ARE YOU ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS? Yes! I currently do have availability for both in-person and telehealth.
HOW DO I KNOW IF YOU'RE THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR ME? If you've spent some time looking around my website and it feels like this could be a good fit, that's usually a good sign. The truth is, though, we won't really know until we meet. Therapy is a relationship, and the right fit has as much to do with how comfortable you feel in the room as anything you've read online. That's why I don't offer consultation calls—I prefer to get into the first session and see how it feels for both of us.
DO I HAVE TO BE IN CRISIS TO COME TO THERAPY? Not at all! Of course, plenty of people come to therapy because something significant has happened and they can no longer manage it on their own. But there's no threshold of trauma, anxiety, or depression you have to reach before you're "allowed" to ask for help. I also see lots of people who come simply because they want a dedicated time and space to process what's going on in their lives, gain perspective, or better understand themselves and their relationships.
As a society, I think we've moved away from therapy being such a "big deal," so it makes sense that not every therapy client has such "big deal" problems. If it's on your mind, it's worth talking about.
HOW DO I GET STARTED? Once you're ready, we'll schedule an appointment—usually over email. Then I'll send you a link to my secure client portal where you can review and electronically sign your paperwork before we meet. There's also a short questionnaire that gives me a little background information about you.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE FIRST SESSION? During our first session, I'll give you a quick rundown of anything not already covered here, answer any logistical questions, and then we'll jump into talking about you.You can start very generally or go right for the heart of why you're here. It doesn't matter to me—we're going to get to all of it eventually, so I like to start wherever feels best for you. At first I'm usually a little quieter because I'm mostly just listening. I'll ask some questions about what you're sharing just so I make sure I'm understanding everything correctly. The first session can feel like a big download because you're catching me up on things. As sessions progress, we start talking about your goals for therapy (it's totally okay and normal if you're not exactly sure right away).
HOW OFTEN DO WE MEET AND HOW LONG DOES THERAPY LAST? In the beginning I always like to meet weekly while we're getting to know each other, but I also live in the real world, and between time and money, weekly isn't always an option for people. We'll discuss together what your frequency should be based on your needs and your ability. As things start improving, you might space out sessions as you progress, which is totally fine and normal. We will always make these decisions together based on what is right for you. There is no one-size-fits-all.
WHAT IF WE'RE NOT A GOOD FIT? That can happen! I don't take it personally, and I'll make a referral to another provider for you. It's important to have a good therapeutic relationship because that's what helps you feel comfortable and safe enough to dig into the work you're coming here to do.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE? I am an out-of-network provider, which means payment is made directly to me at the time of your appointment. If your insurance plan offers out-of-network mental health benefits, I can provide a monthly Superbill that you can submit for possible reimbursement. Every insurance plan is different, so my suggestion is always to reach out to your insurance carrier and ask whether your plan offers out-of-network benefits for psychotherapy with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
HOW MUCH DOES THERAPY COST? Sessions are $150 per hour for self-pay. When you start, there will be an option on the client portal for you to enter a credit card or an HSA/Flex card for payment. The card on file will be charged at the end of every session for your fee or co-payment unless you prefer another form of payment. If you'd like a Superbill to submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement, just let me know and they will automatically go out each month.
WHAT ARE YOUR DAYS/HOURS? I see clients Monday through Thursday. I have daytime and evening hours; however, evening appointments tend to fill quickly, as many people need to come after work. Typically it's easier to get started quickly if you have flexibility in scheduling and can be seen during the daytime. I do not have any weekend availability.
Hopefully this answered most of your questions. If not, don't worry—you're always welcome to reach out via email to talk more. Therapy can feel like a big first step, and it's completely okay if you still have questions before deciding to take that next step.