(Frequently Asked Questions)
What happens in therapy?
You come in, have a seat, and tell me what you are hoping counseling can do for you. I’ll ask some questions to get a better idea of where you are in life and where you want to be. By the end of our first session, I’ll let you know if I think counseling would be helpful and approximately how many sessions it will be. There is no sales pitch and no pressure to make a follow up appointment.
How long will I be in therapy?
The short answer is, it depends. You are a unique person with your own set of strengths and sources of support. I won’t know until we meet each other. I’ll be able to be more specific after our first session.
Typically, I will suggest that you see me weekly for 4-6 weeks. This allows us to get to know each other, build trust and rapport, and hopefully relieve some of the pain that brought you in to see me. After this time period, we can discuss how you think therapy is going. You can keep things the way they are or change to bi-weekly appointments or whatever else works for you or fits your budget.
Often, clients will see me for several months and then decide to take a break; later, as they feel the need, they will come for tune-up sessions. I am very flexible, and I keep the door open for clients who I have seen in the past. Life is not easy even at the best of times, and life transitions (such as a birth, a death, a new job, ending of a relationship, or a family crisis) can be especially taxing. A lot of people find it helpful to have therapist there for support and guidance when they feel derailed by life events.
What are your per session fees?
Individual Therapy Session (50 Minutes): $140
Couples Counseling Assessment (50 minutes): $140
On-going Couples Counseling Sessions (50 minutes): $140
I accept, cash, check, or credit card.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. My professional services do qualify for patient reimbursement under most PPO insurance plans, which will consider me an “out-of-network” provider. I’ll give you a statement that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
HMO plans do not cover my services. Most HMOs only authorize treatment for mental health illnesses. That is why typically they will not reimburse specifically for “marriage counseling,” “couples counseling,” or “relationship counseling.”
You may be able to reimburse yourself for payment of my services with a Medical Spending Account.
How do I schedule an appointment with you?
Call or use the contact form on my website. We will talk briefly about what is going on for you. I’ll answer any questions that you may have about this process.
I have day, evening, and Saturday appointments for your convenience.