How fees work
Cobalt bills some insurance plans and holds a limited number of reduced-fee spots. This is how paying works, in the order most people ask.
Insurance we work with
Cobalt bills some commercial plans directly, and which plans depends on the clinician. Your plan decides what it pays. We don't bill Medicare or Medicaid.
Some PPO and employer plans, by clinician
Medicare and Medicaid: not billed
If you pay yourself
You pay for each session by card, including HSA and FSA cards. Your clinician gives you the fee in writing before you start. A limited number of reduced-fee spots are open at any time; ask when you reach out, and we will tell you whether one is open and how the fee is set. A session cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice is charged the session fee.
Receipts for reimbursement
At the end of each month you get an itemized receipt, called a superbill, to send to your plan, which may reimburse part of a session if it has out-of-network benefits. It carries a diagnosis code, which your insurer sees. Your plan decides what, if anything, it reimburses.
An estimate in advance
If you pay without insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of what care will cost before you start, and we give you one in writing in advance. If a bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it. The estimate is not a contract.
Checking your benefits
We check your plan's mental health benefits with you before your first session. You can also call the number on your insurance card and ask:
Do you cover outpatient mental health visits with this clinician?
Is there a deductible, and how much of it is met?
What share of the fee do you cover?
Reduced-fee spots
For working adults whose plan doesn't cover therapy, or whose deductible is out of reach.
Who it is for
Adults who work, pay for care themselves, and need a lower fee to keep coming. Couples and family sessions can use a spot too.
How the fee is set
Your clinician sets a reduced fee with you, based on your household income and the number of people in it, and gives it to you in writing before your first session.
When spots are full
We keep a short list and tell you plainly how long the wait is. If it is too long, we help you find another low-cost option.
Questions about paying?
Send a message and we will answer before you book.