Getting Started
Appointments
I can often fit new clients into my schedule within a few days. Appointments are available on weekdays and some evenings.
If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call (413) 584-2617 and choose voice mailbox #2 or email me at contact@markkarpel.com
(Because email is not considered a secure form of communication, you don’t need to include extremely personal information in your email message. Just give me a rough idea of why you would like to meet.)
I answer my own phone, when able, and personally listen to all my telephone messages.
If you reach my voicemail, please leave your name and any phone numbers and blocks of time when I can reach you “live” by phone. I will do my best to call at those times. All calls are confidential.
There is no charge for an initial 15 minute telephone consultation. All other sessions are fee-for-service.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the best way to reach Dr. Karpel is by email at contact@markkarpel.com
Contact Information
Mark Karpel , Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
277 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-2617 (then press 2)
contact@markkarpel.com
New Client Paperwork
You’ll need to fill out an Intake Form and Consent for Treatment Form prior to the first session. This can be done in the waiting room just before your first appointment or, if you prefer, you can download both forms, fill them out beforehand and bring them with you to the initial appointment.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when I am only conducting remote sessions, you will also need to fill out a Telehealth Consent Form.
If you plan to fill them out in the waiting room, please plan to arrive ten minutes early in order to have enough time. You’ll find both forms, a clipboard and pen in the waiting room when you arrive.
Couples living together only need to fill out one Intake Form, but both should read and sign the Consent for Treatment form unless you have any questions, in which case we can discuss them at the beginning of the session.
Fees
My standard fee is $195 per 50 minutes for all clinical services. I do not charge more for sessions with couples or family members or for initial office visits.
Modest fee reductions are available for clients without insurance coverage, on a case by case basis, depending on your overall financial situation.
Longer sessions, when mutually agreed upon (for example, 75 minutes, a double-hour or longer), are based on the same hourly rate.
I charge the same fee for clinical consultation to therapists.
Clients are expected to pay in full by check or cash at the time of service unless we make other arrangements. In some cases, I will agree to bill your insurance plan for payment and accept your co-pay for the session. I do not accept credit cards.
Cancellations
There is no charge for a cancellation of at least 24 hours notice. If you fail to show up for a scheduled appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours notice, unless there is an unavoidable emergency (car breakdown, sick child at home), you will be charged the full fee for the session. No-shows and cancellation fees are not reimbursable by insurance.
Insurance
Your health insurance may cover your sessions with me.
Some insurance plans only approve treatment by providers within their network. Others allow out-of-network coverage. Some allow this only under certain conditions (for example, when certain forms are submitted). And some provide coverage for all licensed professionals.
I am a participating provider for many Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans and for the Pioneer Health Network.
I am eligible for insurance payments from many other plans that offer their members out-of-network coverage.
I recommend that you check with your insurance plan about whether they will authorize coverage for your sessions with me.
You are responsible for knowing whether your insurance will cover me and whether they require specific authorizations to do so.
If your insurance plan declines coverage, you are financially responsible for any unpaid balance.