Answers.

How does online therapy work?

Research has found that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy but is much more convenient and accessible. These sessions take place online through a secure platform. You can be located anywhere in Nevada and/or Colorado (your state of residence) for the appointment as long as its private and has strong connection to the internet. For each session, you’ll get a link to join. It’s that easy!

You will receive the video appointment link prior to your appointment start time. In order for you to make the most of your session, please ensure you also have the following:

  • A strong, secure internet connection (not public wi-fi)
  • A working, video-capable computer or mobile device
  • A private, comfortable, and distraction-free location
  • Please avoid being in a moving vehicle as the connection will be unreliable.
  • A working telephone nearby in case we encounter any technical difficulties

I am based in Colorado, where I relocated to be near family. I am a licensed psychologist and am licensed to serve those living in Nevada and Colorado.

Telehealth is available throughout Nevada and Colorado which allows us to connect specialty therapy services to children, teens and young adults in both states.

I’m trained in behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapy. This means that I work to understand the function (reason) for many behaviors while working to provide concrete solutions to reduce problematic behaviors. For example, if your child is waking and coming to your room at nighttime, the function may be many reasons (hunger, sickness, seeking comfort). We work together to increase sleep in their own bed while addressing identified barriers. This sounds like a win for everyone! Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) includes discussion on the feelings, thoughts and actions that maintain problem behaviors and is typically an intervention used with teens and young adults.

I commonly say that your child lives with you and not me! So that means I’ll need your input to understand how they are doing and what they need. Typically for young children, parent involvement is essential as I’ll be working with parents on skills to improve their child’s behaviors. For teenagers, we discuss with your child what their needs are and how involved they want their parents. It is my job to respect confidentiality while ensuring safety concerns are appropriately addressed.

I am not trained in psychopharmacology and cannot prescribe medication. If we discuss medication as a treatment, a referral can be provided.

Individual/family sessions are $225-250 and typically last between 45 and 50 minutes. Initial intake appointments last approximately 60-90 minutes and are $350. This is where a thorough interview is conducted to better understand presenting concerns, guide impressions on diagnoses and inform recommendations and referrals. Payments are made through the secure online therapy portal and are due prior to the start of each appointment. All major credit cards are accepted. Our session fee is on par with other psychologists in the community with similar expertise.

**Dr. Merk is now accepting Aetna plans out of Colorado. ** 

Details regarding fees for services for cash pay/Out of Network described below remain applicable. 

Insurance is not accepted for services (outside of Colorado Aetna), so payment is due on the day of the appointment. Many people with PPO insurance plans can receive some reimbursement for services rendered. A “superbill” can be provided for you to submit to your insurance carrier to seek reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and is up to you to pursue.

You may be eligible for partial reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits. Fees are paid in full at the time of service and we can provide you with a detailed invoice (AKA a “superbill”) at the end of each month if you wish to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. To determine if you have mental health coverage, you can call your insurance company and ask them about any out-of-network benefits you may have. We suggest asking the following:

  • Do I have Out-of-Network (OON) coverage?
  • What are my benefits?
  • Do I need a referral or prior authorization to see an OON provider?
  • What is my deductible and what amount has already been met this year?
  • How much will I be reimbursed for each visit? (see CPT codes below)
  • Is there a limit to how many sessions or dollar amount I can be reimbursed for per year?
  • Will telehealth services be reimbursed?
  • What is the process to submit claims for reimbursement?

Services are billed using CPT codes, which are 5-digit codes specific to each service provided. The superbill will contain all of the information your insurance company will need in order to process your reimbursement. Common therapy CPT codes are:

  • 90791 – intake appointment
  • 90832 – individual therapy 25-30 minutes
  • 90834 – individual therapy 45-50 minutes
  • 90837 – individual therapy 55-60 minutes
  • 90847 – family psychotherapy with the client present
  • 90846 – family psychotherapy without the client present
  • Telehealth visits are typically designated by adding “-95” to the above codes

A good faith estimate is required by law for services delivered in our practice.

All patients seeking medical services with an out-of-network provider have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, 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. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.