FAQs
Do you take insurance?
No, we do not accept insurance. Mental Health Care Multiplier is a private-pay mental health practice. This allows us to offer evidence-based therapy, flexible treatment plans, and group therapy programs that are often not covered by insurance. We can provide documentation for clients who wish to seek out-of-network reimbursement from their insurance provider.
What does it mean that you offer a sliding-scale?
We believe cost should not be a barrier to receiving effective mental health care. Our goal is to balance
affordability, sustainability, and clinical quality. Fees are adjusted based on financial circumstances, with the goal of making care accessible while sustaining the practice. Fees are based on the number of people in your household and your total household income (from all household members).Sliding-scale spots are limited and prioritized for those with the greatest financial need. If cost is a concern, we encourage you to ask about current availability.
What are your fees?
Our fees are based on the number of people in your household and your total household income. As a new practice, we are experimenting with the following fees and they may change, if different fees are needed to sustain the practice.
- Group therapy fees: range from $10 (for household income less than $50,000) to $45 (for household income more than $150,000) per 60-minute session.
- Therapeutic assessment fees: range from $128 (for household income less than $50,000) to $412 (for household income more than $150,000) for a 90-minute assessment.
- Individual therapy fees: range from $85 (for household income less than $50,000) to $275 (for household income more than $150,000) per 45 to 50-minute session.
How are fees handled?
Fees are discussed in advance and collected according to the agreed-upon rate.
- Payment is due at the time of service
- We accept debit or credit card payments through our online portal
- We do not bill insurance directly
Clear communication about fees is part of our commitment to transparency.
Services
What services does the Mental Health Care Multiplier offer?
We offer a range of services, including individual assessment, individual therapy, and group therapy. You can learn more about current services here.
We are a growing practice, so keep an eye out for updates about guided self-help workshops, supervision and consultation groups, and community partnerships.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. Medication management is not currently offered through this practice. If medication may be helpful, we can coordinate with an external psychiatrist or prescribing provider.
How do I get started?
There are several ways to get started with Mental Health Care Multiplier, but all begin by contacting us. Our work is assessment-informed. This allows us to understand your goals, current supports, and clinical needs so we can recommend the most appropriate level of care.
If you are an existing patient of Dr. Athey: Current patients may begin group therapy or individual therapy as previously discussed with Dr. Athey, without completing a new assessment.
If you currently receive therapy or psychiatric care elsewhere: You will be asked to complete a brief pre-screener and sign a release of information so Dr. Athey can coordinate with your existing provider. In many cases, you can begin group or individual services without an additional assessment.
If you are new to treatment or not currently receiving care elsewhere: New patients complete an individual assessment before starting treatment. This assessment helps ensure that recommended services—such as group therapy, individual therapy, or referral elsewhere—are appropriate, safe, and evidence-based. Our goal is to help you access the right care, not just the next available opening.
Why does the practice focus on group therapy?
Mental Health Care Multiplier specializes in evidence-based group therapy. Research shows that group therapy can be as effective as individual therapy for many conditions while offering additional benefits, including connection and skill practice.
Group therapy allows us to:
- Serve more people without lowering quality
- Reduce isolation and increase peer support
- Provide structured, skills-based treatment
- Expand access to effective mental health care
What is group therapy like?
Our online group therapy programs are clinician-led, structured, and grounded in evidence-based approaches. Groups include between 8 and 12 people. These are not drop-in support groups.
Groups may include:
- Skills training
- Guided discussion
- Psychoeducation
- Goal-setting and reflection
Many clients find group therapy practical, supportive, and empowering.
Is therapy virtual or in person?
All services are currently offered as virtual therapy (telehealth) using secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms. Virtual care improves access, flexibility, and continuity while maintaining clinical quality.
What technology do I need for virtual therapy?
You will need:
- A stable internet connection
- A private, quiet space
- A device with a camera and microphone
All services are delivered through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms.
What is measurement-based care?
Measurement-based care means we regularly use brief, validated questionnaires to track symptoms and progress over time. This helps ensure therapy is effective, responsive, and aligned with your goals. Measures are used collaboratively and are an integral part of evidence-based mental health treatment.
Who provides care?
Care is provided by licensed clinicians and supervised trainees. The practice is founded and led by Dr. Alison Athey, a licensed clinical psychologist and mental health researcher with extensive experience in evidence-based treatment and mental health systems.
What if the practice isn’t a good fit for me?
Our goal is to help people access the right care, even if that care is not with us. If we determine that our services are not the best fit, we will provide referrals or recommendations whenever possible.
Practice Policies
Patients must be located in Maryland or Virginia during sessions.
Dr. Athey is licensed in both Maryland and Virginia. Patients must be located in these states during sessions to comply with licensure laws.
Patients must cancel or reschedule sessions 48-hours in advance.
Because groups and assessment appointments require advance planning, we ask for at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
- Late cancellations or missed appointments may be charged the full session fee
- Group sessions cannot be rescheduled individually
- Exceptions may be made for emergencies at the clinician’s discretion
These policies help ensure fairness and sustainability for both clients and clinicians.
Group members must respect the privacy of others.
Confidentiality is taken seriously and reviewed at the start of every group.
- Group members agree to respect one another’s privacy by not repeating information about other group members
- Group members may not record sessions
- Group members who violate these policies will not be allowed to attend future groups
Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in a group setting, but we will review these guidelines with all group members to support safety and trust.
Providers must comply with all state laws and ethical guidelines.
Our providers are committed to following all state licensure laws and ethical guidelines maintained by our professional organizations. Contact Dr. Athey if you have any concerns about violations of these guidelines.
Providers must maintain confidentiality - with some important exceptions.
All clinicians at Mental Health Care Multiplier are required to protect your privacy under professional ethics and applicable laws. Information shared in therapy and assessment is treated as confidential and stored securely in compliance with HIPAA and professional standards. Your information is only accessed by clinicians involved in your care and is not shared without your permission, except in specific circumstances outlined below. Information may be shared without your consent if:
- There is imminent risk of harm to you or another person
- There is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, dependent adult, or elder
- A court order or subpoena requires disclosure
- Disclosure is necessary to coordinate emergency care
When possible, we aim to discuss any required disclosure with you in advance.