FAQ & Fees
It is natural to have lots of questions about beginning therapy. I hope the list below helps you to find some of those answers. If there is something I have not answered below please drop me a line or give me a call.
Telehealth and in-person sessions now available.
(M/F virtual only, T/Th in-person and virtual)
I am currently providing care in-person or via video in an effort to mitigate the risks associated with contracting COVID-19. I find that both video and phone have their advantages and drawbacks with regards to technology stability and outside distractions. I also find therapy to be very effective in both in-person and virtual formats including somatic and mindfulness practices. Video and phone also offer the ease of more flexible scheduling without the added concern of drive time and potential childcare.
How long do sessions last?
Sessions typically last 55 minutes though we will use the last few minutes to review, process payment (if you don't have a card on file) discuss "homework" and schedule your next session.
Couples may decide to schedule 90 minute sessions to give ample time for meeting your needs. 90 minute sessions are available by request in advance.
How often will I need to go to therapy and for how long? What will happen?
I understand that the frequency of sessions may in part be dictated by your schedule and financial resources. For individuals I recommend weekly therapy at first so I can gain a deeper understanding of your hopes for therapy and so you can begin to gain some insight into your own experiences. After 6-8 sessions we may decide to shift to bi-weekly sessions. I do not recommend monthly sessions because much of the time is spent "catching up" instead of working on your goals for change. I enjoy long-term work and believe that anyone can benefit from "being seen, heard and known" in a long-term therapeutic relationship. I find that needs change over time and the continuity of having your history held by a non-judgmental, supportive other can be profoundly beneficial.
3/2021 I am not currently able to hold space for new couples. Existing couple clients please email me for availability. Couples will benefit from 1-2 sessions to assess their goals and needs for therapy. Depending on the kind of changes desired by both partners, therapy may be brief (1-6 sessions) or longer term (7 or more sessions). I find that 90 minute sessions are most beneficial for couples but understand that the cost may be prohibitive. Be aware that 55 minute sessions may feel "short" but I will do my best to help us maximize our time together by minimizing time spent complaining about or rehashing frustrating events and moving directly into establishing boundaries that support building intimacy, trust and understanding.
Couples also can benefit from establishing a long-term therapeutic relationship with someone over time that they can return to in times of increased stress, difficulty or transition to "check-in" on the health of the relationship.
Please know that I cannot guarantee the outcome of couple's therapy and it is possible that therapy may end with one or both partners deciding to end the relationship. My goal is honor the time that you have spent together, your current experience and feelings as well as attending to any "unintended consequences".
Ultimately you are the only one who can determine your desire continue in the relationship. Effective couple's work takes the deep commitment of both partners and a willingness to look honestly at your individual contributions to the challenges being faced in the relationship.
Ending therapy is just as important as beginning it.
When you decide to leave therapy is ultimately up to you. The best ending is one that is done collaboratively with the therapist so that your goals for coming to therapy can be discussed, any lingering concerns can be addressed and benchmarks for determining how to gauge future functioning can be determined.
Do you work with teens?
(At this time I am not accepting new adolescent clients. 3/2020)
Do you accept insurance?
I understand that therapy is a commitment of time, energy and financial resources. I am currently in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and its subsidiaries. (This does not include Anthem HIP)
Please understand that using your insurance requires that I submit a diagnosis code with a diagnostic impression. I collaborate with my clients to determine what seems to be the best fit.
Before you call to schedule your first appointment please contact your plan administrator to determine if psychotherapy services will be covered. Many times folks find out that their insurance plan puts mental health service charges toward the annual deductible so you will be charged either the full fee or the Anthem negotiated rate for your services. Additionally, couple therapy may not be covered.
I do not accept other insurance. I will provide paperwork for out of network billing upon request.
What is the cost?
My psychotherapy fees are as follows:
$150, initial session
$120, 55 minute appointment
$150, 90 minute appointment
I do not offer a sliding scale.
I accept cash, check, most major credit cards as well as HSA and FSA cards.
For established clients missed appointments and appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice are billed at the full session fee.
Payment processing is done through Ivy Pay and I require each client to have a card on file.
Do you offer phone consultations?
At this time I offer consultations via email to see of there is a match in terms of schedule availability and my fee structure. After that brief email exchange we will either talk by phone or I will prove you with leads on potential referrals.
How do I schedule?
You may email me to inquire abut available appointments. I do not have weekend hours.
(M/F virtual only, T/Th in-person and virtual)
I am currently providing care in-person or via video in an effort to mitigate the risks associated with contracting COVID-19. I find that both video and phone have their advantages and drawbacks with regards to technology stability and outside distractions. I also find therapy to be very effective in both in-person and virtual formats including somatic and mindfulness practices. Video and phone also offer the ease of more flexible scheduling without the added concern of drive time and potential childcare.
How long do sessions last?
Sessions typically last 55 minutes though we will use the last few minutes to review, process payment (if you don't have a card on file) discuss "homework" and schedule your next session.
Couples may decide to schedule 90 minute sessions to give ample time for meeting your needs. 90 minute sessions are available by request in advance.
How often will I need to go to therapy and for how long? What will happen?
I understand that the frequency of sessions may in part be dictated by your schedule and financial resources. For individuals I recommend weekly therapy at first so I can gain a deeper understanding of your hopes for therapy and so you can begin to gain some insight into your own experiences. After 6-8 sessions we may decide to shift to bi-weekly sessions. I do not recommend monthly sessions because much of the time is spent "catching up" instead of working on your goals for change. I enjoy long-term work and believe that anyone can benefit from "being seen, heard and known" in a long-term therapeutic relationship. I find that needs change over time and the continuity of having your history held by a non-judgmental, supportive other can be profoundly beneficial.
3/2021 I am not currently able to hold space for new couples. Existing couple clients please email me for availability. Couples will benefit from 1-2 sessions to assess their goals and needs for therapy. Depending on the kind of changes desired by both partners, therapy may be brief (1-6 sessions) or longer term (7 or more sessions). I find that 90 minute sessions are most beneficial for couples but understand that the cost may be prohibitive. Be aware that 55 minute sessions may feel "short" but I will do my best to help us maximize our time together by minimizing time spent complaining about or rehashing frustrating events and moving directly into establishing boundaries that support building intimacy, trust and understanding.
Couples also can benefit from establishing a long-term therapeutic relationship with someone over time that they can return to in times of increased stress, difficulty or transition to "check-in" on the health of the relationship.
Please know that I cannot guarantee the outcome of couple's therapy and it is possible that therapy may end with one or both partners deciding to end the relationship. My goal is honor the time that you have spent together, your current experience and feelings as well as attending to any "unintended consequences".
Ultimately you are the only one who can determine your desire continue in the relationship. Effective couple's work takes the deep commitment of both partners and a willingness to look honestly at your individual contributions to the challenges being faced in the relationship.
Ending therapy is just as important as beginning it.
When you decide to leave therapy is ultimately up to you. The best ending is one that is done collaboratively with the therapist so that your goals for coming to therapy can be discussed, any lingering concerns can be addressed and benchmarks for determining how to gauge future functioning can be determined.
Do you work with teens?
(At this time I am not accepting new adolescent clients. 3/2020)
Do you accept insurance?
I understand that therapy is a commitment of time, energy and financial resources. I am currently in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and its subsidiaries. (This does not include Anthem HIP)
Please understand that using your insurance requires that I submit a diagnosis code with a diagnostic impression. I collaborate with my clients to determine what seems to be the best fit.
Before you call to schedule your first appointment please contact your plan administrator to determine if psychotherapy services will be covered. Many times folks find out that their insurance plan puts mental health service charges toward the annual deductible so you will be charged either the full fee or the Anthem negotiated rate for your services. Additionally, couple therapy may not be covered.
I do not accept other insurance. I will provide paperwork for out of network billing upon request.
What is the cost?
My psychotherapy fees are as follows:
$150, initial session
$120, 55 minute appointment
$150, 90 minute appointment
I do not offer a sliding scale.
I accept cash, check, most major credit cards as well as HSA and FSA cards.
For established clients missed appointments and appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice are billed at the full session fee.
Payment processing is done through Ivy Pay and I require each client to have a card on file.
Do you offer phone consultations?
At this time I offer consultations via email to see of there is a match in terms of schedule availability and my fee structure. After that brief email exchange we will either talk by phone or I will prove you with leads on potential referrals.
How do I schedule?
You may email me to inquire abut available appointments. I do not have weekend hours.
Open and Affirming:
My therapy practice is open and affirming and values all ways of being. If you have questions or concerns about whether you or your relationships will be valued and understood here please reach out to me. I honor the multi-layered complexity of gender expression, sexual orientation and expression, race, ethnicity, spirituality, faith and religion.
My therapy practice is open and affirming and values all ways of being. If you have questions or concerns about whether you or your relationships will be valued and understood here please reach out to me. I honor the multi-layered complexity of gender expression, sexual orientation and expression, race, ethnicity, spirituality, faith and religion.