FAQ

Below are some of our most frequently asked questions and answers. If you don’t see your question, please contact us here.

Do you accept insurance?

We are not contracted with insurance. It is in our core values to provide individualized, collaborative, evidence-based, and comprehensive therapeutic care. The current state of our managed health care system does not align with the quality and type of service we strive to provide.

The Eating Disorder Institute offers a range of fees for services provided by trainees. All trainees are in advance graduate training programs, highly trained, and closely supervised. Dr. Ricciardi meets with all supervisees a minimum of 2 hours each week to review each case, presenting concerns and treatment plans. This model supports the training of future eating disorder therapists, while also providing more financial options for patients seeking help. Prices will range from $100-$250 per therapy visit, depending on the level of training of the provider.

As an out-of-network provider, we can provide you with a superbill/monthly statement that you may be able to submit to your insurance for some reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits. Unless some type of prior arrangement has been made, payments are expected in full at the time of service. Sessions are typically 55 minutes in length. Methods of payment accepted are cash, check, and major debt/credit cards. Cancellations require 24 business hours advance notice to avoid being billed for the full price of the session.

What is it like to be in therapy?

The experience of psychological therapy varies greatly depending on numerous factors such as the theoretical orientation, personality, education, training and individual style of the therapist. It also depends on the personality, insight, readiness, and willingness to change on the part of the client. Also important is the therapeutic relationship, or fit, between client and therapist.

The types of therapy that we utilize tend to be present-focused, solution focused, directive, and collaborative. While therapy can be a place to talk and get support, you and your therapist will develop a working treatment plan with specific, achievable behavioral goals while learning and practicing new skills. Professional boundaries are essential to the therapeutic relationship and these boundaries will be discussed and maintained within a supportive, comfortable, and respectful environment.

What does it mean to work with an advanced practicum student?

Advanced practicum students have typically completed a-5 years of the UNLV clinical psychology Ph.D. program or counseling program, have completed their Master’s Degree, and have at minimum one prior year of direct clinical service experience.

They participate in 2 hours of weekly individual and group supervision where all cases are reviewed thoroughly with Dr. Ricciardi. Additionally, each trainee has sessions that are video recorded and reviewed.

How long will I be in therapy?

Most evidence based treatment approaches for eating disorder are designed to be 12-24 weeks minimum. That said, many people report relief and symptom improvement in the first several sessions.

Additionally, many patients are presenting with complex and chronic histories and such cases may take longer to meet all treatment goals. As symptoms improve, we will taper down sessions, moving from weekly sessions, to every other week, to monthly, etc. Then we may have booster sessions every so often to check in and support maintenance of recovery gains. Typically when you have accomplished the goals you set out to accomplish in therapy, we are nearing termination.

What is the minimum age requirement?

We specialize in treating eating disorders and related concerns in adolescents and adults. To participate in individual therapy or nutrition counseling at the EDI, we ask that your child be at least 13 years old. If you have a child under 13 and are having difficulty finding eating disorder treatment, please reach out to us as we may be able to make an exception. We will consider requests to treat children younger than 13 on a case-by-case basis.

How do I submit a claim to my insurance with a superbill?
First, what is a superbill? A superbill is an itemized bill summarizing all the services you received from us that may include a diagnosis and procedures codes that insurances use to reimburse you for the services you paid for. It is determined by the insurance company how much they will reimburse you for. 
 
Contact your insurance company for the best way to submit the superbill and file a claim. That may be online, mail, or faxed. 
 
If you would like a superbill, please ask your assigned therapist and they will provide your information to our Financial Administrator.