Is therapy right for me? In life, everyone experiences challenges and unforeseen circumstances. You may experience the loss of a job, child, or spouse; the end of a marriage; or any other unexpected life change. You may have been able to navigate some difficulties you have faced, but now you realize you need extra support. You may realize that there are patterns in your life that have not been helping you. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, validation, support, and new strategies for all types of challenges. Therapy helps to address depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, conflict, stress management, general life transitions, and relational challenges. Therapy is an individual decision, and it is right for anyone who wants a safe, non-judgmental environment to authentically express oneself and to be heard. Do you want to experience life more fully? If you are willing to put in time and effort, gain a greater understanding of yourself, take responsibility and work toward change, then therapy is right for you. How can I tell if a therapist is a good fit for me?  This is an important question. You are dedicating your time and resources, so you want to be sure you are picking the right person. You want to look for a therapist who specializes in the problems you would like to address. Additionally, the therapist who is right for you will provide a safe, non-judgmental space to authentically express your emotions. He or she will truly make you feel heard. This person will value and practice transparency and open communication with you. With that said, at times there are intangible reasons why you might not feel helped by a certain therapist. When this happens, it is okay to be honest with your therapist. Deciding on who you will work with in treatment is important, and I would be honored to walk alongside you in your journey.  What is your intake process? After our initial communication, I will ask for your email address and send you a link to your therapist’s secure online portal through Simple Practice so that you can complete the intake paperwork digitally prior to your first appointment.  This paperwork will include your basic information as well as your personal history. This will give you the opportunity to share what you would like your therapist to know about you before you meet. In addition, you will be able to review our business policies and procedures as well as the informed consent and confidentiality agreement. Then you will sign off on these forms. Your credit/debit card information will be stored securely on file so that the payment process is convenient and seamless for both you and your therapist.  How often will I see you? I recommend weekly sessions because it allows us to build a working relationship. In addition, it provides more continuity with what we’re working on from session to session. You will experience more noticeable effects when you engage in more frequent sessions.  As we continue to work toward the goals you have established and make progress, we will explore the possibility of decreasing sessions together.   How long will it take for me to notice a change? The counseling process can take several sessions before you notice a change. Typically, this depends on your motivation and the effort you apply between the sessions. Moreover, you will experience more noticeable effects when you engage in consistent sessions.  Most importantly, transparency is key. We will check in with you throughout the therapeutic process. We want to make sure you feel our work is on track with the goals you have established.  It is important to understand that you will get out of therapy what you put into it.   What is your fee? Initial intake: $180 for a 90-minute session   Individual therapy: $100 for a 50-minute session  Family and Couples: $115 for a 50-minute session  Payment is due at the time of service. Because sessions will take place through our online telehealth platform, credit/debit cards are the only acceptable form of payment at this time. After the initial session, you will be enrolled in our secure auto-pay system.   Do you offer a sliding scale?  I reserve a limited number of reduced-fee weekly appointments based on financial hardship. With that being said, please contact me to discuss your personal situation further if you would like to be considered.   Do you accept insurance? I do not bill commercial insurance directly. However, if you have an insurance plan that includes coverage for out-of-network providers, I am happy to supply you with monthly invoices (superbills) that you can submit for reimbursement. Check with your plan directly to verify your coverage. What is your cancellation policy? I have a 24-hour cancellation policy, so you will be billed the full amount if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance. With this is mind, I do my best to be understanding of emergencies that may arise. I want to make sure you understand our policy before you begin working with me.