[email protected] | 760-891-2333
Dr. Teri Mental Health Therapy, Inc. is a private-pay mental health practice committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care tailored to meet your individual needs. As a solo practitioner, Dr. Teri offers 50-minute sessions at a rate of $165. This fee reflects not only the session itself but also the time dedicated to planning, research, and thoughtful preparation for your care.
In alignment with a strong commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards, Dr. Teri does not participate in private insurance networks. This approach helps preserve your privacy and allows for a more flexible, client-centered therapeutic experience, free from third-party constraints. While the practice is out-of-network for all insurance providers, documentation (a superbill) can be provided upon request for potential reimbursement through your insurance plan’s out-of-network benefits.
A limited number of sliding scale slots may be available, based on financial need and current availability.
As a Telehealth provider, the rate reflects a built-in discounted cost for TeleTalk/Telehealth sessions.
Out-of-Network Insurance
Services may be fully or partially reimbursable through your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Upon request, I can provide a Superbill—a detailed receipt—which you may submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
To better understand your coverage, consider contacting your insurance company and asking the following questions:
Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
What are my out-of-network benefits for mental health care?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Intrusion Into the Therapy Process
Psychotherapy works best when all communications remain between the therapist and the client. This arrangement ensures a secure environment where problems can be fully explored.
Managed care is the name that has been given to insurance carriers or companies that try to contain costs by withholding some care. These companies have gotten in the middle of psychotherapy treatment. To decide who needs care and how much of it they need, managed care companies have appointed gatekeepers and reviewers to help with decisions about the therapy.
Many psychotherapists believe that the gatekeeping and review functions interfere with the basic premise of a safe, confidential environment that is fundamental to the psychotherapy process. Some have argued that the gatekeeping function is damaging to the healing process itself. Many mental health professionals are concerned that cost containment is receiving a higher priority than mental wellness.
Some insurance and managed care companies, for example, encourage almost everyone to use an ultra-brief therapy that lasts only a few sessions. Unfortunately, there has been no research that shows this kind of treatment to be effective. It is clear that there is no single approach that is good for everyone or for every problem or goal.
"With self -compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we’d give to a good friend."
- Kristin Neff
Psychotherapy
A Long-Term Investment in Yourself
As you weigh the cost of psychotherapy, it is important to consider the unreached life goals you have as they relate to your work, your relationships, or the day-to-day quality of your life.
Because psychotherapy can help you make choices that will affect your entire future, it might be thought of as an investment in yourself—an investment on par with education or other forms of self-development.
The positive effects of psychotherapy last a lifetime. Only you can decide whether the potential gains will compensate for your investment in money and time.
Mental health is not just the absence of symptoms. It is full, flexible, and creative human functioning.
Confidentiality
Is It Worth It to Use Insurance?
For you to get health insurance benefits, the therapist or clinician is required to make a formal diagnosis. This diagnosis becomes part of your permanent record, and it can be accessed by other insurance or managed care companies or even by others who might be interested.
In addition, insurance companies sometimes request detailed records and notes, presumably to ensure that treatment procedures are correct. Once again, these private materials are potentially available to others.
If you are considering using your insurance for psychotherapy, it might be useful to ask your insurance carrier or human resources department to clarify policies regarding managed care coverage for psychotherapy, treatment reviews, accessibility of information, and clarification on how confidentiality is preserved.
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. 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 expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. 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.
Testimonials
I've Overcome so Much
I was blessed to have Dr. Teri as my therapist for two years during one of the most difficult times of my life - a divorce. Dr. Teri helped me navigate through all of past traumas and emotional tiggers. I was able to overcome so many hurdles and obstacles, so that I could be the man and father that I was as always meant to be. Dr. Teri is truly a talented, gifted and wonderful therapist. I would recommend her to anyone.
-O
Dr. Teri Cares
“Working with Dr. Teri has been a cornerstone of my personal growth. She genuinely cares, is a consummate professional, and made it easy for me to build trust and fully embrace the therapeutic process.”
-Tim
I am contracted with the Veteran’s Administration in the Community Care Network. If you are a veteran, I can help you connect with the VA to obtain an authorization for mental health therapy.
Let's Connect
If you're ready to take the next step, I invite you to reach out for a free video or phone consultation.
Whether you're looking for short-term support or a longer therapeutic relationship, we’ll create a
plan tailored to your goals.
Serving clients in San Diego North Co & online across California and Texas
Phone: 760-891-2333 Email: [email protected]
Contact Dr. Teri using a secure form (via Hushmail).
If you are having an emergency, please CALL 988.
Visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
to access the 988 Lifeline through text or chat.
If you need non-emergency assistance, in San Diego County, contact
the non-crisis WARMLINE: 619-295-1055. 7 days/wk, 3:30-11pm (except major holidays).
Teri Davis, Ed.D., LCSW #86976
Doctorate in Education, Masters in Social Work
No Surprises Act - You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of what your services may cost.
Copyright 2025. Dr. Teri Psychotherapy. All Rights Reserved.