Frequently Asked Questions: general

I  am piloting the "Green Bottle Approach" to determining psychotherapy fees. This is a tiered sliding scale approach that individualizes rates, so that therapy services can be accessible for clients with any income. Cost for sessions is tiered based on self-report. I won't ask you for proof of finances, and trust you to choose a price that works, knowing we can re-visit at any time if your financial circumstances change. The full value of a LAB Psychotherapy session is $250 (highest tier.) Other pricing options are available for those that cannot afford the full cost. I have limited scholarship sessions (ranging from free to $100.) Contact me to find out if spaces are available at those rates. 

I am in the process of credentialing with several major commercial insurance plans. Reach out to find out if therapy sessions are covered by your insurance.  You may also be eligible for out of network reimbursement.  Contact your insurance plan to learn more. 

Yes, with the following exceptions: 1) child or elder abuse 2) threat to your own life or that of others 3) documentation provided to insurance companies (see below) 4) when you or your guardian signs a consent form allowing me to speak with other providers, like a medical doctor or dietician 5) notes and other information requested by legal guardians (see below) 

Notes are as vague as possible to protect your confidentiality as they may be audited by insurance companies. Insurance companies may seek documentation that validates medical necessity of treatment like diagnosis, treatment plan, symptoms addressed and focus of sessions. This generally only occurs during an audit. If you are under 18, your parents need to provide a written request for notes

I prefer to speak with my clients prior to talking to their guardians to establish consent. Youth under 18 are entitled to very similar confidentiality protections as adults. Exceptions to confidentiality might include: 1) parents/ caregivers can ask about general progress (is someone attending sessions, does the therapist feel that it's a good fit and the young person is benefitting or likely to benefit from therapy?) 2) parents might be provided some information about treatment goals (i.e.: we're working on self-esteem; we're working on communication; we're focusing on coping skills; we're addressing emotional expression) 3) behaviors likely to result in extreme harm/loss of life or limb may be shared with caregivers, typically after a discussion with clients 4) diagnosis and session attendance (this is often included in invoices/superbills, and insurance documentation provided to families) 

Our first session will focus on gathering information about you and your goals for therapy. I am highly open to feedback, which I value greatly. My approach is a balance of directness and validation. I am both honest and kind in the feedback I provide and will always encourage you to introduce any changes at your own pace. 

I typically allow about 55 minutes for sessions. You might choose to have briefer sessions if this works better for you. 

Sessions are currently provided online over a secure video platform. Contact me about "walk and talk"/nature therapy in warmer weather. I have supported clients over several years and multiple life changes. Some folks see me for shorter term support. The important thing is that you get to make these choices! Insurance may impact the amount of covered sessions over a year. I am typically able to provide sessions up to 2x weekly if needed, but this varies based on availability. Some clients choose to participate in once-monthly check-ins to support ongoing recovery. If I have availability, past clients are welcome to resume services with me if they feel they need the support. 

My approach is fundamentally relational and social-justice oriented. This means that I view establishing rapport and trust as essential for the healing process. I also employ multiple evidence-based treatment modalities including: CBT, I-CBT for OCD, CBT-AR for ARFID, mindfulness-based approaches, DBT, somatic approaches, expressive/arts activities, motivational and solution focused interviewing, IFS (internal family systems), FBT (family based treatment for eating disorders) and more.