FAQs
Why therapy and why not friends?
Our friends can be vital supports during difficult times but they also are limited in the insight they can give simply because they love you and know you so well! Therapy relies on objectivity so that your therapist can provide valuable observation and feedback without bias. Therapy is more than just listening or asking you “How does that make you feel?”. A quality therapist uses the following: skills learned from years of education and honed through experience to help you see themes and maladaptive patterns in your life that no longer serve you and inhibit your happiness, evidenced-based modalities and interventions to help you build coping skills, change unhelpful thought patterns, and increase your confidence and relation to yourself, and action steps tailored specifically to you and your environment so that you can make wanted and effective changes.
Is teletherapy effective?
Absolutely! Teletherapy offers the convenience and flexibility that traditional, in-person therapy cannot. With no commute to the office, clients are able to engage in therapy during lunch breaks, at home in the evenings, or even sitting in their cars. The unique characteristics of teletherapy may also help some people make improved progress on health and relationship goals that may not have been otherwise achievable without tele mental health. Teletherapy is not for everyone or for every form of treatment, and I work with each client to ensure that this is the best treatment modality for them. Most of my clients and couples/polycules have noted that they have been surprised by how warm, inviting, and effective teletherapy has been for them.
What should I expect in my first session?
Starting therapy is a huge step, but the process is simple! New clients will be sent a link to a secure, HIPAA compliant patient portal where they will fill out a brief biography and sign consent forms; the entire process should take no more than 10 minutes. The first session is an intake and assessment which includes exploring the various areas in your life including relationships, mental and physical health history, work/school life, family and social history. It is important for me to gain an understanding of these arenas so that I can help you target areas for therapeutic work and create goals. All sessions are provided with your privacy and security in mind by using encrypted software that meet all standards of HIPAA.
Do you accept insurance?
I am in network with Cigna for individual therapy. For those with insurance coverage outside of these options I offer “superbills” which can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement. I always recommend that clients use the app Reimbursify to submit superbills as a hassle free way of obtaining reimbursement. For relationship therapy, insurance companies do not consider this a “medical necessity” and do not cover couples or relationship counseling. Relationship therapy is an investment, and I consciously attempt to spread sessions out over time so that finances do not deter partners from engaging in this valuable service. For more information regarding insurance and relationship therapy prices and frequency of service, please contact me and I will be more than happy to answer any questions.