FAQ

Are you offering therapy in-person and remotely?
Yes, I am offering therapy both in-person and via telehealth (video or phone). I have found that all of these formats work well for individual therapy and clinical consultation. Let me know if you would like to discuss these options.

Do you accept health insurance?
I do not participate with insurance, so I am considered an out-of-network provider. If you have out-of-network benefits, and would like to submit claims to your insurance, I can provide receipts (“superbills”) for you. If you’re unsure about your benefits, call your insurance company and ask questions such as the following:

• Does my plan include out-of-network behavioral health benefits?
• If so, is there a deductible that must be met before I receive reimbursement?
• What is the “allowable rate” for psychotherapy with a doctoral-level psychologist? Do the rates differ for in-person and telehealth appointments?
• What percentage of the allowable rate will be reimbursed?
• Is there a limit on the number of sessions I can attend in a given period using out-of-network benefits?
• What is the process for submitting out-of-network receipts?

How does payment work?
I accept cash, checks, and credit/debit cards as well as Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account cards. I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant payment system.

If my finances are limited, are there other ways to get support?
Everyone deserves access to high quality mental health care. I have a limited number of reduced-fee appointments available, but if those are full, I recommend the Open Path Collective. In Pennsylvania specifically, you might contact the Human Services Center, or these therapy resources in the Philadelphia region.

How often would we meet? How long would we work together?
In my practice, I have found that therapy is most effective in creating lasting change when we meet regularly, so I ask for a commitment of one 50-55 minute session per week. People usually participate in therapy until they feel ready to conclude, and we will discuss your plans periodically as therapy evolves. While I specialize in long-term, depth-oriented therapy, I also enjoy helping people navigate short-term or time-limited concerns.

I have never tried therapy before; what should I expect?
You are welcome to contact me with questions about starting therapy. If I have an opening in my practice, we’ll schedule a phone consultation (20-30 minutes, free of charge) so that we can get acquainted. If we decide to schedule a first session, I will send you some paperwork, and we will meet for a therapy appointment (typically 60 minutes). At the end of our session, we will identify next steps, which may involve continuing to meet together. If not, I will be glad to recommend other therapists or resources; my goal is always to help you find a therapist who is a good fit.

How do you protect your patients’ privacy?
My practice takes significant measures to safeguard your privacy and confidentiality:
Using technology thoughtfully: My communication systems including email, phone, video (telehealth), and payment platforms use end-to-end encryption, and all are HIPAA-compliant. Therapy sessions are never recorded or transcribed. My practice does not utilize A.I. (artificial intelligence) for documentation or any other purpose.
Storing records safely: Patient charts are kept on paper, rather than in cloud-based or online storage.
Protecting your payment information: Some patients prefer to pay with cash, as it is the most private option, or to write checks. When people use credit/debit, or FSA/HSA cards, those are processed through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.
Keeping your information secure: I do not accept insurance, and I do not share patient information with insurance companies or other third parties such as employers. Session notes/records are written carefully and with discretion to include only the minimum necessary information.

How do I get started?
You can call me at (215) 839-3151, email me at sarah@drsarahscheckter.com, or send me a message. I welcome your questions and look forward to hearing from you.

10 East Athens Avenue, Suite 202, Ardmore, PA 19003
Phone: (215) 839-3151 | Email: sarah@drsarahscheckter.com