Frequently Asked Questions

Logistics & Scheduling

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What are your hours?

My typical hours are 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (last sessions start at 6:00 pm), Monday through Thursday. I do not currently offer weekend or late-night appointments.

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Do you offer telehealth or in-person sessions?

I offer both telehealth and in-person sessions depending on your location and needs. However, I may require in-person sessions if I determine that your specific situation requires the safety and support of a physical office environment to be effective.

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How long is a typical session?

A standard psychotherapy session is 53–55 minutes.

What is your cancellation policy? Consistency is key to our work, so your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. If you need to reschedule or cancel, please provide at least 24 hours' notice. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice (or "no-shows") will be subject to the full session fee, as insurance companies do not cover missed appointments.

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The Therapy Process

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What happens during the first session?

The first session is a time for information gathering and establishing comfort. Unlike regular follow-up sessions, this appointment focuses on understanding the context of your life. We will discuss your personal history, family background, and health habits to build a complete picture of who you are. We will also review the "rules of the road" regarding privacy and confidentiality. Most importantly, we will clarify exactly what you hope to get out of therapy so we can create a roadmap for our work together.

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How often should we meet?

I prefer to meet with clients weekly, especially in the beginning. This allows us to build a relationship, earn trust, and generate momentum in treatment. Consistency is vital for therapy to work effectively. Once we begin meeting your goals and things become more stable, we can move to less frequent appointments (bi-weekly or monthly) for maintenance as needed.

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How long does therapy usually last?

Therapy duration varies based on your unique circumstances and needs. Some people get what they need in just a few sessions, while many benefit from 6 months to a year of consistent work. Others find value in a longer-term ongoing therapeutic relationship.

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Do you prescribe medication?

As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), my scope of practice focuses on talk therapy and behavioral tools. I do not prescribe medication, but I can refer you to trusted healthcare providers who do.

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Money & Insurance

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Do you take my insurance?

I am currently an in-network provider for:

• Regence BlueCross BlueShield

• Select Health

Through my partnership with Headway, I am also able to work with clients across several other insurance networks. You can check your eligibility on my Headway profile here.

Important: Please contact your insurance provider prior to our first session to verify your coverage. Even if I am in-network, your specific plan may have a deductible that must be met before insurance pays for sessions, or a copay due at the time of service. Knowing these details upfront helps us avoid financial surprises later.

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What are your rates?

• Initial 15-20-minute Consultation: Free

• Standard Psychotherapy Session (53 mins): $150 (Private Pay)

• If you are using insurance, your rate is determined by your specific insurance plan (e.g., your copay or deductible).

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How does payment work?

A credit, debit, or HSA/FSA card is kept on file in our secure client portal. Payment is due at the time of service. This card will be charged for your copay, deductible, or full private-pay fee. If for any reason your insurance does not cover a session, I will do my best to notify you promptly so we can discuss options.

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What is a "Good Faith Estimate?"

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.

• 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.

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Why might I choose "Private Pay" instead of using insurance?

While using insurance can help reduce immediate costs, many clients choose private pay (paying out-of-pocket) for a few important reasons:

• Privacy & Your Medical Record: To pay for treatment, insurance companies require a formal mental health diagnosis (such as Major Depressive Disorder or Generalized Anxiety). This diagnosis becomes part of your permanent medical record. Private pay keeps your therapy completely confidential, and no diagnosis is reported to a third party.

• No "Label" Required: You may want support for life transitions, relationship issues, or personal growth without meeting the strict clinical criteria for a mental illness. Private pay allows us to work on your goals without forcing a medical label on your experience.

• Freedom of Treatment: Insurance plans often limit the number of sessions, the frequency of care, or the specific therapeutic approach allowed. Paying privately ensures that you and I—not an insurance claims adjuster—decide what treatment plan is best for you.