Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time seeing a therapist or even if you have seen other therapists before, here are some commonly asked questions that may help you decide if this is a good fit for you! If you still have questions, please feel free to contact me.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and health/wellness coaching?
Great question! Psychotherapy is a therapeutic process that addresses mental health issues, emotional struggles, and psychological challenges. If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, or stress, psychotherapy can help you explore the underlying causes of these challenges and develop strategies for healing and personal growth. Wellness coaching, on the other hand, focuses on helping clients set and achieve goals related to overall well-being, health improvement, and personal growth. Wellness coaches work with individuals who are looking to enhance their lifestyle, create healthy habits, and make long-term positive changes that support their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Do you accept insurance?
I am on Out of Network (OON) provider. I work with a medical biller that can assist in submitting claims on your behalf.
To determine if you have mental health coverage, please call your insurance provider (their number is usually on the back of your insurance card). Here are a few questions to ask when getting started:
Does my plan include “out-of-network” coverage for mental health?
Is there an annual deductible for out-of-network mental health benefits? If so, how much?
Does my plan require per-authorization for psychotherapy?
Do I need approval for a 45-minute session with CPT code 90834 or a 60-minute session with CPT code 90837?
Is there a limit on number of sessions and out-of-pocket expenses per year? How much?
What is the out of pocket cost per session without insurance?
$150/45 minute session and $175/60 minute session. Couples therapy and EMDR services are $200 for a 60-90 minute session due to the nature of the work.
How long is a therapy session?
Therapy sessions are 45 or 60 minutes in length depending on the modality or need of the client.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes, absolutely. What you share in sessions is completely confidential with only three caveats: 1) immediate threat of harm to self or others, 2) suspicion or confirmation of child or elder abuse, 3) in the case of a court ordered subpoena.
If you have questions or concerns about any of these cases, we can discuss them in more detail in your first session or before we begin.
What can I expect from the first session?
Our first in-person meeting is sometimes called an intake session. It is an information gathering session, where I will gather your history and pressing issues and we will decide together if therapy is a good fit for you at that time. It’s also a place for you to ask any questions you may have. Please be aware that the first session is not complimentary and the full session price will be charged. However, I do offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation to explore if therapy is right for you and if we’d be a good fit.
How long will therapy last? When will I know when I am done?
The length of therapy looks different for everyone depending on what you are working on and how comfortable you feel managing it. You can trust that I will check in with you throughout the process to get a feel for where you are at.
How does online video counseling work? Is it confidential?
Yes, I do offer online video counseling and yes, it is as confidential as it can possibly be. I conduct video counseling on a secure laptop in my office space using a HIPAA compliant tele-medicine platform. I also insist that clients take the call in a secure room so you can feel comfortable being completely open and honest during your session. I follow every protocol I can to ensure data and privacy security measures have been upheld in order to safeguard your private information.