Frequently Asked Questions 

What are some questions I should ask when searching for a psychologist?

Helpful therapy is involves teamwork, so it's important to have a good match between you and your psychologist. Once credentials and experience are confirmed, you want to feel comfortable opening up and expressing your thoughts. You can use the free, 15-minute phone consultation to ask any questions you have and get a chance to gauge the goodness of fit between your goals and my approach. The American Psychological Association suggests you ask the following questions when searching for a psychologist:

• Are you a licensed psychologist? How many years have you been practicing psychology?
• I have been feeling (anxious, tense, depressed, etc.) and I'm having problems (with my job, my marriage, eating, sleeping, etc.). What experience do you have helping people with these types of problems?
• What are your areas of expertise — for example, working with children and families?
• What kinds of treatments do you use, and have they been proven effective for dealing with my kind of problem or issue?
• What are your fees? (Fees are usually based on a 45-minute to 50-minute session.)
• What types of insurance do you accept?

What is a typical first session like?

Before the first session you will be emailed a link to the secure client portal to complete online paperwork and consents. The initial therapy session will be about 50 minutes long. The aim is to get to know YOU, your concerns, and what you would like to get out of therapy going forward. I strive to create an open, judgment-free environment where you and your child will feel comfortable to take steps towards making healthy changes together. I'll ask you questions, answer your questions, and we'll go over confidentiality, practice policies, and personal history. When you arrive to the office have a seat (feel free to grab a cup of water, tea, or coffee), and I will be out to greet you for the start of the session.

How long will I be in therapy?

Your time spent in counseling will be unique to you, there is no one-size-fits all. For some people therapy may last 3-4 months and for others it can be more long term. Typically, weekly sessions are recommended starting off. As goals are being met or based on your current needs sessions can increase or decrease. We will periodically check in to see how you feel therapy is going, and as changes are being made we can space out time between sessions or schedule “booster” sessions when you are on the right path, but may need extra support every now and then.

When are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered during the weekdays. Appointment times are available in the morning, afternoon, and late evening to accommodate work, school, and extracurricular activities.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not accept insurance and am considered self-pay. Payment is due at the time of service, and multiple forms of payment are accepted including cash, credit card, check, and Health Savings Account (HSA). Private pay offers an added layer of confidentiality, as no diagnosis will be placed onto you or your child’s mental health record. Although I do not accept insurance, I can provide you with a super bill, or receipt of services, that you can submit to your provider for out of network reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider to find out details about your out of network mental health benefits. Here are some questions to ask your insurance provider before scheduling:

• What are my mental health benefits?
• Do I need approval/pre-authorization from my primary care physician?
• How much does my plan pay for an out of network provider?
• How many sessions does my plan cover?

Are the challenges my child is going through normal, or do they need help?

Going through transitions, losses, and life stressors can be hard. So you can expect some change in well-being, such as moodiness or anxiety, which is normal. However, there are common warning signs that may suggest it's a good idea to get a professional involved to try to prevent things from getting worse. Some warning signs include:

• Increased withdrawal and isolation
• Irritibility or changes in mood
• Increase in risky behaviors
• Changes in sleep or eating
• Decreased academic or work performance

Is therapy right for me?

Therapy can be helpful for anyone! Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to therapy and people often think if you go to therapy something is "wrong" with you or you are "crazy." However, therapy works to promote wellness and can enhance and enrich your life in addition to helping manage stress and challenges. Everyone can benefit from having mental health check-ups/support to prevent problems from escalating, to develop healthy habits, have a more positive attitude, or handle transitions as best as possible.

How do I talk to my teen about therapy?

Framing therapy to your teen can be a challenging step, especially if your teen isn't entirely open to the idea. Check out my blog post for more information on Talking to a Resistant Teen About Therapy.

Are you offering telehealth appointments?

Yes, I am now offering telehealth appointments to help with social distancing. It can be easily accessed via smart phone, tablet, or computer and is HIPAA compliant. Set up a free consultation to learn more about current telehealth options!