Please note that Christopher J Long, LCSW is an out of network provider for all insurance companies.  Payment is due at the time of service.  We can assist you in submitting an out of network claim by providing you with a superbill or record of services to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement which is dependent on your policy.

When you choose to use your insurance, we are required to give you a mental health diagnosis that goes on your medical record.  Diagnosis and assessment will be independent and based on current status, data provided, clinical impression, and standardized diagnostic criteria.  We will discuss this information with you before providing you with a diagnosis. It is important to note that some diagnoses may not be eligible for reimbursement by your insurance or employer, or agent.  This is often the case with marriage/couples/family therapy. 

Insurance companies require the therapist to give you a mental health diagnosis (i.e., depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse) for you to get out of network reimbursement. Having a diagnosis may be helpful for educational or work accommodations or to qualify for disability or assistance.

Psychiatric diagnoses may have negative impact you in the following ways: 

• Denial of insurance when applying for disability or life insurance; 
• Company control of information when claims are processed; 
• Loss of confidentiality due to the increased number of persons handling claims; 
• Loss of employment and/or repercussions of a diagnosis in situations that require revealing that you have a mental health disorder diagnosis. This includes but is not limited to applying for job applications, security clearance, and concealed weapons permits.
• A psychiatric diagnosis can be brought in a court case such as a family law, criminal, etc. 

It is important for you to know some of the ways having a diagnosis can impact you, so you can control your health and medical records.