FAQs
How do I get started?
You can initiate services via email or phone call. Please include your phone number and the best time to reach you as I will want to schedule 15 minutes to talk. I will not respond to text message inquiries. Our initial contact will start with some logistics around scheduling and payment type, and if there are no obvious conflicts we will discuss what you are seeking from therapy and schedule an intake. I do my best to offer intakes within 1 or 2 weeks of our initial consultation.
Do you accept insurance?
I am an in-network provider with Regence/BlueCross BlueShield, MODA, and First Choice. If you have a different insurer, I may be able to bill them as an out-of-network provider. Please see the ‘Rates’ page for additional and important details.
I can’t afford your full rate. Is there another option for me?
I offer limited sliding scale (aka discounted) fees for clients meeting certain clinical and financial needs. Please read my ‘Rates’ page for details. Rates vary based on availability and circumstance, and because these can be very unique, I will not be able to offer specific pricing until after our initial phone consult. I am invested in making quality therapy affordable and encourage you to ask about my sliding scale agreements if you cannot pay my regular fee.
How often should I see you?
Most people prefer to meet weekly, and some prefer to meet once every-other week. It is entirely up to you and your needs/availability. That being said, it can sometimes be helpful to “get the ball rolling” and schedule weekly sessions for the first 3-5 appointments. I do require at least one billable service per month to keep your file active, even if its only a 20 minute update.
How long do sessions last, and how long will I be in therapy for?
Most sessions typically last between 50-55 minutes on average. It is not possible to give an estimate of duration of treatment due to specific and changing circumstances which are unique to each person. Time in treatment will depend on your goals, your engagement in the process (both in and outside of session), and other factors. Brief Solution-Focused Therapy approaches may result in a shorter duration of treatment for those working on specific short-term goals. Longer treatments may be more appropriate for complex or long-standing issues which are better served by CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing approaches.
What if I have to cancel or I forget my appointment?
I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Any cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be automatically charged a late-cancel or no-show fee of $80 at the time of their scheduled appointment. If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late to session, I will assess the no show fee. All clients are allowed one “freebie” per year in which they will not be charged.
What if I don’t like therapy? Do you have a refund policy?
Due to the nature of the therapeutic process and individual needs, there is no way to guarantee any given outcome from attending therapy. Therefore, I do not offer refunds for services provided under any circumstances. I strongly encourage all of my clients to talk directly with me if they are feeling that what we are doing in session is not helping, and will do my best to improve the situation even if that means referring you to another provider.
Do you offer weekend and/or evening appointments?
I do not offer weekend appointments. Anytime after 5:00 PM is considered an evening appointment and I do not currently offer these in-person. I can provide telemental health (secure video therapy sessions), which can be helpful in navigating logistical and travel-related issues. Please reach out to me if you have further questions about telemental health or evening availability.
How does telemental health work?
Telemental Health, also known as online therapy, is a growing field in which services are provided over HIPAA secure webcam-based technology. I use Doxy.me for my online services. This is a free, easy to use platform which allows clients to access therapy services which would otherwise be too difficult to obtain due to scheduling, travel issues, health concerns, and other issues. I offer Telemental Health to all of my clients, and have select evening appointments available only through this medium.
Do you offer medication management?
No. Medications can only be prescribed by medically trained doctors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or certified psychologists. Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Professional Counselors do not undergo any medication training and do not have medical licenses.
Can I bring my pet to session?
The office I rent only allows for dogs to attend session, and only if there is a therapeutic benefit to doing so. You must talk to me before bringing your dog to session. I do not allow dogs to attend who are not housebroken or who bark/growl under any circumstances. Your dog must be on a leash when you enter and exit the building. Rarely and only for specific reasons, I may bring my own dog to work with me. She weighs about 40 lbs, is accustomed to attending therapy sessions, and has her Canine Good Citizen certification. Because of this possibility, please note that I cannot guarantee that my office will be free of pet dander.
Are you an LGBTQ+ ally?
I am a cisgender female who considers herself to be an ally to all LGBTQ+ individuals. Although I do not consider it to be a specialty of my practice, I have worked with diverse populations over my entire career and have engaged in many dialogues focused on the unique issues LGBTQ+ people face. You will not be judged for who you are when you are working with me. I have supported clients in various stages of transition and am honored to be a part of that process. However, because I am not a specifically culturally trained provider, I will only write letters of support for gender reassignment surgery if clients have a medical doctor who is also willing to write a letter.
What is your stance on non-monogamous relationships?
I believe that consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships belong on the spectrum of normal and healthy relationships. CNM runs the gamut in terms of what relationships can look like, and I consider myself to be open to and allied with those who practice it. As with any type of relationship, consent, communication, and clear expectations are the keys to success.