Frequently Asked Questions
Therapy is a vulnerable experience, and many aren't sure what to expect when coming to therapy. Here are questions that are frequently asked that can hopefully alleviate some of the unknowns and help you feel more confident moving forward with therapy.
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?
And how is it different?
Marriage and family therapy is a specific mental health profession, similar to that of social work, psychology, and professional counseling. However, we as marriage and family therapists have a unique systemic perspective. We understand the importance and impact of relationships and other systems (such as society at large) in each of our lives. Marriage and family therapists have extensive experience working with couples, co-parents, families, and other relational systems.
Can I use my insurance?
And how does it work?
Many insurance companies offer mental health benefits. Your specific coverage and benefits vary by policy, so it is always best practice to call the number on the back of your insurance card. Often, insurance companies place limits on number of visits, frequency of sessions, or session duration. Additionally, mental health insurance requires a diagnosis for services to covered, which typically must be made during our first appointment.
At this time, I am in-network with Aetna, Tricare, and most Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans. For those with insurance where I am out-of-network, you also have the option of receiving a "superbill". You would pay for therapy services upfront and, depending on out of network benefits, would send the bill to your insurance and can be reimbursed, or partially reimbursed, by your insurance company directly. If you do not have insurance, or choose not to receive services through your mental health insurance, I provide self-pay option as well.
What are your rates?
My regular rate for a therapy appointment (45-50 minutes) is $120 and 60-minute appointments are available for $160. I accept payment via check or card. All card payments must be through Stripe which is integrated into my health records system, Simple Practice.
And how do you accept payment?
How do I schedule?
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
To schedule an appointment, you can contact me via phone or email. If you are an existing client, you may also access my online client portal to cancel or reschedule. My hours are typically Monday through Thursday between 10am and 6pm, and Fridays between 10am and 3pm. Please allow at least 2 business days to respond.
If you're needing to cancel or reschedule, I require 24 hours notice. Since your appointment time is reserved for you, there will be a fee incurred for cancellations with less than 24 hours notice or no-show appointments.
How long does therapy take?
How often do we meet?
The duration of therapy is based on a number of factors, but I maintain a continued discussion throughout the therapy process regarding your progress and what fits best for you in terms of timing and growth. Some people continue therapy for years, while some attend for only a few months. I am always open to collaboration during the process.
I generally prefer to meet with clients once/week, especially as we are working on establishing a working relationship. Over time, we can discuss and determine whether you would like to meet less often, or more often depending on your unique needs. Longer gaps between sessions tend to limit the sense of continuity, and are generally reserved for those in the maintenance phase of progress.