Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from therapy?
Expect a safe space where you can process your life experience openly and honestly — But also expect to be challenged! I’ll be asking you questions and inviting you to try things you may have never considered before. I will never ask you to do anything I haven’t myself, or haven’t seen as helpful with similar clients. In therapy, we’re in this together. It’s my job to provide therapeutic support and expertise, and it is your job to show up with an open mind and the willingness to work.
How long can I expect to come to therapy?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some individuals and couples find a few sessions sufficient, while others choose to continue long-term (50+ sessions). Some individuals and couples choose to continue to work with me through additional layers as they arise, and others choose to come back to therapy as needed.
There isn’t necessarily one right answer for everyone. We can collaborate together to help you make the appropriate choice for your goals. Good Faith Estimates are available during initial consultation.
Is online therapy as effective as face-to-face therapy?
It depends on the presenting problem and the type of therapy provided. Research has shown that online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face therapy with certain conditions, such as the services I offer. It is important to me that I provide excellent therapeutic services, and online therapy isn’t right for everyone. If you are a client that needs a different type of therapy through a different medium, I will gladly refer you to one of my trusted colleagues.
What are some of the conveniences of TeleTherapy/Online Therapy?
I notice when clients have to get dressed, leave their homes, drive to a therapy office, and sit in a room designed to be calm and pleasant — a change happens. They do not present as authentically by the time they get to me. With teletherapy, I come to you!
You are in the same space where you experience your normal stressors and symptoms, and I get to see you in your natural habitat. Therapy is already a very vulnerable and uncomfortable experience, and I notice that clients tend to open-up organically and faster when they are in their own space. You can be in your PJs, wrapped in a blanket, with your pet on your lap as we process things together.
Plus, you never have to cancel sessions if you don’t have transportation, if you’re feeling a little sick, if you’re out of town, or if you are experiencing heavy emotions or symptoms that would make you hesitant to drive somewhere to get the help you need. *Bonus - There’s a good chance you’ll get to meet my cats.
Do you take insurance?
No, and here’s why…
Insurance companies often limit the type and length of therapy that we can engage in together. Every client has a unique background, situation, and struggle—It is my priority to ensure that you get the treatment that you need.
If you receive any Out of Network (OON) benefits from your insurance coverage, I can offer a receipt with appropriate details for you to request reimbursement from your insurance carrier, if applicable. Call your insurance provider to see if you have any OON coverage. Many clients are surprised to find that some or most of their therapy costs have been covered by OON benefits.
What if I can’t afford your fee?
Don’t let my fee discourage you from contacting me. In certain circumstances, we may be able to collaborate on a mutually acceptable arrangement. Even when that isn’t possible, I’ve been able to offer referrals to trusted colleagues who may be able to accommodate your financial situation. Good Faith Estimates for estimated cost per year are available during initial consultation.
How do I know you will be the right therapist for me?
The only way to know for sure is to meet me in session. It is important to me that you are confident that therapy is a valuable and helpful experience for you. For that reason, you need to get a sense of who I am as a person and what to expect from my style of therapy.
I encourage you to begin by clicking around my website — such as the “About Me,” “Services,” and “Blog” tabs. If you think we might be a good fit, click any of the “Let’s Get Started” buttons to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation where we can chat more. If I am not the best person to help you, I will gladly refer you to one of my trusted colleagues.
Is online therapy secure and confidential?
I understand how having therapy in front of a camera, via phone, or through messaging can make some people a little nervous. Rest assured that I have made meticulous and diligent efforts in ensuring that sessions take place on a secure platform, and that your information is kept beyond HIPPA compliant. You can trust that I will never share your data with anyone.
As with any mandated reporter, there are a few situations where I may need to break confidentiality in order to protect you or someone else from harm. And with any online platform, there are some risks with tele-therapy. I go more in-depth on these types of risks and scenarios in my informed consent and privacy policy, so before we even begin therapy, you will be well aware of what to expect so you can make an informed decision.
Why not go through more mainstream online counseling service providers?
There are multiple mainstream online counseling platforms available that are much cheaper. While such platforms typically have certain requirements, providers are sometimes just qualified enough to meet minimal standards. With any mainstream or mass produced service, there is a risk of losing quality.
Such platforms offer services from social workers, counselors, life coaches, marriage and family therapists like myself, and more. Many people seeking mental health services don’t understand that the education and training from each of those professions are vastly different from each other. You never know who the platform’s algorithm will match you with, and whether or not their education and training is appropriate for your specific needs.
Furthermore, I offer therapy, in contrast to counseling.
What’s the difference between counseling and therapy?
The terms "counseling" and "therapy" have different meanings, but are often incorrectly used interchangeably. Both counseling and therapy involve talking with a trained professional, but their level of education, training, and services they offer are very different.
Counseling is the process by which a counselor helps individuals understand and solve problems to help them cope with mental or emotional stressors.
Therapy is a protected title that requires a certain level of advanced degrees and training to gain licensure. Therapy consists of all the components of counseling plus more. Rather than just offering ways to cope, the therapeutic process helps people to find the root causes to their struggles, rather than offering temporary or surface-level solutions. Therapists help clients discover patterns, process change, and create deeper meaning.
Obviously, as a therapist, I am biased towards therapy. Depending on who you are and what your needs are, counseling could be a better fit for you.