Process, Policies, and Fees
What to Expect
If you are new to therapy, or even if you aren't, therapy as a process can all seem really overwhelming. Usually this involves having a million questions but also have a hard time pinning down what questions to ask. So let me shed a little light on what to expect, my policies, and more info on fees and insurance.
My Philosophy
Relationships as the Core
Relationships are often at the core of pain and suffering, the stories we tell ourselves about our shortcomings or potential, and can even be barriers to meaningful and lasting change. If relationships are at the core of what isn't working for you, relationships are also paradoxically the solution to this problem.
I believe growth and change happen within the context of relationships, including our relationships with ourselves. I believe the relationship between therapist and client is an active partnership where each of us has responsibilities and must dedicate time and energy for growth and healing to occur. I believe in the importance of open communication, willingness to get uncomfortable, showing up authentically, and seeking the signs of growth in the chaos on both sides of this relationship.
What's session like?
In our 50 minute weekly or every other week session, we will:
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Explore growth and progress
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Identify strengths and resources
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Evaluate goals
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Dig into how your past may be impacting your present
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Uncover new ways of living and being that better meet your wants and needs
Fees and Insurance
My individual session fee is $165 for a 50 minute session. Payment is due at time of appointment.
Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged for the full session. This is because when you schedule an appointment, I reserve and commit that time just to you and a late cancel means I am unable to dedicate that time to someone else who might also be seeking an appointment.
It is understandable that many people wish to use their insurance benefits for mental health treatment, after all, we do pay a lot to have insurance in the first place. And though it is now quite common for therapists to not accept insurance, it seems that few take the time to explain why this is. So for transparency sake here are some of the reasons I have made the decision to not accept insurance:
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A diagnosis is required which will then be a part of your permanent health record and can have unanticipated longterm consequences such as impacting eligibility for certain types of jobs, accessing life insurance, or even getting approved for insurance in the future
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Possible confidentiality issues with providing details to insurance companies about treatment and diagnosis
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Loss of control and autonomy over length and type of mental health treatment as insurance company would determine length of treatment and what services may or may not be covered