Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is Therapy and the Purpose?
Therapy is a process where a licensed provider assists you with making improvements in various aspects of your life. The purpose is to restore you back to your normal functioning and sense of self. Therapy is a place where you can work on past trauma, increase self awareness, alongside growing personally and professionally. Therapy is so unique because everyone can benefit. You don’t need a mental health diagnosis to receive services. Most importantly, it offers a safe and supportive space for self exploration, problem solving and growth.
How Long Can I Expect To Attend Therapy?
There is no set length requirement for therapy services. Each client is different and the length of treatment will be determined based on the complexity of issues you bring to therapy and your commitment to continue with the process.
Do You Offer Online or In-person Therapy?
I am offering 100% online telehealth therapy services for Texas, Virginia, and North Carolina. Therapy sessions are completed with secure HIPAA compliant video platforms.
How Long Are Therapy Sessions?
Individual therapy sessions are usually 45 - 53 minutes in length. Family and group sessions may be longer. EMDR trauma based therapy sessions can range from 60 - 120 minutes.
What Can I Expect In The First Therapy Session?
The first therapy session is about getting to know you and the circumstances that brought you to therapy. I conduct an assessment and discuss your history, current concerns and goals for therapy. Your therapist will ask relevant questions about your background and history to gain a better understanding about you. You can share as much or as little information during this initial session however the more details I have,, the better I can tailor services to you. I recognize it can be scary sharing about yourself with someone you just met. I strive to make you feel safe and comfortable so you can get the maximum benefit out of your therapy sessions. Most clients feel a sense of relief after the first session.
When Can I Begin Therapy?
All prospective clients are requested to complete an initial consultation to determine whether we are a good fit. This initial 15 minute consultation will allow you to ask questions about the process or my experience. You will also provide some information on why you are seeking services at this time. Should we decide to move forward, you will be required to complete some initial consent paperwork prior to services beginning. Once paperwork has been completed and returned to your therapist it will be reviewed. Appointments will not be scheduled until paperwork is completed and returned. My availability varies daily and there may be no open slots for sessions at any given time. Should this happen and you need services, I will send you to other community providers so you can begin therapy. Otherwise, you are welcome to join my waitlist. Prospective clients on the waitlist will be serviced in order. Please be advised, the therapist-client relationship is not established until all consent paperwork is signed and received.
Will Our Sessions Be Kept Private?
Everything discussed in therapy sessions is kept private and confidential with your provider. However, there are limitations to confidentiality if you disclose abuse, neglect, exploitation of children or the elderly. If you are using insurance, please be advised they do require a diagnosis and as a result of filing insurance on your behalf they may request access to your records. Additionally, if a judge issues a subpoena for records or testimony, I am legally obligated to respond and provide the requested information. I will do my best to advocate for you and your privacy throughout the therapeutic process.
Do You Prescribe Medication?
I am not a physician or authorized to prescribe medication. Only physicians, medical doctors (MD) or psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNP) are authorized to prescribe medication. If you’re seeking medication please consult with your primary care doctor or a prescribing behavioral health psychiatric provider.
Do You Accept Insurance To Cover Session Costs?
For residents of Texas: We are currently contracted with and accept the following insurance plans:
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Lyra EAP
Optum/United
For residents of Virginia & North Carolina: We are only contracted with the following insurance plans:
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Lyra EAP
Please contact us directly to discuss your insurance needs as our credentialing status can change at any time. If I am not in network with your insurance provider, you will be requesting to pay out of pocket. However, upon request I can provide you with a superbill (a detailed receipt) to provide to your insurance provider. You can submit this receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement of session costs. The exact amount of reimbursement for services is unknown. It is strongly advised that you reach out to your insurance provider before your first therapy session to find out if they reimburse for services from an out-of-network provider, if you have a deductible to meet prior to being reimbursed, and what percentage your insurance provider reimburses per therapy session.
Do You Accept FSA or HSA For Payment?
Yes, I accept both FSA and HSA for payment of therapy services. I also accept all major debit and credit cards.
what is the “Good Faith estimate” and how does it apply to me?
Effective January 1, 2022, you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using their insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services before they are provided.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency health care items or services upon request or when scheduling such items or services.
If you schedule a health care item or service at least 3 business days in advance, make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 1 business day after scheduling. If you schedule a health care item or service at least 10 business days in advance, make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after scheduling. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure you save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.