Frequently Asked Questions
Finances & Insurance
What are your rates?
My rates are $175 for 50-minute initial intake session and $125 for subsequent 50-minute individual counseling sessions.
Do you accept insurance?
As a private pay therapist, I don't bill insurance companies directly. Instead, clients keep a card on file, which is charged on the day of our scheduled appointment before we meet, unless you prefer to pay in cash.
If you're interested, I can create a superbill on the first of the following month for any sessions from the previous month. Depending on your insurance and out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be able to submit this superbill for reimbursement.
What is a superbill and how do I submit superbills to my insurance?
A superbill is an itemized receipt for health services that clients use to obtain reimbursement for out-of-network services.
I recommend contacting your insurance company directly to inquire about your out-of-network mental health coverage and the process for submitting superbills. This will help you determine if working with me is a good fit financially.
What payment methods do you accept?
I run a prepayment practice, which means billing will be run before your appointment time using your card on file (unless you decide to pay with cash). If clients choose to pay with a card, there is a processing fee. To avoid the processing fee, clients can pay with cash.
What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
I ask for 48 business hour notice if you wish to reschedule or cancel your appointment and avoid a fee. Any appointments rescheduled or cancelled within 24-48 business hours of the session time will be charged a late cancellation fee of $50. Any appointments rescheduled or cancelled within 24 business hours of the session time will be billed the full cost of service. Weekend hours do not count in the timeframe when determining late cancellation windows.
For example, if you have an appointment scheduled on Tuesday at 9 am, you would need to reschedule or cancel by Friday at 9 am to avoid a fee. If you reschedule or cancel between Friday at 9 am and Monday at 9 am, there would be a $50 fee. If you reschedule or cancel after Monday at 9 am, you would be charged the full cost of service (typically $125).
Working Together
I’m new to therapy and have no idea what to expect. Help!
First off, I want to validate that going to therapy for the first time, or after a less-than-ideal experience, can be so anxiety-inducing. Props to you for continuing on this journey even though it can be annoying and scary!
Make sure to read all the FAQs to see if your questions are answered and to get a better idea of what to expect. If you still have questions or concerns that are unanswered, don’t hesitate to reach out and I’ll get back to you within 48 business hours.
The way I see it, therapy works best when the therapist and client can both be themselves, say what’s on their mind, and take the pressure off. Know that a lot of folks’ first sentences during the intake are “I don’t know where to start, I don’t know what to say, and/or I’m so nervous.” There’s nothing wrong with that and I always appreciate the honesty!
Remember, it’s my job to do what I can to help you feel comfortable and guide you along the process. It’s not all on you to make conversation or have an agenda for what is discussed. We’ll get through each session and clunky moment together while making sure we do what’s best for you.
What can I expect during our consultation call?
The consultation call is a brief, informal chat that helps us get a better feel for each other. I'll ask about what you're looking for from therapy, I'll tell you about how I'd approach us working together, and answer any questions you have. If, for whatever reason, I’m not the best fit, I'll provide you with referrals for other therapists. If we both are interested in moving forward, we'll schedule your initial intake session!
What can I expect during the initial intake session?
I'll spend about 10-20 minutes going over some key points from the paperwork before we have a more casual, flow-y conversation. The conversational part can look like you sharing what’s on your mind, us continuing to discuss what brings you to therapy, and/or what goals you have. At the end of the session, we'll look at scheduling a standing appointment.
How often will we meet?
For new clients, I offer weekly and biweekly appointments.
How do I/you determine my starting out frequency?
Ideally, all new clients would start out at a weekly frequency! At the start of therapy, clients and I are tasked with building rapport and going over their life story, in addition to what's bringing them in now. It's a lot to accomplish and process in less than one hour once a week. If we start out meeting biweekly, it's a bigger task because even more life happens and more time passes between appointments.
That being said, I recognize that sometimes biweekly is the most feasible option for clients. If clients and I start working together on a biweekly frequency, I remind them that it may take us longer to build rapport and momentum, and to process all that they'd like to.
What clients do you work with?
I am accepting new clients 18 and older.
I do my best work with adults who want to work through anxiety, grief, identity, irritability/anger, and disordered eating. I really enjoy working with college students and adults in their 20s-40s who value authenticity and transparency.
I have experience successfully working with clients who have a specific amount of sessions they can commit to, such as college students who are home over the summer, and adults who are open to doing longer-term work.
When do you offer appointments?
I offer appointments Mondays and Thursdays 2-6 pm (the last appointment starting at 5 pm) and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8 am-12 pm (the last appointment starting at 11 am).
Can we meet virtually?
I offer in-person appointments. Since I am telehealth certified, I am open to meeting with established clients virtually in the case of extenuating circumstances, such as inclement weather.
How long will therapy last?
Every client’s situation is different so it’s hard to to give a pat answer to this.
I have worked with clients for set short-term periods, such as a few months, and for longer periods, such as a number of months to years before they decide to stop treatment.
I recommend clients trust the process and be transparent with me about any changes in their situation that may affect their appointment frequency, and any concerns they have about their time in therapy. That way we can openly discuss your concerns and come up with a game plan.
How can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?
I use an electronic health records (EHR) system called SimplePractice that allows clients to schedule appointments and make any changes on the app. I recommended downloading the app to easily reschedule/cancel appointments and communicate via the secure messaging platform.
How do I download the SimplePractice app?
Search for "SimplePractice Client Portal" in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
Tap "Get" or "Install”
Sign in using the email address associated with your Client Portal and select "Send Link" to receive a sign-in link via email