Frequently Asked Questions

There's no 'right' time to start therapy. People seek therapy for various reasons - managing anxiety or depression, navigating relationship challenges, processing trauma, or simply wanting to understand themselves better. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or curious about therapy, that's reason enough to reach out. Therapy is a tool for growth, not just crisis management.

Your first session is about getting to know each other. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any concerns you might have. I'll ask about your history, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and see if we're a good fit. There's no pressure to share everything at once - we go at your pace.

Come as you are. You might want to think about what you'd like to discuss, but there's no need to prepare anything formal. Arrive a few minutes early to settle in. Bring any questions you have about the process. Most importantly, be open to the experience and remember that feeling nervous is completely normal.

Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes. Couples and family sessions are typically 60-90 minutes. The first session may run slightly longer as we complete initial assessments.

Most clients begin with weekly sessions to establish momentum and build our therapeutic relationship. As you progress, we might move to biweekly or monthly sessions. The frequency depends on your needs, goals, and life circumstances. We'll regularly discuss what feels right for you.

Yes, I offer both in-person and virtual sessions. Virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns. We can discuss which format works best for you, and you're welcome to switch between formats as needed.

I require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged in full, except in cases of genuine emergencies. This policy helps maintain the integrity of your reserved time and allows other clients access to appointment slots.

Fees vary by service. I also offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for those experiencing financial hardship. Let's discuss your situation during our initial consultation.

I am an out-of-network provider, which means I don't bill insurance directly. However, I can provide you with a superbill (detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Many clients find their out-of-network benefits cover a significant portion of the cost.

Contact your insurance to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits. Key questions: What's your deductible? What percentage do they reimburse after the deductible? Is there a session limit? I'll provide all necessary documentation for reimbursement.

Working outside insurance networks allows me to provide more personalized care without restrictions on session length, frequency, or treatment approaches. It also ensures your privacy - insurance companies often require detailed information about your treatment that becomes part of your permanent medical record.

Therapy duration varies greatly depending on your goals and circumstances. Some people find relief in a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work. We'll regularly assess your progress and adjust our approach as needed. You're always in control of how long you continue therapy.

While supportive friends are invaluable, therapy offers something unique: a trained professional who provides objective insights, evidence-based techniques, and a confidential space focused entirely on your growth. Therapists are trained to recognize patterns, offer new perspectives, and guide you through change in ways friends typically cannot.

Yes, with very few exceptions. What you share in therapy stays between us. The only exceptions are: if you're at imminent risk of harming yourself or others, cases of child or elder abuse, or if court-ordered. I'll always discuss these limits during our first session and answer any questions.

The therapeutic relationship is crucial for successful therapy. If you don't feel we're a good match, please tell me. We can discuss your concerns and work through them together, or I can help you find a therapist who might be a better fit. Your comfort and progress are my priorities.

Every therapeutic relationship is unique. What didn't work before might have been about fit, timing, or approach. I use various evidence-based methods and tailor treatment to your specific needs. We'll also discuss what didn't work previously to ensure we take a different approach.

Sometimes exploring difficult emotions or memories can feel challenging initially. This is normal and often part of the healing process. I'll support you through these moments and teach you coping strategies. We always go at your pace, and you're in control of what we explore and when.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I don't prescribe medication. However, I work collaboratively with psychiatrists and can provide referrals if we determine medication might be helpful alongside therapy. The decision to explore medication is always yours.

I provide all clients with resources for crisis situations. For non-urgent matters, you can email me, and I'll respond within 24-48 hours. If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, I'll connect you with appropriate crisis resources available 24/7.