Questions You May Have

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Many people wonder whether what they are experiencing is “important enough” to bring to therapy — but you do not need to be in crisis to benefit from support. Therapy can be helpful for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, emotionally drained, disconnected, or simply wanting a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Often, people begin therapy while navigating a difficult season, life transition, relationship challenge, or patterns they would like to better understand or change. Sometimes, it simply helps to have a space that is entirely your own to process what you are carrying.

Therapy offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to slow down, feel heard, and work toward healing and growth at your own pace. If you have been wondering whether therapy might help, that curiosity itself may be worth exploring.

What is your approach to therapy?

My approach to therapy is collaborative, individualized, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I view therapy as a partnership — one where we work together to better understand your experiences, identify meaningful goals, and create lasting change.

Because every person’s needs and experiences are different, I take an integrative approach to therapy rather than using a one-size-fits-all method. Therapy with me is generally conversational and flexible while remaining grounded in evidence-based care. I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches depending on your unique concerns and goals. These may include cognitive and behavioral therapies (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy), psychodynamic and insight-oriented approaches, emotion-focused therapies (e.g., Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy), and other therapeutic frameworks when helpful.

My goal is to tailor therapy to you — creating a supportive space where you feel understood while also gaining practical tools, deeper insight, and meaningful progress toward the life you want to live.

What issues do you help with?

I work with adults navigating a wide range of emotional, relational, and life challenges. While every person’s story is unique, therapy can be helpful for those experiencing:

• Anxiety, chronic stress, and feeling overwhelmed

• Depression, low mood, or emotional burnout

• Life transitions, identity concerns, and feeling “stuck”

• Relationship difficulties, communication challenges, or recurring patterns that feel difficult to change

• Trauma, difficult past experiences, or unresolved emotional wounds

• Grief, loss, and major life adjustments

• Self-esteem concerns, perfectionism, and self-criticism

• Emotional regulation difficulties and unhealthy coping patterns

• ADHD-related concerns, focus difficulties, and executive functioning challenges

• Work stress, professional burnout, and high-achieving pressures

• A desire for greater self-understanding, personal growth, or deeper fulfillment

You do not need to fit into a specific category or have a clear diagnosis to benefit from therapy. If you are struggling, feeling disconnected from yourself, or simply wanting support through a difficult season of life, therapy may be a helpful place to begin. If you are unsure whether your concerns are a good fit, I welcome you to reach out.

What ages do you work with?

I work with adults ages 18 and older across a wide range of life stages and experiences. Whether you are navigating early adulthood, career and relationship challenges, major life transitions, or concerns that arise later in life, therapy can offer a supportive space for reflection, healing, and growth.

How do I know if we’re a good fit?

Finding the right therapist is one of the most important parts of the therapy process. In fact, research consistently shows that a strong therapeutic relationship — feeling safe, understood, respected, and genuinely connected with your therapist — is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy.

During our first few sessions, we will have an opportunity to get to know one another and explore whether working together feels like a good fit. While therapeutic techniques and approaches matter, meaningful progress often begins with feeling comfortable enough to be honest, understood, and supported.

You are encouraged to ask questions, share concerns, and pay attention to how you feel in the therapeutic space. My hope is to create an environment where you feel heard, respected, and able to engage in meaningful work together. If at any point it feels like another provider may better meet your needs, I believe it is important to have that conversation openly and thoughtfully.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes. I offer a brief 10–15 minute complimentary consultation for individuals who would like an opportunity to connect before scheduling a first appointment.

The purpose of the consultation is to determine whether we may be a good fit and to answer questions about my approach, areas of focus, scheduling, fees, or what therapy may look like. You are welcome to share a brief overview of what brings you to therapy so we can discuss whether my practice may be a good match for your needs.

Because of the limited time and nature of the call, consultations are not therapy sessions and are not intended for in-depth discussion, assessment, crisis support, or therapeutic intervention. Consultation calls are limited to 10–15 minutes to ensure availability for everyone seeking care.

What should I expect before my first session?

Before your first appointment, you will receive access to a secure client portal through SimplePractice, my electronic health record (EHR) system. Please complete and submit all required intake paperwork prior to your first session so we can use our time together meaningfully.

Paperwork may include informed consent documents, practice policies, background information, and questionnaires related to your history and current concerns. If you have any questions or difficulty accessing the portal or forms, please do not hesitate to reach out.

What should I expect during my first session?

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. During this appointment, I will complete a standard intake process, including learning more about your concerns, background, relationships, and goals for treatment.

We will also review confidentiality, practice policies, and what you can expect when working together, with time for any questions you may have.

There is no “right” way to begin therapy, and you do not need to have everything figured out before our first meeting. It is completely okay to feel nervous or unsure where to start — we will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

How soon can I get an appointment? How do I schedule?

Appointment availability varies depending on current openings, though I make every effort to offer new client appointments as soon as possible.

To get started, you may use the scheduling link here, or reach out by email or phone. We can briefly discuss your needs, answer questions, and determine next steps for scheduling. If you would like a brief complimentary consultation before scheduling, that can also be arranged.

If my availability is limited or I believe another provider may better meet your needs, I will do my best to offer appropriate guidance or referrals whenever possible.

How often do clients typically meet with you?

The frequency of therapy depends on your goals, current concerns, and where you are in the treatment process. I generally recommend beginning with weekly therapy, as regular sessions can provide continuity and help us build momentum toward your goals. In some situations, meeting more than once per week may be beneficial.

As symptoms improve, goals are met, or life feels more manageable, many clients transition to biweekly or less frequent sessions as part of a maintenance phase or ongoing support.

Decisions about session frequency are always collaborative and tailored to your individual needs and goals.

How long does therapy usually last?

The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, concerns, and what you hope to gain from the process. Some individuals engage in brief, short-term therapy to address a specific challenge or life transition, while others find value in longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns, process complex experiences, or support ongoing growth.

There is no one-size-fits-all timeline. Throughout our work together, we will regularly revisit your goals and discuss what feels most helpful and supportive, with the intention of providing care that is responsive to your individual needs.

What happens if you think I need another type of support?

My goal is always to provide care that best supports your wellbeing and treatment goals. At times, therapy works best as part of a broader support system, and I may recommend additional services or resources to help ensure you are receiving the most appropriate care.

Depending on your needs, this may include collaboration with a physician or psychiatrist, medication evaluation, specialized treatment, group therapy, substance use services, psychological testing, or a higher level of care.

If I believe another type of support may be beneficial, we will discuss this openly and collaboratively. I will always take time to explain my recommendations, answer questions, and help you understand available options so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is a fundamental part of the therapy process and is taken very seriously. What you share in therapy is private and protected by legal and ethical standards, creating a space where you can speak openly and honestly about your experiences.

There are a few important legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality, including certain situations involving risk of serious harm, suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person, or circumstances in which disclosure is required by law, such as a court order. We will review confidentiality and its limits in more detail during your first session, and I am always happy to answer questions about how your information is protected.

Will you give me advice or tell me what to do?

My approach to therapy is collaborative and client-centered, which means my role is not to tell you what to do or make decisions for you. Rather than giving advice, I work alongside you to help you better understand yourself, clarify what matters most to you, and make decisions that align with your values and goals.

That said, therapy is not passive. I will offer observations, feedback, education, coping strategies, or gentle challenges when clinically appropriate — always with the intention of supporting your growth and helping you move toward the life you want to live.

Can therapy help even if I’m functioning well?

Absolutely. You do not need to be in crisis for therapy to be helpful. Therapy can provide space to better understand yourself, navigate stress or life transitions, improve relationships, process difficult experiences, strengthen coping skills, or explore patterns that no longer feel helpful. Some people also seek therapy to deepen self-awareness, foster personal growth, or cultivate a greater sense of fulfillment.

Often, people who appear to be “doing fine” are carrying a great deal internally. Therapy offers a supportive, nonjudgmental space to slow down, reflect, and receive support without having to carry everything alone.

What if I’m nervous to start therapy?

Feeling nervous about starting therapy is incredibly common and a very human response to something new and uncertain. After all, beginning therapy often means talking with someone you do not yet know about personal parts of your life — and that can understandably feel vulnerable.

You do not need to have the “right” words, know exactly where to start, or feel completely comfortable walking into the first session. We will move at a pace that feels manageable, and there is no pressure to share more than you are ready for.

Many people find that the hardest part is simply taking the first step. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and understood as we get to know one another and begin the process together.

What if I don’t know what to talk about?

That is completely okay — and more common than you might think. You do not need to come to therapy with everything figured out or know exactly where to begin.

Some people start therapy with a clear concern, while others simply know something feels difficult, overwhelming, or “off.” Part of the therapeutic process is making sense of those experiences together. We will work together to explore what feels important, without any expectation that you know where the conversation needs to go.

Do you accept insurance?

I am a private-pay practice and do not accept insurance. If you have out-of-network benefits, I am happy to provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

For many individuals, private-pay therapy offers greater privacy, flexibility, and autonomy in treatment. Using insurance typically requires a mental health diagnosis and may involve sharing certain clinical information to establish medical necessity or eligibility for reimbursement. Insurance companies may also place limitations on the type, frequency, or duration of treatment they will reimburse.

By remaining out of network, I am able to provide care that is individualized, collaborative, and guided by your needs rather than insurance requirements, allowing greater flexibility in how we approach treatment and pacing.

What are your fees for therapy?

The fee for the initial 50-minute intake session is $285, and subsequent 50-minute therapy sessions are $235.

The first session is slightly higher in cost because it involves a more comprehensive evaluation, including discussion of your concerns, history, and goals for treatment to help establish a strong foundation for therapy.

Payment is due at the time of service. As a private-pay practice, I do not bill insurance directly; however, I can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement if your plan includes those benefits.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Payment is processed securely through the SimplePractice client portal. Accepted forms of payment include major credit or debit cards, as well as HSA/FSA cards when applicable. Payment is due at the time of service, and clients may securely maintain payment information through the HIPAA-compliant client portal.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, I kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, as well as missed appointments, will be charged the full session fee, unless it can be rescheduled within the same week.

Because appointment times are reserved specifically for you, late cancellations often make it difficult to offer that time to another client in need. I understand that unexpected situations occasionally arise and will consider emergencies on a case-by-case basis.

What types of psychological assessments do you offer?

I provide comprehensive psychological evaluations for adults, tailored to a range of clinical, legal, professional, and personal needs. Evaluations may be helpful for concerns related to mental health, behavioral or emotional difficulties, ADHD, attention, memory, learning, and cognitive/intellectual functioning, personality functioning, diagnostic clarification, and treatment planning.

I also offer evaluations related to veterans’ benefits, licensing board requirements, legal or forensic matters, and other specialized concerns. Because every evaluation is individualized, the assessment process and recommendations are tailored to your specific referral question, goals, and circumstances.

How long does assessment take, and what is the process like?

The length and process of an evaluation vary depending on the referral question, complexity of concerns, and type of assessment being requested. Some evaluations can be completed in a relatively brief timeframe, while others may involve more comprehensive assessment over multiple appointments.

In general, the evaluation process may include a clinical interview, review of relevant records, standardized testing, questionnaires, and discussion of personal, educational, occupational, or medical history as relevant to your concerns. Following the evaluation, findings and recommendations are reviewed, and a written report may be provided when appropriate.

Because each evaluation is individualized, timelines, testing procedures, and fees are discussed in advance so you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

What will I receive after an assessment?

Following an evaluation, you will receive feedback regarding the findings, impressions, and recommendations relevant to your referral question and concerns. Depending on the type of assessment, this may include diagnostic clarification, recommendations for treatment or accommodations, referrals, or guidance for next steps.

A written report will also be provided when appropriate, summarizing relevant findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Because every evaluation is individualized, the content and scope of feedback and documentation may vary depending on the nature and purpose of the assessment.

Is psychological assessment confidential, and who receives my results?

Yes. Psychological assessments are confidential and protected by legal and ethical standards. In most situations, assessment results, records, and reports are not shared without your written authorization.

However, confidentiality and release of information may differ depending on the purpose of the evaluation. Assessments conducted for legal, forensic, licensing, disability, or veterans’ benefits purposes may involve authorized third parties or different limits of confidentiality. Before beginning the evaluation process, we will discuss any applicable limitations, who will receive results, and how information may be used.

What are the fees for assessment?

Assessment fees vary depending on the type, scope, and complexity of the evaluation being requested. Because psychological evaluations are individualized, costs may differ based on factors such as the referral question, testing needs, record review, report writing, and time required for clinical interview, scoring, interpretation, and feedback.

Fees for assessment begin at $300 per hour. Prior to starting the evaluation process, we will discuss the anticipated scope, timeline, and estimated cost so you have a clear understanding of what to expect.