Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if this is a good fit?

In order to make sure I am the right therapist for you or your child, I first offer a free phone consultation to share more about the process, my approach, and to answer any questions you might have. I then share the next steps in setting up an initial intake session, where we discuss current symptoms, background information, and treatment strategies and goals that you may have.

What should I expect from my first session?

Our first session is spent discussing current symptoms, what you are wanting to work on in therapy, creating individualized goals, and just getting to know each other! I understand everyone may be at a different place when they are starting therapy, so whatever you are willing to share is an OK place to start. I also try to play get-to-know-you games with children and teens to make the space feel comfortable and approachable.

I'm a minor or a caregiver; how is confidentiality handled?

I will always discuss confidentiality at our first session. For therapy to be optimally effective, it needs to be a space where someone feels able to disclose their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and behaviors without fear of judgment. There must also be confidence and trust that their therapist will not share this information with anyone else. For therapy to work, you or your child needs to trust me and feel safe sharing in session. If there is something we wish to tell a caregiver, then we work together to find ways to do that.

The only exceptions to confidentiality are if someone is in serious danger, they have plans to hurt themselves, or tell me of plans to hurt someone else. When this is the case, I still only release information relevant to the safety issue, which does not include unrelated personal details about our sessions.

How does Telehealth work?

I offer HIPAA compliant Telehealth sessions to clients who are a good fit for this. I send the link at the time of the session where using a computer or another device automatically links you to the session. It is required that the space you or your child are using is private and confidential as it would be if the session were being conducted in person.

How long does therapy last?

It depends! After our initial intake, I can share an estimated length of treatment expected based on current severity of symptoms. Throughout treatment, I continue to share updates and communicate my recommendations of frequency (how often I am seeing someone) and when we expect to conclude treatment. I do my best to be as transparent as possible on the overall progress.

What is a "Good Faith Estimate"?

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate (GFE)” explaining how much your medical care 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. I am an OON Provider (see above), which requires me to offer you a GFE. If you became a client before January 1st 2022, you will receive this estimate by that date. If you become a client after this date, you will receive one at least 1 business day before our first appointment.

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

Why don't you accept insurance?

I value quality care and your privacy. Insurances can dictate how many sessions you are allotted and may refuse to cover services that I deem necessary. Additionally, insurances require diagnoses and may only cover certain ones. You are coming to me because of my expertise in the field. With insurance involvement, insurance dictates the plan for treatment instead of us collectively. Additionally, insurances have access to your chart, which contains your private health information, and I realize there may be information you want to remain private and share with no one, or whomever you deem fit.