FAQ

Dr. Burns works with an interpretation and translation service for patients who do not speak English. An additional fee is applied for interpretation services.

We do not offer sliding scales or discounts for therapy. However, we do offer reduced fee slots for diagnostic evaluations at different times throughout the year. If you are interested in a reduced fee slot, please email [email protected]. 

We also accept Aetna and Optum through Alma for all Texas and California residents. To see if you qualify for services please go to Alma.

There are several benefits to doing private pay rather than using insurance:

Flexibility: Private pay allows you to choose the provider that you feel is the best fit for your needs, rather than being limited to providers who accept your insurance.

Confidentiality: Because private pay is not tied to insurance, there is generally little to no documentation of your diagnosis and treatment that needs to be sent to a third party. This can be especially important for those who want to keep their mental health treatment private.

Customization: Private pay allows for a more customized treatment approach, as the provider is not limited by insurance coverage and can recommend the treatment plan that they feel is best for the individual.

Quicker access to care: Because private pay is not subject to insurance pre-approvals or other delays, you may be able to access care more quickly than you would through insurance.

Greater control over treatment: When you use private pay, you have greater control over the treatment process and can make decisions about your care based on what you feel is best for you, rather than being constrained by insurance coverage.

While our fees can seem expensive, please think of the cost as an investment into your mental health and well-being. Diagnostic reports can be shared with mental health and behavioral agencies, schools, doctors’ offices, and more to provide you or your child accommodations, interventions, and overall supportive services. 

With that being said, we understand that not everyone can afford our fees. We recommend you give us a call so we can try to figure out a payment plan that works for you. At BVPS, we strive to be flexible and understanding to meet individuals and families where they are without creating undue hardship.

We accept check, debit/credit card, and FSA/HSA cards.

We understand that some individuals and families need extra support through supplemental services. At Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions, we offer the following supplemental services if deemed appropriate:

• Filling out paperwork needed for work accommodations (e.g., FMLA paperwork)
• Virtually attending Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings
• Writing support letters to agencies (e.g., regional centers, military, other healthcare providers, schools)

Service fees are billed by the 1/4 of the hour (15 minutes) depending on the hourly rate of the clinician completing the service. If you are interested in a supplemental service, please email your clinician directly, call 916-237-7488, or email [email protected]. 

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” (or GFE) explaining how much your psychological and diagnostic care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for services.

You have the right to receive a GFE for the total expected cost of any services. This includes related costs for therapy and diagnostic evaluations.

Make sure your health care provider gives you a GFE in writing at least 1 business day before your appointment. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a GFE before you schedule a service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your GFE, you can dispute the bill.

Make sure to save a copy or picture of your GFE. For questions or more information about your right to a GFE, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.