• Is therapy really helpful?

• Who benefits from therapy?

Due to several misconceptions about psychotherapy, starting treatment is challenging for many. Overcoming that initial reluctance is worth it, because quality of life is important for everyone. Some people seek services to address identifiable stressors/challenges, and some report: “I just don’t feel like myself lately” or “I want to find joy”. Still others may need help navigating life changes such as a new job or relationship, divorce, or grief.

• Are diagnoses important?

It depends on your view of it. Some clients find diagnoses empowering, as they are able to name something that has caused them a great deal of distress, and connect with others who have had similar experiences. I have heard many say: “I thought it was all in my head”. In clinical practice, if insurance companies are being used, diagnoses are needed. It is the only way insurance companies will pay for services.

• What if I cannot use my insurance?

I offer cash pay, as well.

Alternatively, If I’m not in-network with your plan, you may still be able to use your insurance if you have “out-of-network” benefits. Mentaya is a platform that will file claims and handle the insurance paperwork so you get reimbursed for therapy sessions. They charge a 5%-fee per claim.

I can provide you with a monthly billing statement (aka “superbill”) for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

• What is your rate?

The cost per session is $125, in-person or telehealth. Sessions are 53 minutes long, per industry standard.

• What is psychotherapy like?

Therapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a clinician. This relationship is grounded in dialogue, mutual respect, non-judgmental acceptance and empathy. Therapists implement evidence-based interventions to help their clients work through their problems by learning and implementing healthy coping skills and habits.

Each session is different. Some clients may come in and prefer to discuss a distressful event that took place in the past week, a disturbing dream, or a positive interaction. Others may prefer to focus on interpersonal, problem-solving or emotion regulation skills. Treatment is tailored to meet each client’s needs.

• How long will treatment take?

It depends on several factors, such as the type of problem or disorder, the client’s history, goals and commitment to treatment, life stressors and support systems outside psychotherapy, and how fast the client is able to make progress. Most people find some benefit after a few sessions, while other people and situations take longer – maybe a year or two.

• Do you offer consultations prior to starting treatment?

I offer and recommend consultations to anyone who is considering treatment. Several studies have shown that the quality of the relationship between client and therapist is a reliable and strong predictor of a positive outcome².

We may talk and not “click”, or we may realize that a clinician with a different set of skills/experience would be more helpful to you. That is ok, because treatment is about you.

Therefore, I offer a brief, 15-minute phone consultation to see if we are a good match.

• How do I get started?
  • Look on the back of your insurance card for a phone number for mental or behavioral health and call your insurance company to find out:
    • If your plan covers mental health services
    • If your plan gives you a choice of what kind of mental health professional to see. Some plans may cover only sessions with psychologists, for example. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
    • If there is a deductible – in some plans, you have to pay a certain amount out-of-pocket before your benefits begin paying. Deductibles sometimes are high, and the insurance will not cover any of your treatment until that amount is reached. For that reason, ask how much the deductible is, if mental health services count towards your deductible, and when the deductible starts again (in the beginning of the year vs. your employer’s fiscal year)
    • What your copayment is. This is determined by your insurance and paid directly to your clinician prior to the session
    • If there is a limited number of sessions covered by your plan

• From there or if you are not using a health insurance plan:
  • Connect with me so I can obtain your full name, phone number and e-mail address. Due to HIPAA laws, all communication pertaining to treatment will be made by e-mail, not text messages
  • Choose an appointment day/time that suits your schedule
  • Read and complete all the intake paperwork at least 48 hours prior to our first session
  • If we are meeting in-person, make sure you know where the office is located
  • If we are meeting through telehealth, make sure you have privacy, a reliable internet connection and that your camera is on. I do not offer phone therapy
  • For your convenience and to avoid delays in our sessions, an invoice link will be sent to you prior to our session. If you prefer, I can collect payment at the office
  • Arrive on time, take a deep breath, and welcome the new you

• What’s your attendance policy?

A late cancellation or a no-show affects you, your clinician and another client who could have potentially utilized that time slot.

When booking appointments, please consider your best time of the day, work schedule, family responsibilities and other commitments. If you do not know your availability, we can schedule sessions on a weekly basis. However, once an appointment is booked, that time is reserved specifically for you. Therefore, a minimum of 24-hours’ notice is required for rescheduling or cancelling appointments.

Anytime you do not attend a scheduled appointment or cancel less than 24 hours in advance, you will be charged the full price of the session.

1. American Psychological Association. Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. 2016. ↩︎
2. Horvath, A. O. (2001). The alliance. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 38(4), 365–372. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-3204.38.4.365
    
   Martin, D. J., Garske, J. P., & Davis, M. K. (2000). Relation of the therapeutic alliance with outcome and other variables: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(3), 438–450. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.68.3.438 ↩︎