How to reach Dr. Howell, how appointments work, what they cost, and what happens if you need to cancel.
The best way to reach me is by telephone. I will check my voicemail periodically throughout the day.
However, if you are having an emergency and cannot reach me, please leave me a detailed message and call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
I can also be reached via email for scheduling purposes, non-urgent medication refills, or other clerical concerns. However, email should not be used for any clinical issues, as these are best addressed in person or on the telephone.
If I am away, there will always be at least one other psychiatrist providing coverage and I will send an email with instructions on how to contact them.
All appointments are scheduled by me directly. The initial appointment, which is a 90-minute session, is scheduled following a brief conversation by phone. Should we agree to continue to work together following the evaluation, follow-up appointments are either 50-minute sessions or 30-minute sessions (30-minute appointments are usually reserved for medication management).
Single consultations for a second opinion are 3–4 hours long and scheduled only after records are obtained from the treating clinician(s). The consultation includes review of patient records, a comprehensive evaluation, and a typed report to the referring physician with recommendations.
Telephone and Telepsych appointments are billed at the same session rates indicated below. Be aware that many insurance plans do not reimburse for telephone appointments. At a minimum, on-going patients are to be seen at least every three months.
Payment is due the day of service and payable by cash, check, or credit card. Venmo is also accepted. Checks should be made payable to “Carolyn J. Howell.” There will be a processing charge for returned checks.
| Appointment | Fee |
|---|---|
| 90-minute initial evaluation | $550.00 |
| 60-minute psychotherapy session | $275.00 |
| 30-minute med management session | $175.00 |
| 60-minute psychotherapy with med management | $225.00 |
| Past life regression session | $300.00 |
| 3-hour second opinion consultation | $1,250.00 |
Telephone and Telepsych appointments are billed at these same session rates.
I am not a participant in any insurance plans and cannot bill them directly. Payment is due the day of service regardless of your insurance status. If you have medical insurance, it is your responsibility to file all claims for reimbursement for an out-of-network service with your insurance company.
I will be happy to assist you by supplying you with bills, diagnoses, and any information required by your carrier, but payment is expected from you directly. I will fill out forms with you so you know what information is being shared.
I have opted out of Medicare; therefore, those individuals with Medicare who wish to see me must sign an agreement that states that they will not submit claims to Medicare.
If you are late for an appointment, you will be seen for the remainder of your time and charged for the full session as scheduled. If you are unable to keep an appointment, please give 24 hours advance notice (weekends and holidays excluded); otherwise you will be charged for the time that was reserved for you. Be aware that insurance plans do not reimburse for missed appointment charges.
You may cancel your appointment by leaving a voice-mail message at 443-396-3726. If you are uncertain of your appointment time, or anticipate that you may have a problem keeping your appointment, please do not hesitate to call me.
The exception to this policy is a regional weather emergency or the unexpected onset of illness. Please note, however, that frequent or repeated cancellations due to illness will be billed at my discretion.
A short conversation to talk through what you’re looking for and whether this practice is the right fit for you or your child.