What to Expect in Your First Sessions
Step 1
Free Consultation
A brief free consultation to answer your questions and ensure we are a good fit for your healing journey.
Step 2
Intake & Scheduling
We will handle the initial intake paperwork and schedule a time that works best for your first appointment.
Step 3
First Session
A focused time to share your story, establish safety, and set meaningful goals for your therapeutic process.
Step 4
Ongoing Healing
Regular check-ins to monitor your progress and continue working collaboratively toward emotional wholeness.
Billing and Payments
We strive to make the financial aspect of therapy as clear and calm as the sessions themselves. Transparency in billing allows you to focus fully on your healing journey without unexpected surprises.
When You Are Charged
Payment is expected at the completion of each session. This includes any copays, deductibles, or self-pay balances. For telehealth, your card on file will be processed at the time of service.
Billing Questions
If you have questions about a recent charge or your insurance coverage statements, please contact our billing department directly at 701-561-0058. We are happy to review your account with you.
Out-Of-Network Insurance
If your insurance plan is out-of-network, we ask you to pay for services before they occur or to leave a credit card on file. We can provide a billing statement to provide to your insurance company for submission if needed.
No Surprise Act
What is the No Surprises Act?
The purpose of the No Surprises Act is to let you know about your protections from unexpected medical bills if you do not have insurance or are not using insurance. It also asks whether you would like to give up those protections and pay more for out-of-network care.
Right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate"
You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical care will cost.
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Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
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You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
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Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item.
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You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
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If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
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Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
Contact us for the No Surprises Good Faith Estimate, Consent and Notice
* Please note that out-of-pocket costs are ultimately determined by your individual insurance plan. We encourage all clients to call the number on the back of their insurance card for benefit verification.
Payment Methods
We accept all major credit cards, as well as Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards. We recommend checking with your provider to ensure therapy is a covered expense.
Private Pay
If you do not have insurance, we do accept private pay for therapy and psychological evaluations. When paying out of pocket, we require you to have a credit care on file, pay before the appontment or establish a payment plan in advance.
In-Network Insurance
If we are in-network with your insurance, you won't be billed until after we've submitted a claim to your insurance company. You are responsible for any co-pays & deductibles for your plan.
New Client Questions
How long do therapy sessions usually last?
Standard individual sessions typically last between 50 and 55 minutes. This timeframe allow us to dive deep into your goals while leaving space for a gentle wrap-up and scheduling.
Will my faith be included in our sessions?
Yes, if you wish, although we meet you where you are at. We offer a faith-integrated approach where spiritual values and clinical expertise meet. You decide the level of integration that feels right for your healing journey. We respect wherever you are at in your journey, whether that includes a faith perspective or not.Â
How is the pace of therapy determined?
Your safety is our priority. We move at a pace that ensures you feel grounded and supported. We focus on building coping skills and stability before processing deeper traumatic memories.
Do you provide online or in-person therapy?
We provide both options to best fit your lifestyle. You can meet with us in our warm, calm Fargo office or through our secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform from the comfort of your home.
What if I feel nervous or unsure about starting?
It is completely normal to feel apprehensive. Our first session is low-pressure; it's simply a time for us to get to know each other and see if we are a good fit for your healing.
Logistics & Forms
- Standard sessions last 50 minutes
- Initial intake assessment (90 minutes)
- Basic fee range shared after consultation
- Major credit cards and HSA/FSA accepted
- Portal access for secure digital forms
- Policies shared prior to first session
Insurances Accepted
- BCBSND
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- NextBlue
- Tricare
- Sanford Health
- United Healthcare
- Medica
- Federal BCBS
- Health Partners
- UMR
- VA CCN
- Optum
Fees & Insurances
We believe in financial transparency to ensure you feel secure and informed before your first session begins.
Please call us at 701-561-0558 with any questions about your coverage or out-of-pocket costs.
Session Fees
- 55-minute therapy session        $300
- 90-minute inital intake session    $325
- Late cancellation under 24 hours  $100
- No show fee                         $100​
Please be aware that you are reserving a time for therapy and that no shows or late cancellations often prevent us from filling that slot. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this policy. It helps to maintain continuity of services and quality for you. In case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, we may waive fees on a case by case basis. Â
Payment is expected at the completion of each session. This includes any copays, deductibles, coinsurances or self-pay balances. Outstanding balances over 90 days may be turned over to collections. Self-paying clients have the right to recive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges.
Client Responsibility
Insurance companies determine reimbursement rates for therapy services. Although LifeWise Therapy will make every effort to help you understand what your insurance may cover, it is ultimately your responsibility as the policyholder to contact your insurance company directly regarding any copays, deductibles, coinsurance, prior authorizations, covered services and allowances. Any balance not covered by insurance remains the client responsibility.
