Rates
Insurance
At this time, Lyons Relational Counseling & Consulting, PLLC, is working to be paneled with several insurance providers.
Lyons Relational Counseling & Consulting, PLLC is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna in North Carolina. This includes the BHAP plan that starts in 2026.
Contracts with Cigna, UHC, and Medcost are in process.
Utilizing Insurance with Relational Therapy
When a therapist meets with more than one person at the same time (for example, a couple or a family), there are two very different ways the service can be set up and billed.
Relationship counseling/therapy
In this approach, the relationship itself is the focus, not any one person. This type of therapy is also known as ‘couples therapy,’ ‘marriage counseling,’ ‘relationship counseling,’ ‘family therapy,’ or ‘discernment counseling.’ The therapist works with everyone together to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen the relationship. Here, no one person is considered “the client.” With this approach, there is no mental health diagnosis given. Because there is no diagnosis, insurance does not cover this service. Clients will be asked to pay out of pocket.
Regarding privacy and records, this approach requires that everyone involved must agree to treatment. All included must sign all paperwork; caregivers must give consent for minors to participate in sessions. The therapist is also required to provide a copy of the records, if requested, even if others disagree.
Insurance-billed relational therapy
In this approach, one person is the client, and others are included only to support that person’s treatment. One individual, the client, is assessed, diagnosed, and the treatment plan will center on their needs. Since a diagnosis is given, this service can be billed to insurance. Spouses, partners, and family members may attend sessions to help support the patient’s treatment. While others may attend sessions, the therapist is not focused on treating the relationship or other people’s concerns.
Regarding privacy and records, only the identified client controls consent and privacy; this is different in the case of minors. The client is the only person who can authorize sharing information and the only one able to request copies of the medical record.
Please note: Although I make every effort to protect your confidentiality, your insurance carrier is entitled to certain information about your therapy. Insurance companies and employee assistance programs (EAPs) often require that you receive a mental health diagnosis to access benefits. This mental health diagnosis becomes part of your permanent medical record.
In short:
Relationship counseling/therapy = working on the relationship together, no diagnosis, no insurance.
Insurance-billed relational therapy = treating one person’s mental health condition, with others included only to help that person.
Private Pay Rates
$140 per 60min session for individuals
$165 per 60min session for couples and families
Pay-What-You-Can
At Lyons Relational Counseling & Consulting, PLLC, we don't want cost to be a barrier to receiving care. If you are unable to pay the set private pay rates, I offer a ‘Pay-What-You-Can’ model. With this model, I don’t ask for any financial information; I don’t ask about income or the number of people in your household.
The only question I ask is: “What would you reasonably be able to pay per session if we were to meet weekly?”
Once we agree on the set rate, we are good to go.
Payment
I accept all major credit cards as forms of payment.
Cancellation Policy
Lyons Relational Counseling & Consulting, PLLC requires that at least 24 hours notice be given to cancel or reschedule an appointment. We understand that things happen, each client is permitted one no-show or late cancellation grace occurrence per calendar year, which renews annually. After this allowance has been used, a standardized fee of $100 will be charged for any subsequent no-shows or late cancellations to be charged to the credit card on file.
Providers reserve a time commitment exclusively for you, therefore your session time may be lost. If you are late for a session by 15 minutes or more, you may be asked to reschedule and be subject to the standardized fee of $100 as a no-show or late cancellation.
Out of respect for others and to ensure as many folks have access to treatment as possible, we ask that you please contact your provider to cancel/reschedule an appointment as soon as it becomes necessary.
Good Faith Estimate
In accordance with the No Surprises Act, effective January 1, 2022, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the 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 like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit cms.gov/nosurprises.
Any Other Questions
Please contact us for any additional questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!