Frequently Asked Questions

  • To begin, you can fill out the contact form on this website to request a free initial consultation over the phone, which lasts 15-20 minutes, or to schedule a full intake appointment. Before we can book your first session, you'll need to complete some intake documents. To ensure your privacy and security, these documents will be made available to you through a HIPAA-compliant, secure link to Alma, my Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Initial appointments are scheduled only after these forms are filled out and submitted.

  • For clients who pay privately, sessions are approximately 50-55 minutes. If you are using insurance, please note that most plans specify that sessions should be 45-52 minutes due to billing requirements. We will discuss the specifics of session lengths during your intake appointment to ensure clarity and meet your needs effectively.

  • During our initial session, we'll conduct a thorough review of your history and the main concerns that have led you to seek therapy. We'll set measurable goals and discuss how to track your progress. We'll also go over informed consent, including your confidentiality rights, and I'll answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel comfortable and informed moving forward.

  • The duration of therapy varies significantly depending on individual needs and goals. Some clients find that they achieve their objectives within just 4-6 sessions, while others may benefit from several months of therapy. Together, we will develop a personalized plan of care that outlines your goals and expectations, ensuring transparency throughout your therapeutic journey.

    To respect your time and to ensure a smooth transition, we begin planning for the end of your therapy well in advance of your last session. This approach helps us avoid a rushed discharge process and ensures a thoughtful conclusion to your therapy.

  • The fee for a standard 50-minute therapy session is $225. For a 60-minute session, including initial assessments, the fee is $275.

    If you are using your health insurance, the fees per session may vary based on your specific plan. We will discuss all fees in advance to ensure transparency. Copays and any other applicable charges are billed at the time of service.

  • Yes, I am in network with several insurance providers to accommodate a range of coverage options. Here are the providers I currently accept, listed in alphabetical order:

    Aetna

    Allied Benefit Systems - Aetna

    AllSavers UHC

    Christian Brothers Services - Aetna

    Health Plans Inc.

    Health Scope - Aetna

    Meritain

    Nippon

    Oscar

    Oxford Health Plans

    Surest (Formerly Bind)

    Trustmark Health Benefits - Aetna

    Trustmark Small Business Benefits - Aetna

    UHC Student Resources

    United Healthcare Shared Services

    UnitedHealthcare

    UnitedHealthcare Global

    UMR

    All billing is managed through Alma, ensuring secure and efficient handling of insurance claims and payments.

  • Choosing between using insurance or paying privately for therapy is an important decision. While insurance can make mental health services more accessible, it may also impose certain limitations:

    Insurance Restrictions: When using insurance, the terms are often dictated by the managed care company. This can limit how I can customize our sessions to fully align with your personal goals for therapy. Typically, the duration and frequency of sessions are controlled, and I am required to diagnose your condition. This diagnosis then becomes part of your permanent medical record.

    Privacy and Flexibility: Insurance companies may request access to your therapy files to audit and assess the progress, affecting your privacy. They decide if further therapy sessions are necessary based on their criteria.

    Private Pay Benefits: Opting for private pay means greater flexibility. You can schedule sessions as needed without a required mental health diagnosis or the need to meet specific criteria set by an insurance provider. This option allows us to tailor our sessions purely based on your needs and progress as determined through our collaborative efforts, without external interference.

    How to Proceed:

    If you choose to use your insurance, please contact your provider to confirm your benefits for counseling. For those opting for private pay, you can start therapy more quickly and with fewer prerequisites. If using insurance, you will receive a link from me for Alma, my billing company. Here, you will need to enter your information for insurance verification before we can schedule your first session.

    I recommend we discuss the best option for you during our initial consultation, allowing you to make a fully informed decision based on your personal circumstances and therapy goals.

  • I typically respond to messages and contacts within one business day. Please note that I am not available for immediate or emergency responses outside of regular business hours. If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, do not wait for a response from me; instead, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room for immediate assistance.

  • Appointments must be cancelled within 24 hours. If an appointment is canceled with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged the full session fee.

  • You are considered ready to conclude therapy when you have met your established goals. We will regularly review your progress and adjust as needed to ensure the therapy is effective. Concluding therapy is a collaborative process, and we will decide together when you are ready to move on.