Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the first session like?
Your therapist will ask you to share about what's bringing you to therapy and what you would like to accomplish. The therapist will ask questions about you and your background. Your therapist will likely discuss any insights or recommendations for the next session. Finally, your therapist will take payment and attempt to schedule the next session.
Is there any paperwork required?
Yes. There is specific paperwork that is required to be completed for HIPPA and personal information. Your therapist will invite you to the client portal and will need your full name, date of birth and email address to register you. If you are using insurance, your therapist will need to verify your insurance information. All paperwork sent to you in the client portal MUST be completed prior to the initial session or the session may need to be rescheduled.
How long is the therapy session?
A typical session is 40-50 minutes, and the first session can be as long as 60 minutes. The therapist reserves this time for you and extra time is not allotted if you are late to the session.
Is online therapy (telehealth) right for me?
There are many advantages to online therapy (it’s convenient, effective, provides more safety from illnesses like the flu). However, it’s not right for everyone. Telehealth is usually a better option for those with mild to moderate symptoms (not people who are suicidal or in crisis), people who are comfortable using technology, and people who have a quiet and private place to have sessions. This is currently a fully online practice.
What theoretical approach do you use?
I pull from a variety of theories and techniques. I find that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person Centered Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are some of the therapy approaches that are often helpful for my clients.
Are there any issues or types of clients that you DON’T typically work with?
I typically work with adults and youth ages 13+. I do not conduct child custody evaluations nor do I provide custody recommendations. I do not provide couples counseling and I don’t provide specific treatment for eating disorders, substance use, or psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, etc.).
Is private pay a good option?
Using insurance to cover therapy and counseling is usually a great choice and comes with many benefits. However, there are some great benefits to private payment too including:
-You do not have to have a diagnosis that goes on your health record.
-You do not have limits on how many times you can meet with your therapist.
-You have more choice on which therapist or counselor you work with and can work with a therapist long term regardless of changes to your insurance plan coverage.
-Generally there is more flexibility.
Can I use insurance to pay for therapy?
Yes. If you are in-network you may use your insurance to help pay for the costs of therapy. These are the currently accepted insurance options: Aetna, Allied Benefit Systems, Meritain, Nippon, Optum, All Savers (UHC), Harvard Pilgrim, Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare, United Healthcare Shared Services, UHC Student Resources, UMR and Cigna.
The following insurance options are NOT currently accepted: any Medicaid plans, any Medicare plans, or Community/State Plans.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. Forms of payment can be any major credit card, debit card or HSA card. You are required to keep a card on file. This card will be used for payments, balances, and for late cancellations/missed appointments. We do not accept checks or cash payments.
Can you work with clients from any state?
I am currently able to provide telehealth therapy and counseling to individuals residing in Florida, Missouri and Minnesota.
Do you complete disability/FMLA paperwork?
I typically do not fill out disability/FMLA paperwork, however, in special cases I do. If I do, it is expected that you will continue treatment during time off work which is usually a requirement by employers. Treatment should be aimed at helping you to increase coping skills, and improving the specific issue that the time is taken off for. DO NOT take time off assuming paperwork will be completed as you may not meet the criteria and I may not deem disability/FMLA as the first line of course and disagree with your taking time off and will not fill out the forms. These forms are not a guarantee and I have the right to decide not to complete them.