Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept my insurance?

I am currently paneled with Aetna and Optum (including Harvard Pilgrim and United Healthcare), and I'm part of the Lyra EAP. If you're using insurance, then the easiest way to contact me is via my Alma profile https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/zachary-aggott/

If your insurance provider offers reimbursement for out-of-network providers, then I can provide you with a "Superbill" that you may submit to your insurance to seek reimbursement.* It is your responsibility to verify that your insurance reimburses for out-of-network providers and to submit claims.

*Please be advised that in order to qualify for therapy through out-of-network benefits, you still must meet criteria for a mental health diagnosis that will be kept on file and submitted to your insurance company as part of the Superbill. If the client does not meet criteria for a mental health diagnosis, then insurance will not reimburse you for therapy.

Why do people choose to pay privately for therapy?

Everyone's circumstances are different, but here are a few common reasons people choose private pay:

1) No need to submit an official mental health diagnosis to health record

2) No limits on how many sessions you can attend or how frequently we can meet

3) Freedom to use your sessions however you'd like (e.g., no pushing for you to change before you're ready)

4) Staying off of insurance panels allows me to maintain a reduced case load, which means I can usually take on new clients right away without putting you on a wait list

Do you offer face-to-face sessions or Telehealth?

I am offering face-to-face sessions to anyone who is fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (e.g., 2 weeks after the final dose.) I will continue to offer Telehealth indefinitely to anyone who is unable to be vaccinated or for whom Telehealth is more convenient and clinically appropriate.

What does standard therapy look like?

It depends on what you're here to work on. I'm not here to judge, to prescribe my values to you, or to tell you what I think the problem is/what you need to work on. In general, we'll start with one 50-minute individual therapy session per week, and we'll work together to figure out what it is you'd like to work on and how therapy can support your goals. Sometimes folks meet more often or less often, depending on personal preference, time constraints, and presenting problems/what you'd like to work on.

What's your availability?

I work Monday-Thursday. At the moment, I have lots of morning and early afternoon availability. I have a limited amount of "after school" and "after work" times because those typically book up quickly. Standing appointments are a great way to guarantee an appointment every week, if that's what you need.

What are your qualifications?

I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Assumption College and my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC # 10972).

I completed my clinical internship at a group home for adolescents struggling with severe and pervasive mental illness through The Bridge of Central MA (now Open Sky Community Services), and I completed my post-grad work at an outpatient counseling center through the same agency. I also consulted at a "dual diagnosis" group home that specialized in residents with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse problems.

I have comfort, training, and experience working with clients who struggle with more serious symptoms like suicidal ideation, self-injurious behavior, addiction, and trauma. I also enjoy working with people who have had negative experiences with therapy in the past, especially folks who "hate therapy."

Question not listed?

Reach out to me via email (listed below) or schedule a free phone consultation to get your questions answered.

FAQ: FAQ