General Questions

Is therapy right for me?

Therapy can be right for you if you’re ready for change and putting in the work. Therapy on average works for 70% of people with mental health challenges. Some mental health diagnoses and cases are treated best with a combination of therapy and medications. Some people need different things, after all.

Can you write me prescriptions?

No, I am a clinical social worker, and specialize in talk therapy. Only medical doctors and certain nurses are legally allowed to write prescriptions. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health and prescribing psychotropic medications.

How long can I expect to be coming in to see you?

It depends on the presenting issue. Therapy can be as quick as a few sessions and as long as several years, it’s up to you!

Does therapy mean I’m weak or a failure?

No! It takes a lot of strength to recognize a problem and put in the work and time to fix it. It takes courage to face your pain and fear. A large part of therapy is often learning skills and techniques that no one taught you, showed you how to do in a healthy way, or gave you the opportunity to practice. Learning new skills and techniques to live a healthier and more meaningful life can be incredibly strengthening and freeing.

What if I like you a lot and want to be friends outside of sessions?

Part of the power of the therapeutic relationship is the boundaries in it. Therapists aren’t allowed to be friends with their clients outside of the office for the same reason we’re not allowed to treat our friends or families: it leads to bad therapy and is not in the client’s best interest.

What if I don’t like you?

Multiple studies have shown that the relationship the client has with their therapist is as powerful as the type of therapy used. So therapy ends up being this powerful mix of science and relationship. If the therapeutic relationship isn’t working out, talking about it in session can often help a lot to fix it! And sometimes it just isn’t right, which is okay! There’s a therapist out there who will be the right fit.

What is the National Suicide Hotline phone number?

1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). This toll-free number will connect you to a live counselor on the phone. The area code on the phone you are calling from determines which state you get routed to. If you are calling from out of state, it can be helpful to let the phone counselor know, so they can help you connect to local resources.

Questions About the First Session

What will we talk about the first session?

The first session usually covers what issue (or issues) brings you into therapy and how you hope to have it resolved. The remainder of the time is getting a broad review of your past history and current situation, such as your childhood, school performance, current job, romantic relationship status, prior mental health issues, current medical issues, and so on. The point is not to learn everything or dive into painful history, but to help me see how you got here and how I can best assist you. The first session ends with a discussion of possible treatments and any possible feedback or questions you may have.

What should I make sure to say or ask during the first sessions?

Other than what is discussed above, a good thing to bring up is what you expect from me as your therapist and from the therapy sessions and how you want to receive feedback.

Will there be paperwork for the first session?

Yes, there will be paperwork. The good news is that after the first session, there is little bureaucratic paperwork to worry about!

Questions About Cost

Do you accept any insurance?

I am currently accepting CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare/Optum, and Cigna insurance. If you have another insurance, I will provide you with a receipt of payment along with a billing code and diagnostic code that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Please be aware that out of network reimbursement varies from plan to plan.

If I’m paying out of pocket, are there any discounts?

Therapy should be available to everyone who needs it. To assist with that, I offer discounts to people who are either especially vulnerable (refugees, torture survivors, transgender people, etc) or who do work to benefit the public good (teachers, EMT’s, community organizers, firefighters, nurses, protesting for BLM or against police brutality, etc). Additionally, if you are an Iraq or Afghanistan War Veteran there are sponsorship programs which may fully cover your therapy with me.

What types of payment do you accept?

I accept credit cards and cash, which is due at the end of session. I do not accept personal checks.

Is there a late cancellation or no-show fee?

Yes, if you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment or do not show up, then the fee is the cost of the session. Please give me advance notice to avoid this.