Good Faith Estimate

Under the No Surprises Act, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for health care services, including psychotherapy services.

Clients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

Clients can ask their health care provider, and any other provider they choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling a service, or at any time during treatment. 

If a client receives a bill that is at least $400 more than the Good Faith Estimate, the client can dispute the bill. It is recommended clients save a copy or picture of their Good Faith Estimate.

While it is not possible for a psychotherapist to know in advance how many psychotherapy sessions may be necessary or appropriate for a given person, the No Surprises Act requires that a Good Faith Estimate be provided to clients.

The total cost of services will depend upon the number of psychotherapy sessions the client attends, client’s individual circumstances, and the type and amount of services that are provided.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises