Therapist Spotlight: Getting on Panels & Working With Managed Care With Alison Jacob

This Therapist Spotlight is a part of our interview series with experienced Mental Health Practitioners, where therapists share their experiences in Private Practice Therapy.
What was one of the biggest problems you struggled with and ultimately solved in the beginning of your private practice? What solution did you find to your (perhaps persisting) problem?

The biggest problem I found when starting my private practice was getting established on insurance panels and billing. For the panels the only solution was to be persistent, follow through on all of the TEDIOUS forms and requirements. I am Medicare/Medicaid certified which took a long time and a lot of effort, but well worth it in the end. Approach the insurance form requirements with acceptance and patience and it will pay off. Not only does it increase patients access/desire to seek out your services, but it will increase your visability. Start with NPI; TIN and Malpractice Insurance. Can’t do the forms without them.

In regards to the billing question – I am not facile with computer technology so I hired a billing service to file claims and solve any problems that arise. I pay them 7% of my total revenue each month – which seems like a lot (this does not include my private pay clients), but it is so well worth it to me in time and aggravation management. I would not do it any other way. However I have colleagues who do their own and they swear by it. It’s just not for me – I’d rather be enjoying a nice glass of wine or riding my bike.

Also, I keep my out of pocket fee for service very reasonable for those people who do not have insurance. I consider it a service to the community and it encourages positive word of mouth.

What advice would you give to a budding mental health practitioner just getting licensed?

Advertise on Psychology Today – make sure to put your picture on there (wear something nice , don’t wear your sweats). Create a website (I use WIX – it is reasonably priced) – people are reassured by doing research and if you don’t give them a venue to go to where they can find out more about you they will move on.

Try to affiliate with a doctor’s office (general practitioner). I get tons of referrals from two dr’s offices who now trust me. If you don’t have a personal contact in any offices, send a letter of introduction w/ a brochure (a picture helps).

What advice would you have given yourself early in your career?
The one thing I had to learn the hard way was to screen incoming clients carefully. I was used to working in a clinic setting which is a higher level of care. The clinic had security guards, they had a crisis team, etc… In private practice you do not have these safety features. If someone is psychotic or suicidal you are on your own – no crisis team to call on in an emergent situation. Screen carefully.
Do you see any persisting or upcoming problems in the private practice industry. If so, how do you handle them?
If Obamacare goes away it will create access problems for the poor population (egads! new republican senate). LCSW’s are not reimbursed by Medicaid alone clients, which is ridiculous and really limits what is available for indigent folks. It also limits those of us in the profession in private practice who would like to continue working w/ an indigent-underprivileged clientele.
Please let us know about you: where are you located, any specialties, credentials, and educational background. How should someone get in touch with you?
I am located in Schenectady, NY. I am particularly adept at marriage/couples counseling and would consider it a specialty. I am an LCSW, LLC. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Boston Conservatory and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from NYU. You can call (518) 878-3227 or write, ajacob.wellness@yahoo.com.
Thanks!
Alison Jacob, LCSW, LLC
1541 Union St.
Schenectady, NY 12309