Do I need counseling? How do I know if it’s right for me?
Want to hear the good news? Therapy won’t hurt! I mean, sure, there are risks, but I truly believe that everyone can benefit from therapy. Honestly, if you are here, I would be willing to bet you could benefit from taking a small chunk of your day to focus on you. I know it’s hard to make yourself a priority, but perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to try something different? Try my FREE 20-minute consultation…the only thing you have to lose is 20 minutes of your day!
How can counseling help me?
Well, this depends on what is going on with you and how much you are willing to put into our work together. I’m not one for empty promises, so let me say this: you get out of it, what you put in it. Counseling has so many benefits and having someone you trust can be invaluable.
Generally speaking, the benefits of counseling can include:
- developing a better understanding of yourself
- making sense of upsetting past experiences
- improving relationships
- identifying solutions to specific problems
- learning healthy coping strategies to reduce feelings of distress and better manage mood
- improving self-esteem
- feeling empowered
How do I prepare for my first session?
Your first session will be a lot of questions and reviewing your intake form. This will help us build a foundation as well as set some goals for your treatment. I’m not on a strict timeline, so we can take our time and move at a pace you are comfortable with.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are typically 50-minutes long. I do offer 30-minute sessions and 90-minute sessions, as well. The goal of my practice is to make counseling convenient for women who already have enough on their plate.
How frequently will we meet?
I would always suggest at least bi-weekly sessions (every 2 weeks), however, this would depend on each client’s needs, availability, etc.
Do you only use teletherapy?
In my humble opinion, teletherapy offers a convenience that therapy in the office just can’t. I am assuming most of my clients wish there were more hours in their day so not having to take the time to commute to an office saves every precious minute they have. This also allows me to work with women throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania instead of just a small 30-mile radius of an office 😊
How can I pay for sessions?
Venmo, Cash App, Apple Pay, Zelle and Debit/Credit cards are accepted forms of payment. All clients will be required to keep a card on file by completing the Credit Card Authorization Form. In the event of a late cancellation or missed appointment your card will automatically be charged.
Several clients have used their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for sessions. I am happy to provide an invoice for you to submit for reimbursement.
Can I use my insurance?
I am considered an “out-of-network” provider and do not work directly with insurance companies. You may be eligible for some reimbursement through that provision in your policy, if applicable. If so, I will provide you with a statement to submit directly to your insurance provider. Your provider will issue any reimbursement directly to you.
Please contact your insurance company directly to learn the specifics of what your insurance plan may reimburse for services received from an out-of-network mental health provider, as every plan differs. Here are some recommended questions to ask your insurance company about out-of-network benefits:
- Do I have out-of-network mental health or behavioral health coverage?
- Does my plan cover outpatient therapy provided by a Licensed Professional Counselor?
- Do I have a deductible that I have to meet before being eligible for reimbursement?
- How much will I be reimbursed for each appointment?
- Are there limits to how many sessions I can be reimbursed for in a calendar year?
- What steps do I need to take to apply for reimbursement?
- Does my plan cover teletherapy (phone or video) appointments?
What happens if I can’t make my scheduled appointment?
My clients are busy, so I understand that things come up. Once a given time slot has been allocated for a session, another client cannot easily fill this time slot on short notice. If you must cancel your appointment, please contact me as soon as possible. A 48-hour notice for cancellation is required; otherwise, you will be charged a $75 late cancellation fee. You will be responsible for paying the full session fee for “no show” appointments (i.e., you do not communicate any intention of missing an appointment prior to the scheduled start time of the appointment).