Frequently Asked Questions

As a provider that accepted insurance for many years, I made this decision for several important reasons:

• I believe that all clients should be able to decide the length and type of treatment they need - full stop. Insurance companies have the authority to dictate the type, duration, and length of therapy they will pay for based on your diagnosis.
• I value your right to privacy. Insurance companies require that I give you a diagnosis, and have access to your treatment plans, assessments, and personal information.
• Insurance plans can change unexpectedly, leaving clients with an unfortunate choice of having to switch to a therapist that is in-network.
• I believe clients should be able to work with the therapist of their choosing, rather than settle for the ones available through their insurance.

Clients who wish to use their out-of-network benefits can contact their insurance to verify the out-of-network benefits available for in-office or virtual outpatient psychotherapy. 

I’d recommend asking these questions to your insurance provider to help determine your benefits: 

• Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
• Do I have a deductible for out-of-network mental health services? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
• What is my allowable for outpatient psychotherapy?
• Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?
• What is the percentage of reimbursement for mental health services?

Possibly. Some insurance plans do provide benefits for marital or couple therapy, but you will need to call and verify your benefits directly.

I offer all prospective clients a free 20-minute consultation by phone or video. A consultation gives you the opportunity to learn more about services I offer, ask any questions you may have, and get a sense of whether I would be a good fit for you. I will want to get a general sense of what you'd like to work on in therapy to ensure I would be the best person to help. If it seems like I'm not the right person for the job, I will offer some referrals.

Therapy is a big investment of your time, energy, and money. I know that finding a therapist you feel comfortable with can be hard, so I want to make sure you I'm the right person to meet your needs before moving forward.

At your first appointment, I will ask questions to get a clear sense of what has brought you to therapy and what you hope to get out of the process. I will gather information about your mental health, relationships, childhood, family of origin, identity, culture, and other areas that will help me to best understand who you are. That being said, sometimes sharing about those areas to a brand new person is scary, so I always allow clients to "pass" if there is something you don't feel ready to discuss.

Because each person is coming to counseling with different issues and goals, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs. The best thing you can do is show up with an open mind and willingness to try something new.

Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

It's no secret that therapy is a big investment of your money, time, and energy. So it is worth it?

Therapy is an investment in YOU - your wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life. I take that investment seriously, and work to support growth and healing in clients that will extend through their lifetime. 

Great question! I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. In my experience, the clients that get the most out of therapy are active participants that work on their developing skills outside the therapy office. I often provide clients with book recommendations, podcast episodes, and videos to enhance learning beyond what we discuss in sessions.

A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much services provided will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

I get asked this a lot, and the answer is YES! In fact, a big portion of my clients are individuals. Being a Marriage and Family Therapist means I examine your concerns through the lens of relationships, both the ones you have now and those that were a part of your childhood. I believe that understanding your story and family of origin can offer a better understanding of your current issues, patterns, and choices.

No, I do not provide family therapy. I work with couples and individual clients only.