FAQs

Fees:
My standard rates are $225 for individual sessions and $245 for couples and families per 50-minute session, with sliding scale options available. For couples who prefer extended time, I offer 80-minute sessions, which many find beneficial. I also provide intensive sessions lasting 3 hours or more for those who need a deeper, focused approach. Teletherapy (online counseling) is also available for your convenience. If cost is a concern, please reach out—I’m committed to finding a way to make it work, and I rarely turn anyone away. Contact me for more details.

GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” 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.

• 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

Availability:
My availability can vary slightly from week to week depending on my schedule. Generally, I offer both daytime and evening slots, and I also work on Saturdays.

Booking:
Sessions are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, and evening and weekend appointments tend to fill up quickly. However, I strive to maintain consistent day and time slots for the sake of continuity.

Telehealth refers to any session or contact conducted through technology, such as phone, text, or video. While telehealth has grown in popularity in recent years, it became an essential alternative to in-person sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic. For our sessions, telehealth is primarily conducted online through a HIPAA-compliant, secure video platform called SimplePractice or, alternatively, through Zoom. In some cases, sessions can be conducted over the phone if reliable internet isn’t available or other circumstances limit video use. However, video sessions are recommended whenever possible, as they most closely resemble traditional in-person therapy.

I am an out-of-network provider, which means I do not bill your insurance directly or communicate with your insurance company on your behalf. If you choose to use your insurance, you will pay for sessions upfront, and then you can seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier. Typically, reimbursements are processed within 2-3 weeks after submission, depending on your insurance provider.

Clients are responsible for paying for services at each session. If requested, my bookkeeping service will email you a superbill after each session, which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

To find out if your insurance will cover counseling with an out-of-network provider:

1. Review your insurance benefits manual or visit their website.
2. Call your insurance company directly—the phone number is usually on the back of your insurance card.

Credit cards are the most commonly accepted form of payment. If you prefer to pay with cash, please bring exact change.

I understand that unexpected things happen. You can cancel or reschedule your appointment with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you provide less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be charged for the appointment.

A sliding scale is when a therapist offers to reduce the cost of sessions for a client who has a financial need to help make therapy more affordable. Many therapists offer a sliding scale and may structure it different ways. I take only a certain number of clients at various reduced rates, between $180-200, when clients cannot afford my full fee.

If you would like to begin therapy, but cannot afford to pay the regular rate, please contact me and ask about a sliding scale. If all my sliding scale spots are full, I will be happy to put you on a waiting list until a spot opens up, or can provide you referrals to our other therapists who may have sliding scale openings.

While I can’t speak for every therapist, there are some common elements you’ll find in many first therapy sessions. Here’s what typically happens in my office when a new client comes in.

I usually start by greeting you with some casual small talk—asking about your day and making sure you’re comfortable. It’s important to ease into a conversation, especially when you’re about to discuss significant aspects of your life with someone new. I’ll ensure you have a comfortable seat, found my office without too much stress, and have a place to settle in.

We’ll begin by reviewing what I already know from the intake paperwork you filled out. This covers the basics like demographics, history, and the general reason you’re seeking therapy. By reviewing this beforehand, we can use our time together to dive into the details rather than going over the basics. I’ll likely ask, “What brings you to therapy?” and “What do you hope to achieve from our work together?”

During our session, I’ll also inquire about additional areas that might be relevant, such as your physical health, work history, and significant relationships. I view our first session as an evaluation—a chance to get a 360-degree view of your life and goals. Sometimes, areas that seem unrelated to the issue at hand turn out to be connected in meaningful ways.

As we talk, I’ll pay close attention not just to what you’re saying, but how you’re saying it, and the emotions underlying your words. Our bodies and non-verbal cues often communicate just as much, if not more, than our words. You might hear me ask questions like, “What are you noticing in your body as you say that?”

Toward the end of our session, we’ll discuss a plan for moving forward, including setting some initial goals and deciding how frequently we’ll meet. I’ll also ask if you have any questions for me—common ones include “How do you propose we approach this problem?” or “How long do you think I’ll need to come?” I welcome any questions you have, and we’ll go over them together.

Finally, we’ll schedule your next appointment, and you’ll be on your way.