Why do people seek therapy?
People seek therapy for many reasons. Therapy can provide support and skill-building for coping with life challenges such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood trauma, bereavement, work conflicts, stress management, loss, drug or alcohol abuse, etc. Therapy is an active, engaging way to identify what’s not working in your life and relationships and to develop the skills necessary to have more of what you want and need.
What should I expect in the first session?
The first session is the time for you to start to share your story, to talk about your goals and what you would like to change. Another important aspect of the first session is determining if we are a good fit. We are establishing a relationship that will become the foundation for working together. The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about me and my therapeutic approach. We will also discuss payment, cancellation, and in-between session contact.
Do you accept insurance?
I am considered "out of network" for most insurance companies. Many health plans allow for out-of-network coverage, or money from a flex spending or health savings account may be used. Fees for therapy are payable at the end of each session.
As an "out of network" provider, I am able to provide a statement of services (called a superbill) that can be used to submit to your insurance company toward your out-of-network mental health benefits. Out-of-network benefits cover psychotherapy with the professional you choose. Most plans require the client to pay a deductible, and then may reimburse a certain percentage of the fee after that. Please note, the amount reimbursed depends on your individual insurance plan.
Be sure to call the number on the back of your insurance card prior to your appointment to find out the details about your benefits.
In addition, once an appointment has been scheduled, you will be expected to pay for the time allotted unless you provide 24 hours advance notice of cancellation.
What are your rates?
Initial Consultation:
55-minute individual therapy initial consultation: $215
55-minute couples/family initial consultation: $240
Individual Therapy:
50-minute session: $195
Family/Couples Therapy:
50-minute session: $220
Do you offer therapy in-person and/or online?
I provide both in-person therapy and online virtual sessions. In-person sessions are held at my Dallas office, located at LBJ and Hillcrest. For virtual sessions, I provide telehealth services through a HIPAA compliant, secure online platform. That means, you can do therapy securely through your computer or smart phone from the comfort of your home or office. Many people find it just as helpful as in-office therapy.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a therapist. Information can only be disclosed with written permission directly from the client or their legal guardian. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:
-Serious and foreseeable harm to you or others is evident
-Release of confidential information is required by court order or requested by you
-Child abuse or neglect is evident or suspected
-Abuse, neglect or exploitation of adults who are vulnerable due to physical or mental impairment or advanced age is evident or suspected
-Client abuse or sexual exploitation by a previous mental health provider
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept payment by cash, credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.
What is the No Surprises Act and Good Faith Estimate?
Under the law, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for their services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
When we speak for the first time, we will discuss what my fees are per session and how frequently we will plan on meeting. As every person's circumstances are different, estimating the number of sessions you will need can be challenging. However, we will regularly check in about your progress toward your goals throughout our work together. Ultimately, you will be in control of session scheduling.