6223 Florida Highway 87, Milton, Florida 32570, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
This section describes frequently asked questions that a person may have Starting psychotherapy
The initial phone consultation is designed to determine if we can meet your needs and if my approach is a good fit for you. While I have extensive clinical experience, my treatment is specialized for a specific group of individuals. If it turns out that I am not the right fit for your needs, I am likely able to refer you to someone who can provide the appropriate support
I am available exclusively through a secure and easy-to-use telehealth link, accessible via your phone, iPad, or computer. It’s a simple process, and I am here to guide you through it step by step
A typical therapy session lasts for 50 minutes, although some sessions may be longer or shorter depending on your needs and preferences.
As your therapist, I am here to support you through various challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, and more. Our best fit is someone who is ready to make a change and take an active role in their healing journey. If you are open to exploring new perspectives and taking responsibility for your growth, I am here to guide and support you every step of the way
I offer therapy sessions Monday through Friday, with some availability on weekends. Please contact me to schedule an appointment. My calendar with availability can be accessed by following: https://calendly.com/drpaulamaness
Although I understand that finances can be tight, it is my expectation that all sessions are paid for on the day they occur. To facilitate this, I require clients to keep an active and valid credit card on file. I recognize that unexpected circumstances may arise, and I encourage you to reach out to me immediately so we can work together to find a supportive solution.
I provide a variety of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as Christian and mindfulness-based approaches
All information shared in therapy sessions is confidential and will not be disclosed without your explicit consent, with the exception of the supervisory relationship. However, there are exceptions to this privacy policy. I strongly encourage you to read the Privacy Practices section available in the footer of every page on the website, which explains what information may be disclosed and under what circumstances. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to talk to me
This practice utilizes an AI application called Blueprint to assist with documentation, ensuring that the therapist remains fully engaged and present during sessions. The application records and summarizes the information but deletes all data afterward, maintaining HIPAA compliance and security
Session costs vary depending on the type of service and whether you use insurance. Dr. Maness does have a few reduced-fee openings available.
Fees For Dr. Maness
- Initial assessment or extended session – $250.00 an hour
- Psychotherapy – $200.00 per session
- Missed appointment/late cancellation – $95.00 per occurrence
**Other services that require more than 15 minutes are billed directly to you at the rate of $200.00 per hour.
Until April 30, 2025 I accept the following insurances for California and Florida.
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- Blue Shield of California
- Carelon Behavioral Health
- Cigna (2)
- Kaiser Permanente of Northern CA
- Kaiser Permanente of Northern CA Medicare Advantage
- Magellan
- Oscar Health
- Oxford
- United Healthcare
- United Healthcare Medicare Advantage
All insurance sessions are conducted via headway . You may access my headway schedule and review documentation needs at the following site : https://headway.co/providers/paula-maness?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=73811
Insurance companies often fall short of providing equal access to mental and physical health care, despite federal laws requiring them to do so. Many therapists report delays, coverage restrictions, and treatment denials that disproportionately impact clients with mental health conditions.
Reimbursement Rates are also notoriously LOW, often significantly less than what insurers pay other medical providers, forcing therapists to reduce sessions EVEN when it may not be appropriate. These issues have led many therapists to leave insurance networks.
For more information, you can follow this link to NPR's detailed coverage: NPR: Insurance and Mental Health Coverage.
We understand that life can sometimes disrupt plans! Our policy requires a 24-hour notice for cancellations. If you notify us at least 24 hours before your appointment, we will be happy to reschedule or cancel as needed. However, please note that if we do not receive notice within 24 hours, our strict no-show policy applies, and you will be charged a fee of $95 for the missed session.
The first session will focus on gathering detailed information about how I can best assist you. We will review assessment results and your history to create a comprehensive understanding and form an accurate narrative to guide our work together
You don't have to share everything with me—some details, like your favorite bath tissue or laundry soap, are not necessary! That said, it's important to answer my questions honestly, as it helps me to best assist you. My role is to support you, and I need the right information to do so effectively.
In both California and Florida, only medical doctors are authorized to prescribe medication. If we determine that medication may be beneficial, I am happy to refer you to a qualified professional who can provide the appropriate prescription support.
You are welcome to ask any personal questions you'd like; however, I may choose not to answer. It's not because my life is a secret, but because therapy is about you, not me. The more we focus on your goals and progress, the faster we can work together to help you get where you want to go.
- Out-of-network billing occurs when a patient receives services from a healthcare provider who is not within their insurance plan’s network. This indicates that the provider and the insurance company have not established an agreed-upon rate for the service
- Out-of-network billing happens when a patient is billed for the difference between what their insurance plan covers and the full amount charged by a provider who is not within their network. This can occur when a patient seeks care from a doctor or facility that is not contracted with their health plan
- We will provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company, allowing you to seek reimbursement for your payment
- A superbill is a detailed invoice used in medical billing, outlining the services a healthcare provider has given to a patient, along with their costs. It is commonly used for healthcare services that may be reimbursed by insurance companies.
It is of utmost importance for you to know that professional therapy never includes any form of sexual activity. If this is something you have experienced, it’s crucial that we discuss it to ensure your safety and well-being.
While clients often develop a close bond with their therapist, it's important to recognize that, despite some similarities, the therapeutic relationship is not the same as a friendship. Friendship is a two-sided process that involves building mutual trust and give-and-take. In therapy, however, the focus remains entirely on your needs and goals. We understand this distinction can sometimes create confusing feelings, and we are here to discuss them with you. The role of the therapist is to be an impartial, caring listener, fully dedicated to helping you work through your challenges.
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Do you Have More Questions?
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.
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