Good Faith Estimates & the No Surprises Act
/Good Faith Estimates & the No Surprises Act: What Therapy Clients Get
At Downtown Psychological Services, we believe that transparency around the cost of care is an essential part of ethical, client-centered therapy. If you’re starting therapy—or considering it—you may have heard about Good Faith Estimates and the No Surprises Act.
These protections are designed to help you understand and plan for the cost of your care, especially if you’re paying out of pocket or using out-of-network benefits.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the No Surprises Act?
The No Surprises Act is a federal law that went into effect in 2022 to protect patients from unexpected medical bills.
While it’s often discussed in the context of emergency care, it also applies to mental health services, including therapy.
For therapy clients, this law ensures that:
You have the right to receive clear information about the cost of care
You won’t be charged significantly more than expected without notice
You can dispute certain unexpected charges
What Is a Good Faith Estimate?
A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlines the expected cost of your therapy services.
If you are uninsured or choosing not to use insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate before starting treatment.
At Downtown Psychological Services, this estimate typically includes:
The cost per session The frequency of sessions (when known) Any additional related fees
This allows you to make informed decisions about your care from the very beginning.
Why Good Faith Estimates Matter for Therapy
Therapy is often an ongoing process rather than a one-time service. That can make cost feel uncertain at first.
A Good Faith Estimate helps by:
Providing clarity and predictability around fees
Supporting financial planning for ongoing care
Reducing anxiety about unexpected costs
Creating a transparent foundation for the therapeutic relationship
At the same time, therapy is individualized—your needs, goals, and pace of progress will shape how long you stay in treatment. Estimates are just that: estimates, not contracts.
What If Costs Change?
Sometimes, the course of therapy evolves. You may decide to:
Increase or decrease session frequency
Continue longer than initially expected
Add additional services
If your care plan changes in a way that affects cost, we will communicate this with you openly.
Under the No Surprises Act:
If your bill is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you may have the right to dispute the charges
This process is designed to protect you while still allowing flexibility in care.
Who Receives a Good Faith Estimate?
You are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate if you:
Do not have insurance
Choose not to use your insurance
Are paying out of pocket for therapy
Even if you plan to use out-of-network benefits, you may still request an estimate to better understand your financial responsibility.
How Downtown Psychological Services Supports Transparency
At Downtown Psychological Services, we aim to make the financial side of therapy as clear and straightforward as possible. We provide:
Clear session fees before starting care
Superbills for out-of-network reimbursement
Guidance on using HSA/FSA benefits
Open conversations about treatment planning and cost
We believe that when clients understand both the clinical and financial aspects of therapy, they are better able to engage fully in the work.
Starting Therapy with Confidence
Beginning therapy is a meaningful step, and financial clarity can make that step feel more grounded and accessible.
The No Surprises Act and Good Faith Estimates are part of a broader shift toward greater transparency in healthcare, including mental health care.
If you have questions about therapy costs, insurance, or your rights as a client, our team is here to help. Contact Downtown Psychological Services to schedule a 10-15 minute consultation call with a member of our intake team for more information. We’re here to support you in making informed, empowered decisions about your care.
