How do I get started?

This is often the hardest part, so don’t worry if you find yourself hesitating. Please reach out to me; I offer a free 15-minute consultation to determine if my services are a good fit. If it seems like they are, then you will be given instructions on how to access the client portal, and we’ll schedule your first appointment. If it doesn’t seem like we’re a good fit, that’s ok! It’s very important that you receive the appropriate mental health care and I simply cannot offer it all, or at least not to the standard I expect. If that’s the case, I’ll give you referrals to other providers who may be able to better meet your specific needs.

How much does it cost?

• The initial intake appointment is 60 minutes and costs $300.

• An individual therapy session is typically 45 minutes and costs $200. Sessions can also be scheduled for 30 minutes ($150) or 60 minutes ($250), depending on your needs.

• A family therapy session is 50 minutes and costs $225. Family therapy sessions are often useful when family support is critical to treatment, like when helping a child with therapy homework for OCD or supporting a partner with food challenges for an eating disorder.

Is it covered by my health insurance?

While I am not in-network with any insurance companies at this time, you may be eligible to receive partial reimbursement of session costs by utilizing out-of-network benefits. Start by easily checking your benefits, so you’ll know if you have out-of-network benefits and how much you’d end up paying per session. I’m happy to provide a superbill so you can submit claims to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. If paperwork isn’t your thing, you can also seek reimbursement via a streamlined process through Mentaya. Mentaya will file claims and handle the insurance company to make sure you get reimbursed in a timely manner. You don’t have to figure out what to send or where, and Mentaya is there to help if any issues arise. They charge a risk-free 5% fee per claim. You can sign up for Mentaya here. Note: Mentaya's goal is to save you time and hassle. It's completely optional, and I do not benefit in any way from your participation.

Do you offer a sliding scale or reduced rate?

I am a member of Open Path Collective, a nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing affordable mental health care to clients in need. This nonprofit service has a one-time client membership fee of $65, and therapy fees range from $40 - $70 per session. Joining also provides you with access to other member therapists, if you ever needed or wanted to work with someone else in the future. Contact me or check on Open Path’s website to see if I have any current openings for reduced-fee sessions.

What happens during a therapy appointment?

Initially, I will share with you what you can expect from therapy and our work together; this process is called informed consent. I will spend much of the first and possibly second appointment getting to know you, which means I’ll ask a lot of questions! We’ll discuss what you want to focus on during our work together and then set some goals. Subsequent sessions will be spent addressing those chosen topics through thoughtfully-applied therapeutic interventions. We will assess your progress at various points along the way, allowing me to receive feedback and make adjustments as needed. This process lets us work toward accomplishing your goals while respecting your individual needs and timeline.

How does teletherapy work?

All you need is internet and a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer with video capabilities. After finding a private place to be, you will sign into the client portal and click on the link for your session. This will bring you to a secure, HIPAA-compliant video-platform where we can see and talk to each other, just like if we were in person. As a licensed psychologist and member of PSYPACT, I am able to work via telehealth with clients who are in any of the states participating in PSYPACT.

Can you prescribe medication?

I cannot prescribe medication - only psychiatrists, certain medical providers, and psychologists with prescription privileges can do that. However, I'm happy to collaborate with your doctor or psychiatrist if medication is something you're considering or already taking. For many people, a combination of therapy and medication works well, while others prefer to try therapy alone first.

What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help?

There are many reasons previous therapy might not have worked - wrong fit with the therapist, wrong approach for your specific issues, not enough time, or perhaps you weren't ready at that point. Specialized approaches can be much more effective than general talk therapy. It's worth giving it another try with someone who specializes in what you're dealing with.

How do I know if we're a good fit?

A good therapeutic relationship is essential for progress. You should feel heard, understood, and like I "get" what you're dealing with. It's also important that my approach makes sense to you and that you feel comfortable being honest with me. If after a few sessions something doesn't feel right, we can talk about it - sometimes adjustments help, and other times a referral to someone else might be the best option. Your comfort and progress are what matter most.