what are your rates and hours For Therapy?

I charge $170 per 50 minute therapy session. All payments are due at the end of each session and I accept all major debit/credit cards including HSA. I offer appointments on weekdays in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

why don’t you take insurance?

Every therapist has their own reasons as to why they chose to opt out of insurance. Personally, my priority is to offer high-quality services to my clients, and I do this by making sure that I don’t burn out. I’ve been there before and it’s not fun nor is it productive. Insurance companies are infamous for providing very low reimbursement rates for therapy services and delaying payments. This can force therapists to see 30+ clients per week to make a decent living wage, which can then affect a therapist’s ability to be present, alert, and effective in sessions. That being said, I do seek to make therapy accessible, which is why I offer a limited number of reduced fee slots for folks experiencing financial hardship and unable to pay the full fee. If you’d like to learn more about reasons why some therapists don’t take insurance, here’s a helpful article: Ten Reasons Why Your Mental Health Provider Stopped (or Never Started) Taking Your Health Insurance.

What is a superbill and Do you provide one?

A superbill is a detailed invoice that may be submitted to your PPO insurance insurance for partial reimbursement through your out-of-network coverage. This coverage varies based on your specific PPO plan. If interested, I can provide a guide on how to figure out if you are eligible for reimbursement and what your insurance would cover.

will our sessions be in person or virtual?

My practice is virtual only. Virtual conferencing sessions will be conducted on the fully encrypted and confidential online forum TherapyNotes. If it is your preference to do a phone call instead, a telephone session can be offered with the mutual understanding that I cannot guarantee the security of your telephone line. 

How do i get started?

Please contact me via email or phone call to set up a free 15 minute intro call. During our intro call, we will discuss your needs and figure out if we’re a good match for each other. This is a good time to express your needs, what you’d like to accomplish in therapy, what you’re looking for in a therapist, and ask any questions about me or the therapeutic process.

what happens next?

If you and I determine we’re a good match to work together, we’ll schedule an intake session to complete an assessment (aka evaluation). You can think of the first session as a structured assessment that helps me get to know you and the challenges that brought you into therapy. In this intake session, we will review your current and past concerns and mental health history along with other relevant topics. Collaboratively, we will create therapy goals and objectives. We then meet for weekly or biweekly 50 minute therapy sessions.

What are the benefits of therapy?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, self-esteem issues, and feelings of stagnation. Many people also find that therapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy may include: 

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values 

• Developing skills for improving your relationships 

• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy 

• Learning new ways to deal with stress and anxiety 

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures 

• Improving communication and listening skills 

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones 

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What’s your approach to therapy?

My approach to therapy is straight forward. It’s centered on you, collaborative, exploratory, goal oriented, social justice oriented, structured, and trauma informed. If you’d like to learn more about what this means or looks like, feel free to ask me about it during our introductory call. I’m happy to share more!

How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?

Take your time reading through my website. If you sense I may be a good match, email me. During the intro call, you can ask about how I have helped other people like yourself before, what a typical session with me is like, or any other questions you have that are specific to you. I think of the first few times I meet with someone as a trial run. During your sessions, you’ll start seeing what it’s like to work with me and how you feel about it.

does what we talk about in therapy Stay private?

You may be concerned that your friends, family, or coworkers could learn what you have said in therapy. I want you know that unless there is imminent danger to yourself or someone else, your story stays between you and I, and your time in session is confidential. I highly respect your privacy and value your trust. If you have any further questions about how confidentiality and its limitations work, you can ask me during the intro call or at any time during our work together.

How long does therapy last?

Therapy begins with the acknowledgement that one day it will end thus we periodically review your therapy goals and objectives to discuss your progress and reassess your need for therapy. Having said that, you may be wondering how long it lasts because you are currently struggling and want relief fast, or perhaps you have other reasons. Therapy can last for months or years depending on your specific needs and the changes you’re looking to make. Some of my clients find six months to be enough to work through initial pressing challenges. Others will feel more supported by longer term therapy. I will say, on average, my new clients will describe feeling relieved and hopeful within the first month as they begin working through their challenges and learning the ways that healing is possible. However, change and progress takes takes time. There is no specific time frame for personal development and growth. The total duration will vary client to client.

I’m nervous about starting therapy. is this normal?

Therapy can be vulnerable and new, it's normal to feel nervous about starting it. It can feel scary, awkward, or uncomfortable to sit with someone and talk about how you feel. The fear around that can feel overwhelming. Seeking help is brave. It takes a lot of courage to realize you can't face your issues alone. The fact that you are on this website, looking for help, and reading this right now is a huge step. Therapy is a space where you can come just as you are, including feeling nervous. I’m committed to finding a way to care for your nervousness and ensure sessions are as comfortable as possible. I’m here if you want to talk about it during the intro call.

what if I don’T want to talk about something?

If something feels overwhelming or even terrifying to discuss, that’s normal. It can often feel difficult to talk about some things. During our sessions, I won’t push you to talk about things that are too painful for you. It’s my job to give you space to slowly start to work through the tough stuff. Gradually, at a pace that feels comfortable to you, you can share what you feel ready to share. You can also share with me that you are nervous to open up about something and we can talk about that too. Whenever you have a lot of feelings about something, you are welcome to discuss them in session with me.

I’m scared that if I open up, you will think I’m a bad person.

If you open up to me, I will not think you are a bad person, I will think you are someone who’s very courageous. Many of my clients have similar fears. Working with my clients has shown me that the challenges you face are common. I am not here to judge you. No one is perfect, many of us are overwhelmed, and we all experience suffering. Whatever it is you’re going through, I want to provide a compassionate space where you can feel heard, supported, and respected.