Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to your first session, I will request for you to complete intake documents online related to your history and goals for therapy. During your first session, we will review your paperwork so I can get a good idea of how to structure our work together. We will also discuss your family history, any mental health symptoms, and your relationships, as well as any major life events over the years. The first session is more of a mental health assessment (where I ask you a lot of questions) and will feel somewhat different than therapy sessions going forward. Future therapy sessions will feel more conversational, organic, and will focus on what you chose to bring to session and/or a deeper reflection of what brings you to see me.
I've never been to therapy or counseling. What can I expect from the first session?
I meet with clients weekly and each session lasts for 53 minutes. It is hard to know how long therapy will take as many things impact how quickly progress can be made. Â While I may have recommendations, the decision for how long to continue with therapy is up to you. I usually recommend that individuals start with 1 month of weekly sessions to make sure you are finding our sessions together helpful.
How long will I need to be in therapy/ counseling?
If you are planning to use insurance, I recommend that you call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask about any deductibles and/or co-pays you have. Another question to ask: "do I have out-of-network benefits?" If you are not using insurance, I offer self-pay ($170 per session). I will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate of services if you are paying out of pocket for sessions. I also provide what is called a "Superbill." This is basically a receipt you can submit to your insurance company, if you have out of network benefits, for partial reimbursement for what you paid for therapy out of pocket.
How much will it cost?
Do you accept insurance?
What are your rates?
I accept Aetna and United in Florida and Aetna and BCBS in New Mexico. My private pay rate for a 60 minute intake session is $195 and 50 min therapy sessions are $170.
What are sessions like with you?
Our first session is an intake session where we will get to know each other, I will ask you questions to get to know your history and what brought you to counseling. Weekly sessions focus on what you find useful to bring to our session. I usually do more listening than talking. I may teach you skills and offer gentle guidance/different perspectives. We may decide to utilize EMDR once you've gained skills for safety and anxiety relief.
Do you provide in-person
therapy/ counseling?
At this time, I only offer sessions online. Which can help you save time in the comfort of you own home, office, or even your vehicle.
How often will we have sessions?
Sessions take place at the same, agreed upon time weekly. It's important that you reserve this time for your own self-care and personal growth. I try to empower my clients to be an agent of change in their own lives and to use tools/skills learned in sessions in their daily lives. We will be working together so eventually you'll feel resourced enough to move forward without therapy!
Do you prescribe medication?
I am not qualified to prescribe medications. Only providers who have completed medical training and have a medical license can prescribe medications for mental health conditions.