Question 1

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?"

Accepted Answer

I am an out-of-network provider and do not participate directly with any insurance companies. If interested, I can provide you with a receipt at the end of each session, which you can submit to your insurance company. Depending on your out-of-network benefits, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for 50-80% of your session cost. The best way to understand your out-of-network benefits is to call your insurance carrier directly. You might want to ask the following questions: Do I have any out-of-network benefits for outpatient psychotherapy office visits (service code 90834)? What is my out-of-network deductible and has it been met? How many sessions does my plan cover per calendar year? Do I need a pre-authorization? How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider (usually expressed as a percentage or a flat rate)?

Question 2

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

For an initial consultation appointment, there are three ways to contact me. You can use my contact form, call me at (202) 660-1322, or e-mail me at Drlaurenmays@gmail.com.  While I am committed to your privacy, the confidentiality of information transmitted via email is not guaranteed. Please use this e-mail for scheduling and brief non-emergency-related matters.

Question 3

What will my initial consultation session be like?

Accepted Answer

There is no charge for this appointment. Depending on what feels most comfortable, your initial appointment will either be on the phone or in person. During this session, we will talk about the reason(s) you are seeking therapy, a bit about your background, and start thinking about next steps. We will go over policies and procedures in more detail during this session, and I will be able to answer any questions or concerns that you have.

Question 4

How long are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Both your initial consultation and individual therapy sessions will last 45-50 minutes. The interview and feedback sessions for the well-being screening also last 50-minutes.

Question 5

How often will I need to be seen?

Accepted Answer

I generally see clients once or twice each week depending on their needs. During the first months of therapy, I do not see clients every other week or monthly because it is my experience that this is not the most effective way to foster growth.

Question 6

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I understand that schedules change and you may need to reschedule or cancel an appointment. Please notify me by phone at least 48 hours in advance for any cancellations. If you do not cancel or do not show for your appointment, you will be charged the full fee for the session.

Question 7

Are sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

I am a Washington, DC, licensed clinical psychologist. In most situations, I can only release information about your treatment to others if you sign a written authorization form that meets certain legal requirements imposed by District of Columbia law. However, client safety is of utmost importance. Some limits of confidentiality include: Suspected child or adult abuse or neglect Intention to harm oneself or others. For more information on limits of confidentiality, please visit: http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/

Lauren E. Mays, Psy.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Common Questions