Frequently Asked Questions
What is counseling?
Counseling is a process where an individual, couple, or family meets with a trained professional to talk about problems or challenges they are facing in their lives. Counseling can help with increasing awareness around thoughts and feelings, improving coping skills, and enhancing a person’s connection to others.
How long does counseling last?
This really depends on the person, their concerns, their goals for therapy, and what interventions are being used in therapy. Counseling duration should be discussed between a client and their therapist during the intake process and should be revisited as needed. Many people start in counseling weekly and reduce frequency as they start to feel better and reach their goals.
When can I expect to feel better?
Many people report feeling better after only a session or two. Therapy and someone’s healing journey can be messy; this means that the process can feel uncomfortable or even painful. It looks different for everyone.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, I accept the following commercial insurance plans: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, Oxford, and Oscar Health. I accept insurance for individual counseling sessions only. Please call your provider and determine your coverage, including any copays, co-insurance, or deductibles prior to your first session. I use Headway for insurance verification and billing. I will bill you directly for any balance left on your account that insurance does not cover. It is your responsibility to follow up with your insurance company if you believe that a service should be covered. You may also opt for private/self-pay, if that better suits your needs.
What are the benefits of private/self-pay?
With private pay, you have freedom to decide what you want to work on and for how long, without needing to justify it to an insurance company. Insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis that becomes part of your permanent medical record. They can also stipulate the number of sessions and the type or length of the sessions.
Private pay allows for both ultimate flexibility and privacy. For many people, this is important for their healing process.
How much does counseling cost?
My fees are competitive. My intake session fee is $160 and subsequent sessions are $130 (for private pay clients). If you need letters, notes, or additional paperwork, additional fees apply. I believe mental healthcare is a human right and work to ensure that anyone who comes to me is connected to therapy they can afford, even if that is not with me. I also offer a sliding scale and reduced fee sessions may be available to you. Please inquire about availability and requirements.
How is my privacy protected?
Legally, what you tell your therapist in session remains confidential. There are some exclusions to be aware of, and are as follows:
If a client threatens or attempts to commit suicide or otherwise conducts themself in a manner in which there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.
If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.
If the therapist has a reasonable suspicion that a client or other named individual is the perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 years.
Suspicions as stated above in the case of an elderly person who may be subjected to these abuses.
Suspected neglect of the parties named in items #3 and # 4.
If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.
If a client is in therapy or being treated by order of a court of law, or if information is obtained for the purpose of rendering an expert’s report to an attorney.
How can I get started?
If you would like to discuss individual counseling services, please schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation call by clicking the button below or completing a contact form on our “Contact” page.