Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the initial evaluation?
The initial evaluation costs $375. This evaluation is comprehensive and helps us determine the course of treatment for the patient, and the severity of the illness. Please arrive 45 minutes early to fill out the assessment forms. For an adolescent it is important for both parents to be present. The evaluation is conducted by Kourtney Klepfer MSW ACSW #21743.
What is the cost of the program?
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$3150 payable upfront for the first 6
weeks
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$2100 payable at the 6th week
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$2100 payable at the 10th week
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$1050 final payment at the 14th week
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Healthy Within is cost-effective because we are not a 24-hour care facility, nor do we incur costs for medical professionals. Our patients are monitored closely by physicians outside of the program. All fees for the program are payable up front by check or credit card.
Additional components of the program that may be considered are:
| Individual psychotherapy sessions with therapists other than Dr. Kakaiya, $100 per session |
| Individual sessions with Dr. Kakaiya are $175 per session |
| Family therapy sessions with Dr. Kakaiya, $225.00 per session |
All of the above components are not part of the program and are available on an as needed basis at an extra charge as indicated above.
Do you take insurance?
We will provide you with a superbill which you can send to the insurance company for re-imbursement. There are numerous insurance companies who cover the treatment of Healthy Within but it is important to contact your insurance company for an explanation of your mental health benefits. As all care is provided by an MFT intern, plus ACSW, some insurance companies may not reimburse for the program.
What additional costs are not included in the price per day?
| An assessment by an outside psychiatrist for an evaluation for medication if it is thought that medication may be of help. Healthy within has a list of psychiatrists that are familiar with our facility and familiar with eating disorders. |
| A comprehensive medical evaluation with complete labs, EKG and bone density test. Healthy Within can provide the names of physicians that specialize in the treatment of eating disorders. |
| Any individual or family therapy sessions with Program Director (Individual 1 hr. sessions are $100.00 per session). Individual 1 hr. family sessions are $145.00 per session. |
| Any family therapy sessions with Dr. Kakaiya, sessions are $225.00 per session. Individual sessions with Dr. Kakaiya are $175.00 per session. |
| Any individual sessions with the dietician should be scheduled outside the HW times, and are not included in the treatment |
| Any additional psychological testing that the treatment team might recommend. The cost of psychological testing is determined the the psychologist you are referred to for testing. |
What type of medical clearance is required to enter the program?
Healthy Within does require a medical clearance before entering the outpatient program. This clearance ensures that you are medically stable and suitable for a day treatment program. Standard labs, EKG, blood tests and bone density tests are all part of the clearance. Ongoing medical visits to a physician are frequently needed and will be required. The medical clearance can be completed as you start the program. If you are considering starting the program and have had recent lab work done that can be sufficient to get you started. Do not let the medical clearance part deter you from starting the program. Additionally, Dr. Kakaiya is well connected with the physicians in San Diego who specialize with eating disorders and she can help you get stared with the best comprehensive medical evaluation. Early aggressive medical intervention can prevent the long term complications that can be present with eating disorders.
What is the involvement of family members?
The treatment team sees the incorporation of family members into the program as a key factor in recovery. At Healthy Within we treat the whole family. Our program consists of weekly multi-family groups. We recommend individual family therapy sessions for exploration of deeper issues. This allows for further exploration of how everyone in the family has suffered. New skills need to be learned in order to move away from the eating disorder and towards recovery. Family members are very instrumental in supporting healthy recovery. There are cases where a patient may prefer not to have family involvement because of issues that may impede their recovery.
How do you deal with vegetarian diets?
Our experience has shown that each person has his or her own food fears and issues. The Program Director conducts a comprehensive evaluation to assess the origins of vegetarianism and the food related issues. We are able to assist the vegetarian patient and additionally we will work with them to teach them how to be a "better vegetarian." Individual visits with the dietitian will assist the person with their vegetarianism.
What are the ages of the patients?
At any given time on the unit we have a variety of ages, ranging from age 12 to 53 and up.. The content of groups is monitored so as the meet the needs of the current patient population. Our experience has been that developmentally people tend to be at the same level because of how the eating disorder manifests itself.
What about school while a person is in treatment?
We have structured the IOP program such that it meets the needs of adolescents to do an after school program. College students typically tailor their academic schedule to focus on treatment. Healthy Within incorporates the additional support systems that will be necessary and required for the student to return to college. Even though it may be a number of months before the patient returns to school, we want to ensure that the transition is safe, comfortable and successful for them.
If we live outside of San Diego where do we stay when we are in treatment?
We have a number of facilities within a five-mile radius, with costs ranging from $70.00 - $200.00 a night. Many of these facilities have kitchenettes.
Villas Renaissance, www.rentiac.com, owned and operated by Irvine Apartments Communities Suites: Beautifully furnished apartments that can be rented for a month, full one, two or three bedroom apartments or studios with full size washer and dryer, full kitchen and all amenities, pool and spa. For more information contact Toni Romo at tromo@rentiac.com or 858-453-1553. Mention Healthy Within and receive a discount rate on rental.
Please feel free to contact us at 858-622-0221 ext. 3 if you have any additional questions regarding the program.
