FAQ

Yes, you can use your insurance for therapy. I accept select plans through Headway and Alma, including Aetna, Florida Blue, and Optum. Coverage varies by state and network, and I'm happy to help verify your benefits before your first session.

For private-pay clients, I offer a sliding scale from $150-200 for a 55-minute session. Insurance rates vary based on the contracted rate with your plan. Superbills can be provided for out-of-network reimbursement upon request.

Yes. I am an authorized psychologist in the VA Community Care Network (CCN – Region 3). Veterans can work with me through the VA with an approved Community Care referral from your local VA clinic. If you are interested in scheduling, please request a referral to Hayfield Healing – Maria Niitepold, PsyD (NPI: 1578292579) from your VA provider.

Yes. You have the option of meeting in person in my Gulf Breeze, FL office or over telehealth. All telehealth sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. You can attend from any private space within a state where I’m licensed to practice.

All payments are processed securely through Ivy Pay, a HIPAA-compliant system for therapists. Your card is stored safely on file for automatic payment after each session.

I've partnered with Mentaya, a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits.

Mentaya is perfect if you:

• Have out-of-network benefits

• Feel overwhelmed by superbills and insurance

• Have submitted superbills but failed to get any reimbursement

• Simply want to skip the hassle of paperwork

Here's how it works:

1. Sign up for Mentaya: https://mentaya.co/inviteclient/StvL1jX0ltB1rEVFVjQH

2. My practice will enter your sessions into the platform.

3. Mentaya submits the claim and handles any insurance follow-up.

4. You get reimbursed by insurance. Mentaya charges a 5% fee per claim, which includes handling any paperwork required, dealing with denials, and calling insurance companies. It's risk-free: They guarantee claims are successfully submitted, or a full refund of their fees.

I’m licensed in Florida and authorized to practice in all PSYPACT states, allowing me to work with clients across much of the U.S. via secure telehealth.

You can cancel or reschedule sessions with at least 48 hours' notice to avoid the full session fee. This allows your reserved time to be offered to another client in need.

Under the No Surprises Act, you're entitled to a Good Faith Estimate that outlines the expected cost of therapy services if you're not using insurance. This document provides transparency about session fees and helps you make informed decisions about your care. A written estimate can be provided upon request or automatically before starting therapy.

Yes. I work with adults from LGBTQ communities and offer trauma-focused therapy for concerns such as anxiety, developmental trauma, relationship patterns, identity-related stress, and the long-term effects of feeling unseen, unsafe, or chronically vigilant.

My work is grounded in evidence-based trauma modalities rather than identity-based coaching or advocacy, and I focus on helping clients build internal stability, clarity, and agency.

Many LGBTQ adults carry trauma related to chronic invalidation, concealment, or family and religious rejection. Trauma-focused therapy can help address these patterns at a nervous system level.

No. I do not provide letters, assessments, or evaluations related to gender-affirming medical or surgical procedures.

I am happy to support clients with trauma-focused therapy within my scope of practice and can offer referrals when a different type of provider is needed.

You can request a free 15-minute consultation using the contact form or email link below. This brief call helps determine whether we’re a good fit before scheduling your first full session. If you’d prefer to skip the consultation call and get started right away, you can use this form to share some brief information before scheduling.