How do I start seeing a therapist here?

First, visit the Our Team page in order to learn about our providers and determine who may be the best fit for you. This page will also tell you if the provider is accepting new patients right now. You may then either call, email, or use this Contact Form in order to have an initial 10 minute exploratory call with that provider. This call is FREE and is used to determine if you and the provider are a good fit! The provider will then schedule you for the best available appointment that works with your schedule.

What can I expect for my first appointment?

First appointments generally include time for you and your therapist to get to know each other. Your therapist will ask you many questions about your history, current struggles, physical health, and more. You can also hear more about their approach to therapy and ask any questions that you have! For more on what to expect, check out this fantastic guide by Psychology Today!

What insurance do you accept?

Individual/Group Therapy: Our providers are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Blue Care Network, and Health Alliance Plan (HAP) of Michigan. Dr. Sparks is also in-network with Priority Health. We do not accept BCBS plans that have mental health services paid through Beacon Health. We are also not in-network with Blue Cross Complete.

Psychological Evaluation: We are only able to accept BCBS and BCN at this time.

Interns: We sometimes offer the opportunity to see interns, supervised by Dr. Sparks, at highly discounted private pay rates. Our interns are unable to accept insurance.

What are your fees if I don’t use my insurance?

Individual Therapy: $175 for PhD level and $150 for master’s level

Family/Couples Therapy: $175 per session

Psychological Evaluation: Typically we bill $150-$200 per hour depending on the scope and nature of the psychological evaluation. This fee includes intake, review of records, assessment, scoring, report writing, feedback, and one copy of the report sent to you,. The total often ranges from $1700-$2700.

Group Therapy: $50-$70 per session depending on group

Interns: We offer the opportunity to see interns, supervised by Dr. Sparks, on a sliding scale fee that ranges from $35 to $50 per session. Seeing one of our interns is a great option for many clients, as they receive multiple fresh perspectives familiar with the latest treatments. Clients also experience the benefit of a collaborative approach to therapy, ensuring the best care possible.

An income (need-based) sliding scale is offered for individuals who cannot afford typical therapy fees. Contact us for more information.

Why is therapy so expensive?

We understand how difficult it can be to access affordable mental health care. Our pricing currently reflects or is less than the average market value of psychotherapy services (see fairhealthconsumer.org for more information).

Our fees reflect many years of schooling and specialized training in psychotherapy. Therapy, similar to medicine, requires advanced degrees - all therapists have at least a master’s, and many have a PhD. In order to receive a license, therapists must also pay costly fees for trainings, supervision, and opportunities to demonstrate their expertise. Our private pay fees reflect this sunk cost. An excellent article explaining more about fees may be found HERE.

How often should I expect to attend therapy?

Therapy is a commitment to work on and explore many parts of yourself. Research evidence suggests that weekly psychotherapy is most successful for clients. Providers here generally expect that new patients will be seen weekly. On a very limited basis, biweekly therapy may be considered.

What happens if I need to cancel a session?

Clients must cancel their appointment at least 24 hours before their scheduled time. Cancellation less 24 hours will result in a $75 cancellation fee. Cancellation may be done with our automated patient portal or with our administrative assistant, Josie.

Clients who cancel three consecutive times within the 24 hour window may be subject to cancellation of all further appointments and/or possible dismissal from the practice. Late cancellation negatively affects both the therapist and the client, and is not conducive to providing the best treatment for clients.

Can I contact my clinician after hours?

In order to provide the best possible care for all clients, providers cannot be contacted after business hours with the exception of the following:

• You are actively in crisis or considering harming yourself

• Someone you live with is actively in crisis or is considering harming themselves.

In addition to contacting your provider, you must also call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room if either of the above is the case.