1) Do you accept insurance? What does “out-of-network” mean?

North Star Families is an out-of-network provider, which means we do not bill insurance companies directly. Many of our clients choose to work with us this way because it allows for greater flexibility, continuity of care, and access to specialized clinicians.

If you have a PPO insurance plan, you likely have out-of-network benefits. This usually includes an out-of-network deductible. Once that deductible is met, your insurance may reimburse a percentage of each session (often between 50–80%, depending on your plan).

2) How does reimbursement work?

We make this process as simple as possible:

1. You pay North Star directly for sessions.
2. We provide you with monthly Superbills (detailed receipts with the codes insurance companies require).
3. You submit those Superbills to your insurance company for reimbursement.
4. Your insurance sends reimbursement directly to you.

3) Can you help me understand my insurance benefits?

Yes!. We know insurance can feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

We have dedicated staff who can help you navigate the out-of-network process.

If you’re interested in services, we can check your out-of-network benefits ahead of time and explain:

• Your out-of-network deductible
• Your reimbursement percentage

While we can never guarantee reimbursement (final decisions are made by insurance companies), we aim to give you clear, realistic expectations before you begin if requested.

4) What do AMFT, LMFT, LCSW, and PhD/PsyD mean?

You may notice different letters after our clinicians’ names. These refer to licensure level and training. At North Star Families, every clinician is carefully trained and hand-picked by Dr. Wendy Denham, and all are supported through ongoing supervision, consultation, and advanced clinical training.

AMFT stands for Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

An AMFT is a pre-licensed clinician who has:

• Completed a master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy or a closely related field
• Received extensive clinical training during graduate school
• Passed state-required exams
• Is accruing supervised clinical hours required for full licensure

At North Star Families, AMFTs are highly capable clinicians, not graduate student interns. They are carefully selected, closely supervised, and supported by Dr. Wendy Denham and our senior clinical team.

Why AMFTs are a great choice:

AMFTs are often highly engaged, current in evidence-based and neuroaffirming practices, and benefit from multiple layers of supervision. Families frequently appreciate their attentiveness, collaboration, and dedication to thoughtful care. At North Star Families, AMFTs are not junior therapists—they are skilled clinicians providing high-quality care with exceptional support.

LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LMFTs and LCSWs are fully licensed clinicians who have:

• Completed a master’s degree in clinical social work or marriage and family therapy
• Completed extensive supervised clinical hours
• Passed state licensing exams
  

LMFTs and LCSWs at North Star Families are hand-picked and trained by Dr. Wendy Denham and bring a whole-person, systems-oriented approach to care.

PhD / PsyD stands for Licensed Psychologist

A PhD or PsyD psychologist has:

• Completed a doctoral degree in psychology
• Received advanced training in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment
• Completed extensive clinical internships and supervised experience
• Passed state and national licensing exams

Psychologists at North Star Families are carefully selected and trained by Dr. Wendy Denham and often provide specialized assessment and complex clinical care.

5) Does licensure level affect quality of care?

No. Quality of care comes from training, supervision, clinical judgment, and fit.

We thoughtfully match clients with clinicians based on clinical needs, goals, and fit—not just licensure level.

6) Why does North Star Families work outside of insurance?

We’ve chosen to be an out-of-network practice so we can focus fully on your child and family—not insurance requirements.

Insurance often requires diagnoses, session limits, and detailed documentation that can shape how care is delivered. We believe therapy should be flexible, relationship-based, and responsive to your child’s changing needs, because growth isn’t linear.

Working outside of insurance allows us to:

• Keep smaller caseloads for more personalized care
• Invest in ongoing, high-quality training
• Protect your privacy (insurance companies can request access to notes from in-network providers)
• Make treatment decisions based on what your family needs—not session caps or plan restrictions
  

Our focus is long-term wellbeing, safety, and meaningful change—guided by clinical expertise and your family’s values.