Frequently Asked Questions
I'm ready to get help! How do I become a new client?
The first step is to schedule a free consultation so that we can get to know each other and decide whether we're a good fit. Please include your email, phone number, the times you are available for a consultation, and whether you would like to connect by phone or video.
What happens during the free consultation?
The free consultation is about 20 minutes long. It's a great opportunity for us to learn more about each other before deciding whether to work together. We'll briefly discuss the issues you'd like to address in therapy along with your goals. We'll talk about what qualities you're looking for in a therapist and I'll share about my approach to therapy. If you have questions about working together the consultation is a great time to ask. If you decide to work together, I'll send you some initial paperwork to complete electronically prior to our first therapy session.
What will my first therapy session look like?
In your first session, we'll discuss the issues you've been experiencing and your goals for therapy in greater detail than we were able to during the consultation. We'll collaborate to create a plan of how we'll address your issues throughout our work together. I may suggest skills for you to work on, or share resources for you to look at, before our next session.
What types of issues do you treat?
I specialize in helping people with anxiety and depression and low self-esteem and trauma as well as people in helping professions
If you have questions about working together on an issue not listed here, please reach out! I'm happy to see if I can help or if I know of a therapist who would be a good fit for you.
What is your therapeutic approach?
I am a strengths-based person-centered therapist. This means that we will use your existing strengths to help you be successful in therapy while adding new skills along the way. This also means that I see you as an individual and an equal. The resources I offer come from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).
How often should I come in for therapy?
When starting our work together, I strongly recommend meeting weekly for at least one month. This helps us establish a trusting and secure relationship more quickly. It also helps you learn and implement new skills more quickly so that you see faster progress. After you're able to maintain progress you're happy with, we can decrease the frequency of our sessions to bi-weekly appointments if you choose to do so.
EMDR therapy works best when we're meeting on a weekly basis.
How do I get the best results with therapy?
I’ve found that clients see the best and fastest results when they're consistent with therapy appointments and open to trying new things. Being motivated to work on yourself outside of therapy through self reflection and practicing new skills helps with progress as well. I'll help you be successful by giving you worksheets, articles, and exercises to practice on your own between our sessions.
What is your fee? Do you offer a sliding scale?
My fee is $140 per 45 minute session and $150 per 55 minute session. 55 minute sessions are recommended for EMDR therapy.
I have a few sliding scale spots in my schedule for clients who are unable to afford my full rate. If you are in need of a reduced rate, please let me know what you are able to afford. If I'm unable to meet you where you're at, I'll help you find a therapist who can.
Do you accept insurance?
I am not in network with any insurance companies.
If you would like to submit bills to your insurance company for potential reimbursement through your out of network benefits, I can provide you with a statement at the end of each month. Because I understand that the world of insurance can be very difficult to navigate, I am happy to call your insurance on your behalf to find out about your out of network benefits.
How do I know if my insurance will reimburse me for our sessions?
To learn more about the possibility of being reimbursed for our appointments through your out of network benefits, I recommend calling the "member services" phone number on the back of your insurance card and asking the following questions:
Do I have out of network benefits?
What is my out of network deductible? This is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts to reimburse you.
What is my out of network coinsurance? This is the percentage your insurance will pay after your deductible is met.
What is my out of network out of pocked maximum? This is the maximum amount of your own money you will pay
When does my deductible renew?
Keep in mind that your insurance likely will not tell you the exact amount they will reimburse for our sessions. Also be aware that reimbursement can take several weeks or months to process.
What methods of payment do you accept?
I accept credit, debit, HSA, and FSA cards.
Do you offer online appointments? What are the pros and cons of teletherapy?
Yes! I offer video appointments via a secure teletherapy platform.
Research shows that for many mental health treatments, telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy. Barriers to in-person therapy sessions include distance, bad weather, physical illness, or work/school schedules. These barriers are not issues with teletherapy. Teletherapy clients find it helpful to do the sometimes difficult work of therapy from the comfort of their own home with familiar surroundings.
Since teletherapy generally only shows faces rather than full body, some nuances of communication via body language can be missed. Likewise, if there is a poor video or sound connection, communication can be difficult or frustrating. Overall, for people who are at least somewhat familiar with using computers and smartphones, teletherapy is safe, effective, and convenient.
Are you offering in-person sessions?
I've found that teletherapy appointments are just as effective as in-person sessions without the barriers, and the vast majority of my clients prefer teletherapy. As a result, I'm not offering in-person therapy sessions at this time.