FAQS
GETTING STARTED
WHAT’S AN INITIAL CONSULTATION?
An initial consultation is a free 15-20 minute call in which we’ll talk about what you’re looking for help with and what your hopes are for therapy. I’ll tell you a bit more about me, how I approach therapy, and how we might work together. I’ll answer any questions you have that might assist you in deciding if we’re a good fit. If we both decide to move forward together, we’ll discuss fees, scheduling, and plan for our first session.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AS A CLIENT?
I hope that you will arrive on time for sessions and be open to communicating feedback with me about how therapy is going and what is working or not working for you. If offering feedback doesn’t come naturally, we’ll work on it together.
WHAT IS YOUR THEORETICAL ORIENTATION? HOW IMPORTANT IS THAT FOR CHOOSING A THERAPIST?
I am influenced by a number of models and theories. Liberation, feminist, and harm reduction approaches; relational and humanistic models; and neurobiology/neuroexperiential models. While some people seek a specific theoretical model when looking for a therapist, one of the best predictors of a successful therapeutic relationship is choosing a therapist based on your feelings of comfort and connection. Please check here for more on approaches I use in my practice.
FEES AND INSURANCE
WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?
My current rate for individual therapy, family coaching, and family sessions is $200 per 50 to 55-minute session. Longer sessions (which I generally recommend) for families or other group constellations are prorated at this rate. I accept payment in the form of cash, check, or electronic payments.
I set and adjust my fees according to my overall client base; your needs and financial circumstances; and a general assessment of the privileges you hold. For example, if you are a white, cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied person, or you are working in a high paying industry (i.e. tech) your fee may be higher than someone who is queer, disabled, or BIPOC or working in a traditionally lower paid environment (i.e. non-profit, teaching, social work). This allows me to offer sliding scale fees to folks who may need it and is one of the ways I address (in)equity of access to mental health resources. No matter who you are/what privileges you hold, I encourage you to speak with me about what your needs are around fees.
At this time, a majority of my practice is sliding scale and I do not have openings for lower fee clients.
CAN I USE MY INSURANCE?
That depends on your insurance plan. Some PPO plans provide coverage for out-of-network providers. Please check with your insurance company before we begin working together to assess whether therapy with an out-of-network provider will be covered.
At your request, I will provide a detailed monthly, or multi-month, statement for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
DO YOU HAVE A SLIDING SCALE?
I do. You can inquire with me if I have an open reduced fee slots. While therapy is an investment in your well-being, it does cost. Please consider what is affordable for your financial circumstances. If you’d like a lower-cost option, there are many programs and options that might work for you. Click the Resources button below to see other options.
SCHEDULING AND DURATION
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO COME TO THERAPY?
I generally work with clients on a weekly or extended* bi-weekly basis until your goals for coming to therapy are met. In most cases, weekly sessions are useful to develop momentum and traction toward achieving your goals. We can discuss working out other configurations which will depend on your goals, and my clinical assessment and availability.
*Extended bi-weekly sessions are 110 minutes every other week
HOW LONG ARE SESSIONS?
Individual sessions are 50-55 minutes. Family and couples’ sessions are generally scheduled for 75 or 100 minutes. Longer and shorter sessions can be arranged. I also offer bi-weekly extended sessions for 110 minutes which are based on your goals and my availability. I also offer Brief Brainspotting Intensives which can be anywhere from 3 to 12 hours scheduled over a few days.
HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT TO BE IN THERAPY?
It depends on what you’re hoping to address in therapy. You can expect to have an idea early on whether or not the work we’re doing is helping you move toward what you want for yourself. Therapy is a relationship so we will check in periodically about how it’s going. I invite you at any time to offer me feedback on how it’s working for you and we will figure out from there how or if we need to adjust what we’re doing.
CAN I CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT?
Yes. I require 24-hour notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. For missed sessions and cancellations within 24 hours of the beginning of your session time, I charge the full session fee. I allow 3 advance (at least 72 hours prior to the start of session) cancellations per year and, if available, may offer a reschedule within the same week if I have an available spot. After the 3 advance cancellations, I charge the full session fee.