and cancellation fee is the full session fee. Insurance does not cover late cancellations or no-shows so these fees would need to be paid out of pocket.
Sometimes emergencies happen- I do offer all my clients a free pass for a missed appointment.
What if I need help right now?
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please call 988 the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or the Utah Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or go to your nearest emergency room.
What is a Good Faith Estimate (GFE)?
You have the right to receive a 'Good Faith Estimate' explaining how much your health care will cost. A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) provides uninsured or self-pay patients with a transparent breakdown of expected healthcare costs before receiving services. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have certain types of healthcare coverage or self-pay patients an estimate of their bill for healthcare items and services before those items and services are provided. You have the right to receive a GFE for the total expected cost of any healthcare services upon request or when scheduling such services. For psychotherapy, this includes costs of recommended sessions on a monthly basis. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. A copy of the GFE will be sent to you so that you can retain a copy for your records. Read more about the GFE and the No Surprises Act: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
What is PSYPACT?
PSYPACT, or the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, is an agreement between participating states that allows licensed psychologists to participate in telepsychology and temporary in-person psychology across state lines. It streamlines the process for psychologists to provide services in other PSYPACT states via telehealth allowing psychologists increased flexibility to reach areas where there may be a dearth of providers. Currently, there are 42 states and territories participating in PSYPACT. Read more about PSYPACT here: https://psypact.gov/page/About