Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer online/video therapy or in-person appointments?
We offer both online and in-person appointments. We use a secure, HIPAA compliant telehealth platform for video sessions. You can choose to do video appointments, in-person or a combination of both.
How long does therapy take?
Sessions are 55 minutes long. We recommend starting off with weekly sessions for the first couple of months since this consistency can help you to get more out of counseling and better track what you are working on from week to week. There is a wide range of how long people stay in therapy depending on what they are needing help with.
What is the cost? Will my insurance pay for sessions?
The fee is $185 for the first session and $155 for sessions after that. We are in-network with Wellmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield. We work with other insurance companies on an out of network basis. Many of our clients find the Reimbursify app to be an easy way to submit out of network claims. When contacting your insurance company about your mental/behavioral health benefits, you’ll want to find out whether you have a deductible, what your copay is, and if your insurance plan has out of network benefits. Keep in mind that you can also use your HSA funds to pay for therapy. For payment, we accept cash, check and all major credit cards.
Important Notice About the No Surprises Act
January 1, 2022
Under the federal No Surprises Act, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Do I really need counseling?
So many clients have told us that before coming to therapy they weren't sure that their problems were "bad" enough to warrant going to counseling. We can tend minimize the severity of our struggles. We may not even realize how much things are bothering us. Therapy provides a structured and safe place in which to explore the challenges you face. You can gain new skills and perspectives that you can use for the rest of your life. For these reasons alone, many people report their therapy experience to be invaluable.
What about medications versus therapy?
When you come to counseling, we can help you sort out how you feel about medication and can help you think through the pros and cons. If you are wary of taking medication, it is by no means something you have to do. Many people can gain the skills to heal and feel better without medication.
If you feel emotionally overwhelmed to the extent that it gets in the way of you being able to problem solve, take action in your life, or carry out your usual activities then medication may be helpful for you. I do not prescribe medication but can refer you to a local provider who can.
Does what we talk about remain confidential?
The information you discuss with your therapist is generally protected by law as confidential. Information is not disclosed without written permission. The only exceptions to this confidentiality are if there is danger that you may harm yourself or others or if there is suspected harm to a child, dependent adult or elder. In these cases, therapists are required to report to the police, intended victim(s) and/or other local authorities.
How do I make an appointment?
Monday-Thursday: 9am-5pm