FAQ
Therapy FAQs
At Catalyst Psychology, we believe that feeling informed is the first step to effective therapy. On this page, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our services, approach, insurance, and more.
Our Approach to Therapy
What makes Catalyst different from other therapy practices?
Catalyst Psychology specializes in structured, evidence-based therapy for anxiety, OCD, ADHD, insomnia, and stress-related challenges. Our clinicians use gold-standard treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), CBT-I, ACT, and ERP—integrated with an active, goal-oriented approach to help clients achieve measurable progress. Every session is purposeful and tailored to individual needs.
Do you offer therapy for both adults and adolescents?
Yes. We provide personalized, research-backed treatment for both adults and adolescents (ages 13 and up). Sessions are developmentally appropriate, and we collaborate with parents to support teens outside of therapy when helpful.
Where are you located? Do you offer virtual therapy sessions?
Catalyst is based in Massachusetts. Most sessions are conducted virtually for privacy and convenience, with in-person sessions available upon request based on therapist availability.
Do you prescribe medication?
No, Catalyst does not prescribe medication. However, we’re happy to collaborate with your physician or psychiatrist if medication is part of your care plan.
How long does therapy usually last?
Most clients benefit from 15–30 sessions, depending on their goals and challenges. CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I) is typically completed in 8–10 sessions. Therapy is structured to deliver meaningful, lasting change—not indefinite treatment.
Starting Therapy Sessions
How do I get started with therapy?
Start by scheduling a phone consultation. This brief conversation allows us to learn more about your needs, answer your questions, and determine whether we’re a good fit. If so, we’ll discuss availability and next steps for scheduling your first session.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is a comprehensive intake where we’ll review your history, symptoms, and goals for therapy. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan, an estimated timeline for treatment, and a sense of what to expect from working together.
How long is each session?
Individual sessions typically last 50-60 minutes. We dedicate this time not only to talking through concerns but also to practicing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills, creating personalized plans, and reviewing progress. This extended time supports skill development and ensures sessions are clinically effective.
Fees, billing and insurance
What are your therapy fees?
Our fee for individual therapy is $260 per session. This reflects the advanced training and high-touch, evidence-based care we provide to clients seeking focused treatment for anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, and OCD.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. Catalyst Psychology is in-network with Aetna through Alma and Headway, trusted insurance partners that help streamline the claim process for Aetna members.
Our providers often bill the CPT code 90837, which corresponds to a psychotherapy session that is 53 minutes or longer. This code reflects the longer session length and the additional clinical work involved in CBT, such as practicing strategies, tailoring exercises, and creating homework plans. Some insurance plans review this code more closely, but it is appropriate when sessions require the added time and intensity for effective treatment.
That said, we see the majority of our clients on an out-of-network basis. This model allows us to provide the high-touch, evidence-based care our clients seek for concerns like anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, and OCD. Many individuals with PPO insurance plans receive 50–80% reimbursement for therapy sessions using their out-of-network benefits.
Many clients prefer out-of-network care for its flexibility, privacy, and access to specialized treatment tailored to their goals.
How does out-of-network billing work?
If you have OON mental health benefits, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement from your insurance provider. We will provide you with a detailed monthly superbill to make claim submission easier.
How can I verify my out-of-network benefits?
You can call your insurance provider using the number on the back of your insurance card or check your online portal. Or, we’ve partnered with Thrizer to simplify the process.
With Thrizer, you can:
- Verify your out-of-network benefits
- Pay only your estimated out-of-pocket cost up front
- Have claims submitted directly to your insurance provider
What should I ask my insurance carrier?
- Do I have out-of-network mental health coverage?
- Does my plan cover teletherapy sessions?
- What is my out-of-network deductible, and has it been met?
- What percentage of out-of-network fees will be reimbursed?
How is payment handled?
We securely store a credit or debit card on file and process payments through our encrypted client portal after each session. You’ll receive receipts and documentation through the same portal.
Session Cancellation
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a session. If you need to miss an in-person appointment, we offer the option to switch to a virtual session at no additional cost.
Each client is allowed two emergency cancellations per calendar year without charge. After that, cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged the full session fee.