Frequently Asked Questions 

We believe that everyone can benefit from therapy. Therapy provides a space to freely explore, share, vent, express, emote, and so much more. Therapy is a space that is all about you. You can collaborate with your therapist to examine aspects of your life that might have been overlooked or unaddressed. It is common for people to have networks for support yet feel unable to fully share all aspects of themselves. Therapy can be that space. 

A typical course of therapy varies. While in therapy, life events beyond what you initially came in for could arise, causing you to choose to extend your care. The decision to terminate therapy is ultimately a collaborative choice between you and your therapist.

We absolutely do! Therapy and our practice is for all people. However, we recognize the utility of creating space for underserved communities and people seeking providers who understand their sociocultural experience. For that reason, we have set forth to make ourselves available to them, even though we are here for everyone.  

Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health services (billing code 90834 or 90837)? If so, what is the usual customary and reasonable rate (UCR)?

• The UCR is the maximum amount your insurance company has determined they will pay for out-of-network providers. For example, the cost of the session may be $175; however, your provider determines that they will cover $125 of that amount, leaving you to pay the balance.

Do I have a deductible for out-of-network benefits? If so, how much is it?

• Your deductible is the amount your insurance company expects you to pay before they cover any costs.

What percentage of the session will they cover?

• Your insurance company may cover a certain percentage of the cost. For example, if they cover 60%, they would pay 60% of the UCR.

The cost of “keeping the lights on” is quite high for a mental health practice operating in New York City. At Ujima, we are committed to providing quality care where clients feel supported and cared for, and therapists don’t feel overworked from seeing more clients than is reasonable. Ensuring that all people connected to Ujima, both clients and therapists, are nurtured, eager to collaborate, and able to put forth their best effort is central to our values and practice. This is achieved when providers are adequately compensated with manageable caseloads. 

We often think of therapy as involving two people—the client and the therapist. The reality is when working with insurance companies, there are three “people” involved—the client, the therapist, and the insurance provider. Unfortunately, there isn’t an equal distribution of power in that interaction. Ujima does not accept more insurance providers because in not doing so, you and your provider are the only people involved in your care and thus able to dictate how long it lasts, the focus of your work, and when to initiate and discontinue. This might not sound important, but it is when positive and productive work is interrupted by the involvement of a third party.
 
We certainly understand that insurance can be great. In many cases, they cover all or some portion of care. However, when it comes to mental health care, it is not uncommon for their values to be misaligned with the values of this practice. For instance, an insurance company has the right to deny coverage if they do not believe a member (you) has a “condition” or diagnosis that warrants the service being sought. Therefore, by not accepting insurance, Ujima can center the therapeutic relationship and reduce extraneous variables that may hinder the mission of the practice from being fulfilled.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is in imminent danger to themselves or someone else, please call 911 immediately.
 
National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)- 800-273-TALK (8255)

Suicide and crisis lifeline - dial 988