Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Why should we work with you?
In addition to the extensive training background of all of our clinicians, a unique aspect of our practice is the personal nature of the care we provide. We take an individualized approach to treatment, adapting evidence-based strategies as needed. We also work closely with patients to help them manage symptoms in their normal, day-to-day life. For example, we often conduct "exposures" with patients struggling with OCD or anxiety disorders, which teaches them the skills to challenge anxiety in real-life situations. This is often a very important part of effective therapy. Further, unlike large treatment centers or practices, we engage in all patient contact from initial screening, scheduling, coordination with other healthcare professionals, and all aspects of direct patient care. This continuity in the care process facilitates our ability to provide effective treatment. We take a "concierge" approach where you have quick access to us if needed, as we strive to return all phone calls within 24 hours. We hope that our commitment and dedication to our patients is evident based on the services we provide.
2. How does your training and experience differ from other clinicians?
All of our providers are doctoral-level clinicians with extensive training backgrounds. Psychologists are the highest trained mental health professionals. In order to become a Psychologist, one must complete a 5-6 year graduate program in Psychology, which must include a 1-year APA accredited clinical internship/residency. After earning a Ph.D. or Psy.D., Psychologists may elect to pursue a Post-doctoral Fellowship for advanced training in a specialty area. All of our Psychologist's have pursued a post-doctoral fellowship. Our practitioners also continue to learn through our current work, through collaboration with colleagues, and by reviewing psychology journals to stay up-to-date on advances in science and practice.
3. How long does treatment take?
Treatment length may vary based on the severity of the problem, as well as any comorbid problems that are present. We practice with a short-term model, with the goal for patients to see clinically-significant improvements more quickly than traditional "talk therapy." Although treatment results cannot be guaranteed, most patients who do the work and participate consistently see notable improvement in 8-15 sessions. We very much recognize that treatment is both an emotional and financial investment, so our goal-oriented approach seeks to help patients make improvements quickly. We also recognize how impairing many disorders can be, and many people are eager to see relief from the distress associated with their symptoms. Despite these goals, the length of treatment will be flexible based on the pace that is comfortable for each individual patient. Once progress is achieved, many patients elect to continue treatment on a less frequent basis to check-in and ensure that gains are maintained.
4. Do you accept insurance?
We do not participate directly with any insurance plans, and therefore are considered an out-of-network provider for most insurance. However, many patients with insurance coverage are able to get some reimbursement for clinical services if they are interested in doing so. For patients interested in submitting to insurance, we provide a "superbill," which includes appropriate documentation required for reimbursement so patients can submit themselves. Please consult with your insurance company if you have questions regarding your insurance benefits and reimbursement rates.
5. Why don't you take insurance?
Along with many other clinicians at our level of training, it is thought that many health insurance companies do not provide adequate compensation for the services provided. Many insurance companies also provide similar levels of reimbursement across mental health practitioners, without considering the extensive training (5-6+ years) completed by Psychologist's. This can be disheartening, as we understand that it can limit access to care for many. The field of psychology still has a lot of work to do in terms of advocacy and lobbying in order to be treated in line with medical professions.
However, by not working directly with insurance companies, treatment planning is determined based on clinical recommendations and patient preferences, rather than managed care agencies. Many patients also choose not to submit to insurance in order to maintain confidentiality. Given that we do not spend time dealing directly with insurance companies, we are able to focus more on patient care.
6. How are your rates?
You will likely find our rates comparable to other doctoral-level clinicians who offer the specialized services that we provide. Most people find our rates to be a great value, particularly when they rates are compared to less experienced mental health practitioners. Given our use of evidence-based treatment methods and our specialized training in OCD, O-C Spectrum, and Anxiety Disorders, many patients experience symptom improvements much more quickly than if they were to participate in conventional "talk therapy" which may not result in the desired symptom improvements. Accordingly, most patients find the costs of treatment reasonable and cost-effective. We do not offer a sliding scale, but we have practitioners at various rates, depending on level of specialization and experience.
7. Could you find less expensive services?
It is likely that you could find an in-network provider who conducts therapy for small co-pays. However, it is unlikely that you will find an in-network provider with the same level of background and specialized training as us. When working with us, you will be working with a Ph.D. or Psy.D. level psychologist with specialized training in OCD, O-C Spectrum, and Anxiety Disorders, or a doctoral-level Occupational Therapist with specialized experience in picky eating and food-related anxiety. There are many providers who either have less training, or who are "generalists" without the same level of specialization. Psychologists are the highest trained mental health professionals, and our Occupational Therapist is also a doctoral-level provider.
8. Do you provide services via telehealth?
All of our providers offer services via telehealth/videoconferencing, to patients in the state of Florida. Florida recently became a member of PsyPact in July 2023, which is an interstate compact that allows telepsychology across state lines for all states in the compact. Currently, 38 states within the U.S. have enacted PsyPact legislation. You can see an updated listing of PsyPact participating states at the link below. Dr. Marni Jacob is currently a PsyPact participating provider, and thus she is able to see patients via telehealth who reside in a PsyPact state. https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap
We would be happy to answer any additional questions at an initial phone screening, or via email at [email protected]!
No Surprises Act & Good Faith Estimate Notice
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 must give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises/ or call 1 (800) 368-1019.
In addition to the extensive training background of all of our clinicians, a unique aspect of our practice is the personal nature of the care we provide. We take an individualized approach to treatment, adapting evidence-based strategies as needed. We also work closely with patients to help them manage symptoms in their normal, day-to-day life. For example, we often conduct "exposures" with patients struggling with OCD or anxiety disorders, which teaches them the skills to challenge anxiety in real-life situations. This is often a very important part of effective therapy. Further, unlike large treatment centers or practices, we engage in all patient contact from initial screening, scheduling, coordination with other healthcare professionals, and all aspects of direct patient care. This continuity in the care process facilitates our ability to provide effective treatment. We take a "concierge" approach where you have quick access to us if needed, as we strive to return all phone calls within 24 hours. We hope that our commitment and dedication to our patients is evident based on the services we provide.
2. How does your training and experience differ from other clinicians?
All of our providers are doctoral-level clinicians with extensive training backgrounds. Psychologists are the highest trained mental health professionals. In order to become a Psychologist, one must complete a 5-6 year graduate program in Psychology, which must include a 1-year APA accredited clinical internship/residency. After earning a Ph.D. or Psy.D., Psychologists may elect to pursue a Post-doctoral Fellowship for advanced training in a specialty area. All of our Psychologist's have pursued a post-doctoral fellowship. Our practitioners also continue to learn through our current work, through collaboration with colleagues, and by reviewing psychology journals to stay up-to-date on advances in science and practice.
3. How long does treatment take?
Treatment length may vary based on the severity of the problem, as well as any comorbid problems that are present. We practice with a short-term model, with the goal for patients to see clinically-significant improvements more quickly than traditional "talk therapy." Although treatment results cannot be guaranteed, most patients who do the work and participate consistently see notable improvement in 8-15 sessions. We very much recognize that treatment is both an emotional and financial investment, so our goal-oriented approach seeks to help patients make improvements quickly. We also recognize how impairing many disorders can be, and many people are eager to see relief from the distress associated with their symptoms. Despite these goals, the length of treatment will be flexible based on the pace that is comfortable for each individual patient. Once progress is achieved, many patients elect to continue treatment on a less frequent basis to check-in and ensure that gains are maintained.
4. Do you accept insurance?
We do not participate directly with any insurance plans, and therefore are considered an out-of-network provider for most insurance. However, many patients with insurance coverage are able to get some reimbursement for clinical services if they are interested in doing so. For patients interested in submitting to insurance, we provide a "superbill," which includes appropriate documentation required for reimbursement so patients can submit themselves. Please consult with your insurance company if you have questions regarding your insurance benefits and reimbursement rates.
5. Why don't you take insurance?
Along with many other clinicians at our level of training, it is thought that many health insurance companies do not provide adequate compensation for the services provided. Many insurance companies also provide similar levels of reimbursement across mental health practitioners, without considering the extensive training (5-6+ years) completed by Psychologist's. This can be disheartening, as we understand that it can limit access to care for many. The field of psychology still has a lot of work to do in terms of advocacy and lobbying in order to be treated in line with medical professions.
However, by not working directly with insurance companies, treatment planning is determined based on clinical recommendations and patient preferences, rather than managed care agencies. Many patients also choose not to submit to insurance in order to maintain confidentiality. Given that we do not spend time dealing directly with insurance companies, we are able to focus more on patient care.
6. How are your rates?
You will likely find our rates comparable to other doctoral-level clinicians who offer the specialized services that we provide. Most people find our rates to be a great value, particularly when they rates are compared to less experienced mental health practitioners. Given our use of evidence-based treatment methods and our specialized training in OCD, O-C Spectrum, and Anxiety Disorders, many patients experience symptom improvements much more quickly than if they were to participate in conventional "talk therapy" which may not result in the desired symptom improvements. Accordingly, most patients find the costs of treatment reasonable and cost-effective. We do not offer a sliding scale, but we have practitioners at various rates, depending on level of specialization and experience.
7. Could you find less expensive services?
It is likely that you could find an in-network provider who conducts therapy for small co-pays. However, it is unlikely that you will find an in-network provider with the same level of background and specialized training as us. When working with us, you will be working with a Ph.D. or Psy.D. level psychologist with specialized training in OCD, O-C Spectrum, and Anxiety Disorders, or a doctoral-level Occupational Therapist with specialized experience in picky eating and food-related anxiety. There are many providers who either have less training, or who are "generalists" without the same level of specialization. Psychologists are the highest trained mental health professionals, and our Occupational Therapist is also a doctoral-level provider.
8. Do you provide services via telehealth?
All of our providers offer services via telehealth/videoconferencing, to patients in the state of Florida. Florida recently became a member of PsyPact in July 2023, which is an interstate compact that allows telepsychology across state lines for all states in the compact. Currently, 38 states within the U.S. have enacted PsyPact legislation. You can see an updated listing of PsyPact participating states at the link below. Dr. Marni Jacob is currently a PsyPact participating provider, and thus she is able to see patients via telehealth who reside in a PsyPact state. https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap
We would be happy to answer any additional questions at an initial phone screening, or via email at [email protected]!
No Surprises Act & Good Faith Estimate Notice
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 must give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
- Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business date before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or 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/ or call 1 (800) 368-1019.
Providing Evidence-Based Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Tourette's Disorder/Tics, Trichotillomania, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Hoarding, Skin Picking/Excoriation Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, and Phobias. Boca Raton office is easily accessible from Palm Beach County & South Florida (Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami).
Copyright © 2015-2024 Marni L. Jacob, Ph.D., LLC
Jacob Center for Evidence-Based Treatment
7900 Glades Road, Suite 615, Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 290-9080
Copyright © 2015-2024 Marni L. Jacob, Ph.D., LLC
Jacob Center for Evidence-Based Treatment
7900 Glades Road, Suite 615, Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 290-9080