Your Rights & Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills and the Right to a Good Faith Estimate

Last Updated: March 11, 2026

Quick Summary

If you are paying for therapy without using insurance (or if you do not have insurance), you have the right to know what therapy is expected to cost before you start.

  • You can ask for a Good Faith Estimate that explains expected fees.

  • If your final bill is $400 or more higher than the estimate, you have the right to dispute it.

  • This practice is committed to being clear and upfront about fees.

  • Asking for an estimate does not require you to start therapy.

The details of these rights are explained below.

Protection from Surprise Medical Bills

You are protected from surprise medical bills in certain situations under the No Surprises Act, a federal law.

Because Lauri Shedd Therapy Services LLC is an outpatient psychotherapy practice, the most relevant protection for clients is the right to clear pricing information and advance estimates when you are not using insurance.

Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate

If you do not have insurance, or if you choose not to use your insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your psychotherapy services are expected to cost.

What Is a Good Faith Estimate?

A Good Faith Estimate:

  • Describes the expected cost of psychotherapy services

  • Is based on the information available at the time it is provided

  • Includes anticipated fees for scheduled services

For ongoing therapy, the estimate may include a range or projection of costs over a defined period of time.

When Will You Receive a Good Faith Estimate?

You are entitled to receive a Good Faith Estimate:

  • After scheduling services, or

  • Upon request at any time before starting services

If services are scheduled at least 3 business days in advance, the estimate will be provided within 1 business day.
If services are scheduled at least 10 business days in advance, the estimate will be provided within 3 business days.

What If My Actual Bill Is Higher Than the Estimate?

If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill.

You may start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within 120 days of receiving the bill.

More information is available at:
www.cms.gov/nosurprises
or by calling 1-800-985-3059

What This Practice Does to Support Transparency

At Lauri Shedd Therapy Services LLC, we aim to be clear and upfront about fees.

  • Psychotherapy fees are discussed before services begin

  • A Good Faith Estimate is provided to self-pay and uninsured clients

  • Fees, billing practices, and cancellation policies are explained during intake

  • Questions about costs are always welcome

A Good Faith Estimate is not a contract and does not require you to receive services.

Telehealth Services

All psychotherapy services offered by this practice are provided via telehealth. Fees for telehealth sessions are the same as those disclosed in your Good Faith Estimate.

Questions or Requests

If you would like a Good Faith Estimate or have questions about this notice, please contact:

Lauri Shedd Therapy Services LLC
Lauri Shedd, LCSW
lauri@laurishedd.com
Carrollton, GA