Becoming a Client

Becoming a Client through ZocDoc

  • To become my client through ZocDoc click the link below to schedule an appointment with me.

  • Complete a short form through ZocDoc that includes all contact information, insurance information and a reason for the appointment.

  • Search for an available appointment on my calendar and book a session with me.

  • I will contact you to confirm, within a few hours of receiving request, and then advise on status of insurance and next steps.

  • This includes setting up an account through Headway, who manages all insurance and billing information.

  • Headway will send you an email notification with a confirmation.

  • I will follow up on any missing information and to answer any questions you have prior to the first session. Future sessions are always booked by the you, the client directly on Zocdoc.

Becoming a Client through ALMA

  • You find therapist Marlene Merchant on Alma.

  • Set-up a free 15-minute consultation on the calendar based on availability. An option is given to reach out directly to me for a call back or email correspondence for an alternative date and time for the consultation.

  • Complete the form to include contact information, insurance information and a reason for seeking therapy.

  • Once consult is completed, I have 72 hours to add the client to the practice or decline the request. I go into further detail about this process with you.

  • If we agree to move forward within the therapeutic relationship, I will schedule the first session with the you, the client. Future sessions are always booked through me in a collaborative effort.

Insurance and Payment

Below are the Insurances we currently accept:

Pay with insurance - ALMA

  • United Healthcare

  • Oxford Health Plans

  • Cigna

  • Aetna

  • UMR

  • Oscar

  • UHC Student Resources

  • AllSavers UHC

  • Harvard Pilgrim

  • Meritain

  • Nippon

  • United Healthcare Shared Services

  • Allied Benefit Systems - Aetna

  • Surest (Formerly Blind)

  • Health Plans Inc.

  • UnitedHealthcare Global

  • Christian Brothers Services - Aetna

  • Trustmark Health Benefits - Aetna

  • Trustmark Health Benefits - Cigna

  • Trustmark Small Business Benefits Aetna

  • Health Scope - Aetna

  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield

Pay with Insurance - ZocDoc

  • UnitedHealthcare

  • Oxford

  • Cigna

  • Aetna

  • Oscar Health

  • Empire BlueCross Shield

Additional Information about Cancellation and

Fee-For-Service Clients

  • There is a 24-hour cancellation notice required for all appointments. Appointments cancelled or

    rescheduled 24 hours or less will incur ($100) fee. If you No Show or do not attend a session you will be charged the ($100) fee. All therapy sessions are booked for 45 minutes. Late arrivals to appointment will not extend the time of the appointment.

    Any cancellations for Zocdoc appointments will be done directly on their site. For any cancellations for Alma, client sends me a text or email to request appointment cancellation. The 24-hour cancellation policy applies to all appointments booked on these sites or any other site.

  • Clients who are out of network are not able to pay for appointments through their insurance. Out of pocket cost is $150 for a 45-minute initial client session and any subsequent sessions.

    Sliding scale is not offered at this time. All payments are made using any major credit card or debit card at the beginning of each session. Please note the practice does not keep on file any credit card or debut card information, for clients paying out of pocket. Client will need to provide card information at the beginning of each session.

  • If you have any questions, please contact Marlene (914) 719-6129 or Email: merchantmarlee@gmail.com