Healing Through Connection
What days and times are you available?
I work full-time at a university, so I generally only have availability to schedule therapy appointments between 6:00pm and 9:00pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. I typically do not see clients other days of the week. I can be much more flexible with consultation and supervision appointments, especially during the summer when I take time off from work.
Do you accept insurance?
Currently, I am an in-network provider for Optum/United Behavioral Health and CareFirst BCBS. I am also an approved Maryland Medicaid provider. If you are insured, but not covered by either of these entities, I am willing to provide a super-bill for you to submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. You also have the option of paying for services out-of-pocket. If you choose this option, I will accept payment by cash, debit, credit, check, PayPal, and IvyPay.
Do you provide teletherapy?
Currently, my practice is solely virtual, so I only provide teletherapy. If you are interested in working with me, please reach out for an initial consultation, and we can determine together whether teletherapy would be appropriate for your needs.
Will you tell anyone what I tell you in our sessions?
Counseling services are confidential. This means that, barring a few rare exceptions, I am not allowed to share anything about you or your treatment with anyone else unless you give me explicit written permission to do so. However, if you give me reason to believe that you are an imminent risk to yourself or others, I will need to talk to someone to ensure everyone's safety. Click here to learn about other exceptions to confidentiality.
Will I need to receive a diagnosis?
It is within my scope of practice to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. If you choose to pay for individual or group therapy with insurance, it will be necessary for me to provide a mental health diagnosis, which will become a part of your medical record. However, if you are paying out-of-pocket, a diagnosis is not necessary. If you are not paying with insurance, but you still want a diagnosis for your own records, I can provide one as requested.
Will you try to prescribe me medication?
It is beyond my scope of practice to prescribe medication. However, I strongly support the use of medication when it is clinically indicated, and I would be more than willing to help you find a provider (such as a psychiatrist or physician) who can evaluate you.
How often do I need to see you?
You can schedule sessions as often as you would like, as long as this is financially feasible for you. Typically, I meet with clients once a week, but some people prefer to meet once every other week, or once a month.
What happens if I don't feel any different after coming to sessions?
The progress you make in counseling can depend on a number of factors. Sometimes it takes a while for you to feel like therapy is "paying off." If, after two (2) sessions, you aren't satisfied with your counseling experience, I would want us to discuss your needs to decide if: a) something can be done to get us on the right track, or b) you might be better served in counseling with a different therapist. Whatever you decide, I will do my best to ensure that you get the best care possible, even if you get that care somewhere else.
What about no-shows and cancellations?
If you need to cancel an appointment, please provide at least 12-hours' notice. This will allow me the time to get rescheduled with someone who may be waiting for an opening. I charge a fee of $25.00 for late cancellations and $50.00 for no-shows.
Can I email or text you between sessions?
My preference would be for us to talk over the phone anytime you want to discuss your confidential information. Typically, I will only text or email you to schedule and confirm appointments, or answer questions you have about my services before engaging in therapy. Additionally, I might also send you helpful resources via text or email, but only with your written permission.
Can we be friends outside of therapy?
While I do sometimes wish I could pursue friendships with my clients, it is my ethical responsibility to avoid dual-relationships in therapy. This is done to protect us both from undue harm. I do not believe it would be in either of our best interests if I allowed the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship to become blurred.