Frequently Asked Questions about Therapy and How I Work

I offer a free 15-20 minute phone consultation so that you will have an opportunity to ask me any questions you have to help you feel comfortable about me, and I can hear a little bit about what is bringing you to therapy, before we meet. Even still, our first few sessions will help us determine if we think we’re a good fit. Having a good relationship is a really important part of our work together!

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We determine your needs together at our first session, but generally therapy starts at once a week. It can change over time as your work progresses, to meet more or less frequently.

For those experiencing sleep issues, where we will be using CBT-I, we meet once and then have a two week pause to gather data on your sleep. We then meet weekly until your sleep feels better (yay!) and we taper off over the course of a few weeks.

For individuals, the initial session lasts 60 minutes to give us time to meet one other and allow some space for learning about what’s going on right now. Subsequent sessions are 50-minutes.

For couples, the first session is 90 minutes and after that is determined together, but are either 50 or 90 minutes.

Part of the work is for us to develop a therapeutic relationship that feels comfortable and connected. We’ll create this over the course of a few sessions. In the first session, you’ll have an opportunity to tell me what has been going on that brings you in and we’ll answer questions together like ”What are your goals for therapy?” and “What would progress look like?” While goals change over time, it’s helpful to be able to work towards something together. Right from the first session we can get curious about what is going on and how you can begin to tackle the issues that you’re facing.

A lot of things go into how long therapy lasts. The hope of therapy is that you don’t stay forever! From our first session, our work together will include checking in on your goals and progress and looking at where you are in your journey.

Some types of therapy are designed to be shorter, such as CBT for Insomnia, which typically takes 8-12 sessions; although some people choose to transition into regular therapy after they are sleeping soundly.

I am an out-of-network provider, but many insurance companies will reimburse for all or a portion of your sessions, which helps offset the cost of the treatment. If you want to use your insurance, you will receive a receipt (known as a super bill) that will be suitable for you to submit to your insurer. If you let me know at the start of our working together, then I will make sure that all the requisite codes are included on the bills so that they are complete when submitted. It’s helpful to understand what your coverage is before you start.

The initial intake session is $200. Subsequent sessions are $180 for individuals and $200 for couples. A credit card is kept on file for ease of payment. Each session is automatically charged upon completion.

When we set up a time to meet that is convenient for you, this will be your time. If you need to reschedule then I will make every effort to find a time that week that works. Otherwise, every client will be able to cancel 4 sessions each year for any reason without being charged. This means that if you can’t make a session, whether it’s for vacation or something else, you will not be charged. After that you will be responsible for the session. I find that this allows for flexibility of people’s travel schedules and other things in life that crop up. In addition, no shows will be charged, and emergencies will be discussed on a case-by-base basis.

• Call your insurance provider at the number listed on the back of your insurance card.

• Ask your provider what percentage is covered for “out-of-network” or “non-participating providers.”

• Ask your provider what the “maximum allowed amount” is per session (this is sometimes referred to as “reasonable and customary fees”) for zip code 20815 for a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCPC).

• If they ask, the CPT/procedure code is 90837 for 60 minutes of individual psychotherapy in person; 90837-95 for individual telehealth; and 90847 for couples psychotherapy.

• Ask your provider if you have a deductible for an out-of-network provider and how much it is.

I am not a prescriber, but if we feel that during the course of our work together you might benefit from medication, I can recommend a psychiatrist who is able to evaluate and prescribe if warranted. I am also able to coordinate care with your internist or primary care doctor. The goal is to get you the best coordinated care.

Without question! Confidentiality is the bedrock of therapy and anything that we discuss in our sessions is private. You are welcome to share anything, but I will not share anything you tell me with anyone else. There are few exceptions to this which we will discuss together in our first session, but include if you are a danger to yourself or others, or if there is an indication that there is abuse that involves seniors or children. We will always talk about mandatory disclosures like this together.

If you still have questions then please don’t hesitate to reach out or ask them during our first session.

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