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Guide

# Your Good Faith Estimate 

Since 2022, a federal law called the No Surprises Act has required healthcare providers — including therapists — to give uninsured and self-pay clients a clear, written estimate of expected costs. That document is called a Good Faith Estimate, and it exists so that you are never left guessing what care will cost. Here is what it means for you, in plain English.

## What the Estimate Is 

A Good Faith Estimate is a written document that lays out the expected cost of your care before you commit to it. It includes my fees and a reasonable projection based on how long we expect to work together. Because therapy does not run on a fixed schedule — some people come for a few months, some for longer — the estimate is a good-faith projection, not a contract for a set number of sessions.

You receive it when we begin, and an updated one if circumstances change. You are entitled to ask questions about it, and to a new estimate if your care shifts.

## What It Protects You From 

The spirit of the law is simple: no surprise bills. You should know the cost of your care in advance, in writing, in language you can read. If anything about fees is ever unclear — session costs, the 24-hour cancellation policy under which late cancellations are charged, or anything else — you have every right to ask, and asking is welcome.

## If a Bill Exceeds the Estimate 

The law has teeth, and you should know where they are. If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute it through a formal process called the patient-provider dispute resolution process. There are time limits for starting that process, so keep your estimate document — it is the comparison point.

You can also simply talk to me first. Billing surprises are usually misunderstandings, and misunderstandings are fixable. The estimate exists to protect you; use it.

## Related Reading

-   [Using Out-of-Network Benefits Read more → ](/guides/out-of-network-benefits-and-superbills)
-   [Sliding Scale Therapy Read more → ](/guides/sliding-scale-therapy)
-   [Privacy in Online Therapy Read more → ](/guides/telehealth-privacy-and-hipaa)

Sharon Meyers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering telehealth sessions to adults located anywhere in California.

In Case of Emergency

This website is for informational purposes only. This practice is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please do not wait for a reply.

-   Call [911](tel:911) or go to your nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger.
-   Call or text [988](tel:988) to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
-   Text HOME to [741741](sms:741741) to reach the Crisis Text Line.

## No surprises is the point. 

Questions about fees or your estimate are always welcome — reach out anytime.

[Schedule a Free Consultation](/begin-here)

### Sharon Meyers Therapy

LCSW #106887  
Online therapy throughout California  
Office located in Berkeley, CA

Quick Links

-   [Home](/)
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Contact

-   [(415) 335-7446](tel:4153357446)
-   [sharon@sharonmeyerstherapy.com](mailto:sharon@sharonmeyerstherapy.com)

[Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sharon-meyers-berkeley-ca/1080260)

**In case of emergency:** call or text [988](tel:988) or go to your nearest emergency room. This website is for informational purposes only.

[Privacy Policy](/privacy)· [Good Faith Estimate](/good-faith-estimate)· [Notice to Clients](/notice-to-clients)

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