How does therapy help? I can teach and help guide you towards your desired place of peace. Through therapy you will develop an understanding of yourself, as well as, the challenges you face. You will learn and put into practice the strategies you need to help reduce distress.

What if my child (or family member) won’t talk or cooperate? I have a wealth of experience working with children (and adults) who lack motivation to engage or may be difficult. Usually, building a good genuine therapeutic relationship and meeting them where they are can overcome barriers to treatment.

How often does therapy occur? Therapy usually occurs once a week. However, sessions may happen more or less frequently depending on the persons needs.

What should I expect from therapy sessions? You can expect a safe, non-judgmental place to share and explore your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Therapy also involves exploring and working through tough emotions, as well. It can provide relief but can also be challenging at times. However, the overall goal is to work with you to get to a place of peace.

Is what I say in therapy confidential? Yes. What is shared in therapy is private. It will stay between you and your therapist with just a few legal exceptions. This is so that you feel comfortable to be open and authentic in therapy and therefore, get the help you need. Additionally, I will keep what is said between me and children I see in therapy in private with exceptions of course. Anything involving threats to safety or other important things like that will definitely be shared.

Are parents included in therapy for children? Parental involvement is extremely important in the treatment of children. I work closely with parents to reinforce therapeutic gains and improve family dynamics that may contribute to a child’s difficulties.

What is a sliding fee scale? A sliding fee scale means the therapist offers a slide from the standard payment rate based on the patient’s financial situation. This is generally a reduced fee for people who cannot afford the standard therapy rate. I offer a sliding fee scale and determine the rate on each person’s unique situation.

Can i get my sessions reimbursed by my insurance company? & if so, how? Some patients are able to get their sessions reimbursed but it depends on each individuals plan. If you are interested in getting your sessions reimbursed you will need to look at your policy or call your insurance company to find out what mental health benefits you have, if reimbursement is an option, and the percentage they will reimburse. For patients who do have this option in their plans I will provide invoices for sessions that can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Will  my child get a diagnosis that will stay with or them forever? Private pay therapy allows an individual to be treated for their difficulties without necessarily receiving a label. I diagnose my patients when absolutely necessary for treatment or insurance purposes.

Do you prescribe medication? No. I do not prescribe psychotropic medications. I am generally am not an advocate for medication. However, there are challenges and difficulties for which medication is necessary. I hold a Master’s degree in Psychopharmacology, which allows me to have informed conversations about medication with my patients and if appropriate refer them to a psychiatrist who can meet those needs.

How do I contact you in the event of an emergency? I check my voicemail and email messages frequently. I am available by cellphone and email up until 9 pm most nights. Patients are instructed to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for psychiatric emergencies that occur after hours.