Frequently Asked Questions

During our intake session, we will discuss your goals, what you hope to get out of therapy and I will answer any questions you may have about fees, confidentiality, scheduling, my background/ approach, etc. 

Occasionally, clients would like me to know things about their background, particularly related to trauma, that they aren’t ready to discuss in session. You may find it easier to share difficult things in writing. You are welcome to bring anything you want me to know about you in written form, put this information in your intake questionnaire, or you can send me a message through the client portal. 

There are several advantages to not utilizing insurance to pay for therapy. 

1. Privacy.

When you pay with insurance, your therapy becomes part of your medical record. I am required to share information about your diagnosis and treatment and provide access to psychotherapy notes. There are many reasons this could be a problem for a person. For example, I have seen therapy records information be ordered by the court in custody disputes where the other parent was seeking to use a client’s mental health diagnosis against them. Insurance companies require that therapeutic services be “medically necessary” so therapists are required to diagnose and  treat a client for a specific mental health issue. When I bill your insurance, a mental health diagnosis has to be given whereas this is not true in the case of clients who pay privately.

1. Access

Insurance companies put limitations on the length of services, number of sessions they will authorize payment for and the reasons why services can be rendered. This is not an issue when you private pay.

I protect my clients’ privacy by utilizing software that is HIPAA compliant. Your records can only be disclosed via court order or with your written consent. If you use insurance, your insurance company may request to view your progress notes as part of an audit or billing dispute. Minors are not obligated to share details of therapy sessions with their parents. Parents may be involved in treatment planning for minor children. However, I do not provide parents with copies of progress notes that reveal details of their children’s sessions. Minors are protected by HIPAA and the same legal and ethical rights to privacy as adults. 

The exceptions to confidentiality are:

When a client is a significant danger to themselves.
When a client is a significant danger to others.
When a client discloses abuse or neglect of a minor or elderly/ disabled person.

Appointments must be canceled at least 48 hours before your appointment. This allows me time to offer your spot to other clients who may be waiting to be seen. If a client cannot make the appointment, they can reschedule within the same week or choose to do telehealth. Appointments not canceled within 48 hours will be charged a $75 fee (this does not apply to Medicaid clients.) Exceptions may be made for emergencies. More than 2 no shows/ late cancellations in 6 months may result in discharge or being placed on same-day scheduling. 

If you have insurance, it generally will allow you to bring another person into your session with you. You must sign an ROI for anyone you bring into session. If you are private pay, I may charge a couple’s rate if another person is present on an ongoing basis.