Fees
​
Cherese M. Alcorn, MSW, LCSW provides treatment to adults only at this time. She out of network for all insurance providers. Cherese offers both in person and virtual psychotherapy treatment options. All sessions are 45min-60min (sessions longer than 45 min are based on clinical necessity only). Please schedule a free online consultation for a personalized price estimate.
​
Payment Methods
Payment is required at the beginning of each session. Primary methods of acceptable payments include cash, check, and money order. Please mail payments to 7750 Clayton Rd Ste 107 St. Louis, MO 63117. Secondary acceptable methods of payment include: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, PayPal, Stripe, Square and Visa. A credit care convenience fee of four percent is added to secondary methods of payment. Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments are also accepted.
Tips for Saving Money​​
-
Your out-of-pocket medical expenses can be reduced by using a HSA or FSA.
-
You may consider claiming your treatment expense as a medical tax deduction. It is recommended to discuss this option with your accountant and or financial advisor.
​​
Reasons I no Longer Accept Commercial Insurance
I value HUMAN CARE, not diagnosing patients.
-
Justification of illness is required for payment upon the very first appointment. An assumption of illness on the part of the patient means Insurers decide if, when, where and how long patients can receive treatment.
-
With the increasing utilization of algorithms and artificial intelligence, diagnostic labels can create and perpetuate stereotypes.
​
I value PATIENT PRIVACY.
-
Insurers can request to see patient records (including but not limited to diagnoses, progress notes and treatment plans) at any time.
-
Insurers often utilize auditing patient charts as a tactic to delay or deny reimbursement
​
I value WELL BEING for all. Often times practicing social justice requires refusal to participate in systems that willingly disenfranchise all persons within the system.
-
Refusing to accept low reimbursement rates from insurers allows me to carry a smaller case load. This prevents burnout and significantly improves the quality of care you receive.
-
Some insurers do not raise reimbursement rates for therapists every few years to account for the cost of living (inflation). However, premiums, deductibles and co-pays for patients keep increasing at alarming rates. For example, Patient "A" is required to pay a $4,500 deductible before insurer "B" will pay provider "C" a rate well below industry standards ($60 for a 45 minute session).
-
Insurance companies profit billions of dollars each year, but their business practices DO NOT support the well-being of mental health providers or patients who give up their hard-earned income with the expectation that they will receive adequate medical and mental health coverage.
​​
I value providing exceptional and SPECIALIZED CARE.
-
Typically, most employers hire based on acquired skillset and expertise to complete job duties. On the contrary, insurers do not permit MHP network participation based on skill set. Nor to they incentivize MHP financially for their years of experience or acquired expertise.
-
I have intentionally prioritized obtaining graduate education from the top social work university in the country. My Post graduate training has provided me additional training in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and other modalities to treat mood disorders.
​
