FAQs

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

I understand that you may have other questions, please feel free to press the contact button and I will get back to you at my earliest convenience!

 

Where are you located?

Unfortunately for the time being I do not offer in person services due to COVID-19. 

All sessions are conducted via telehealth using a platform called Simple Practice. While all sessions are conducted using telehealth, I am only licensed to serve clients in Washington State.

What is an LMHCA?

LMHCA stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, essentially this means I am still under supervision until I am fully licensed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

How much is therapy?

I am aware that therapy is an investment but it is one that reaps many benefits. Prior to payment and to ensure you and I are a good fit, I offer a FREE 15-minute consultation. The initial intake (i.e. your first session) is $185 and lasts roughly 90 minutes. Each weekly session following is $150 per 50-minute session.

I collect payment at the end of each session. You may pay by credit card which is processed through a HIPAA compliant platform or by check/cash.

* * Prices will never increase more than 10% at the beginning of each year.

Do you accept insurance? 

Unfortunately as an LMHCA I am unable to accept insurance at this time. I can provide you with a Superbill (a detailed invoice from me, an out-of-network therapist) IF you request one that you can send to your insurance company. I do not work with insurance companies or communicate on your behalf. Please explore reimbursement options prior to meeting with me so you are left with no financial surprises. 

Please note as stated above that I am an LMHCA and some insurance companies' coverage will vary depending upon this fact.

Do I need to go to therapy weekly? 

I recommend weekly therapy sessions. I know this can sound daunting because therapy can be exhausting both emotionally and financially but studies have shown the association between weekly therapy sessions and positive outcomes. Therapy is built off of momentum, emotional consistency, trust, accountability and practicality but each individual has unique needs. Based on your specific treatment goals we will decide if weekly or bi-weekly sessions work best for you.

Can I add you on social media platforms?

I do not accept “friend” requests or similar connections with clients, or their family members or friends, on social media. This is to protect your confidentiality and privacy. If you would like to “Like” my professional Facebook page you may do so at your own risk. Please note that this is not a way to contact me, especially in an emergency.

Is therapy confidential?

This is a question asked more commonly than you can imagine! Yes, in general the law and ethics we follow protect the confidentiality of communication between you and I. No information of yours will be disclosed without written and verbal permission. 

HOWEVER, I do want to note there are exceptions to confidentiality:

  1. If there is suspected abuse of a child, a dependent adult or an elder, the police or Child Protective Services (CPS) will be notified immediately. 

  2. If there is a threat for serious bodily harm to another person, the police will be notified immediately. 

  3. If there is an intention to harm oneself. We will work together to ensure safety and create a plan but if there is no cooperation, appropriate measures to guarantee safety will be taken. 

I understand this can be overwhelming to understand so whatever questions you may have, I am here to answer.

What if I cannot afford therapy?

My biggest desire is to decrease obstacles and provide a sliding scale for a small number of spots for those who still desire counseling. Please contact me directly to discuss if you will qualify for this.

How long will I be in therapy?

This is a tough question to answer as therapy can last from several months to several years. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all so depending on your presenting problems we will decide what is appropriate for you.

Do you have a cancellation policy? 

The time you book is yours and that time is exclusively held for you. If you are late for a session you may lose some of that time. Unfortunately I cannot provide extra time and run into another client's session time. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please do so no less than 48 hours in advance. This 48 hour policy is 2 business days. For example if your appointment is Tuesday, please cancel by Friday at the time of your appointment as I do not work weekends. You will be responsible for the full session fee if you late cancel or fail to attend your session. You will be told this at our intake and reminded when you ask to cancel, I remind clients that 48 hours is equivalent to 2 business days, not just 2 days

This 48 hour timeframe allows me to fill the session spot with another client.

Do you prescribe medication? 

No, I do not prescribe medication as I am not a medical doctor. Although many clients may find medication helpful to their progress, it is not necessary for every client for their therapy to be successful, some progress well in the absence of medication. If you are interested in psychiatric medication, please contact your primary care physician (PCP) or a psychiatrist. 

There is also the option to sign a Release of Information (ROI) so that I can be in contact with your prescribing doctor to coordinate care.

What is a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and do you provide one?

I have devoted a page here for you to be able to access all that you need to know about a GFE.

*Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act (effective as of January 2022), healthcare providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges. *