FAQ

I've never spoken to a professional. I'm used to handling things on my own. Aren't people who go to therapy crazy?

Goodness, no! People who ask for help tend to be strong, courageous, and resilient. So it's normal to need help. You wouldn't build a house without the help of specialists, would you?

What's the difference between talking to you, a friend, or a family member?

While friends and family are lovely, they don't follow therapists' professional guidelines. Mental health clinicians are specifically trained to help others. We teach you new evidence-based skills, help you gain different perspectives, provide confidentiality, and listen to you without judgment and with positive regard. 

Is there anything I need to do before I come in?

Yes. 

1) Fill out the Intake and Disclosure forms and bring them with you to your appointment. 

2) If you haven't seen a doctor in a while, I highly recommend setting an appointment ASAP. We want to rule out any physical symptoms that could be contributing to your mental health struggles.  

Will I need to take medication?

Not necessarily. While medication can be effective, it is not my first course of action. Only after trying other methodologies would I recommend it. If, after time, progress is halted, I might suggest that you see your doctor or psychiatrist. If, for example, you have a chemical imbalance, extra support might be required. There is nothing wrong with taking medication. You would take Tylenol if you had a headache, wouldn't you?

But please understand that medicine alone is not enough. Medication will not magically make your struggles go away. It will only help your brain make good use of any newly learned tools.

How will our sessions look?

Our sessions are 50 minutes long. You come in, get comfortable by grabbing a drink (water, tea, coffee, hot cider, or hot cocoa), and we engage in some banter. You then communicate with me about any challenges, accomplishments, and tools you have utilized since our last session. I take notes and then teach you how to look at the situation from various perspectives, teach you new skills, deal with your emotions, and congratulate you on your successes. We then schedule your next session, if necessary.

What if I am not comfortable taking the lead in our conversations?

Just let me know. Sometimes, people find it challenging to share their emotions and thoughts. They are used to bottling everything up and are intimidated at the thought of initiating conversation. My goal is to provide a comfortable, trusting, and safe place to explore all aspects of your situation.

How long will I have to be in counseling?

It depends. No two people are alike. While two people may come in for depression, their treatment could differ. Various factors can drive individuals to depression. For example, one person may have experienced childhood trauma while the other didn't. Much also depends on a person's willingness to change, do their homework, and implement newly learned tools.

How much do you charge?

I charge $160 for our initial intake session.  After that, I charge $130 per 50-minute session. I also provide a sliding scale for those who need it.

 

Do you Accept Insurance?

Yes. I currently accept Aetna, Crimes Victim Compensation Program, Kaiser, Premera,  Regence, and United Healthcare.

What's your cancellation policy?

I require a 48-hour cancellation notice. If you miss your appointment for any reason and fail to give the required notice, you will be responsible for the full fee.  If you are late, I must adhere to our regular ending time to meet my next appointment.  You will still be required to pay for the entire session.