Frequently Asked Questions
What is your cancellation policy?
I understand that sometimes life gets in the way of our best intentions. Since the scheduling of an appointment involves setting aside time especially for you, a minimum of 24 hours notice is required for rescheduling or cancellation of an appointment. I do charge my full session rate for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice. I keep a credit card on file for this purpose.
What happens after I contact you for therapy?
After we make contact, either by phone or email and you schedule a session, I will send you a link to fill out your intake paperwork. This paperwork needs to be completed at least 48 hours before our first meeting.
For our online meetings we will meet on my secure online therapy platform - Simple Practice. 48 hours before your appointment you will receive a reminder email/text with a link to our online meeting room (you will also receive the same reminder email/text with the meeting room link 10 minutes before our meeting.)
Before our session check in a few minutes early, make sure to have earbuds with a microphone, or if meeting as a couple make sure your camera is placed so I can see both of you.
My online meeting space will place you in a virtual waiting room and at our arranged meeting time I will open our session.
Do you offer a free consultation?
I do not. I prefer to meet for a first session to give you a better sense of my approach.
Do you take insurance?
Therapy is an investment in your health and peace of mind.
I am a private pay, out-of-network provider. I require full payment for the session at the time of service. However, your insurance may reimburse you for part of the cost of our therapy. Upon your request, I can provide you with a monthly invoice (a "Superbill") to submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement. It is your responsibility to check your benefits to understand what your reimbursement might be, if any.
If you're unsure about how to file a reimbursement claim with your insurance carrier check out Reimbursify - they will file your claim for you.
Individual or Relationship Therapy:
50 minute sessions - $325
Couples Therapy Intensives/Individual Therapy Intensives
Please see my couples therapy intensives and individual therapy intensives pages for options.
Insurance will not pay for therapy intensives (they will only cover up to 60 minutes of therapy in one day).
Your insurance may reimburse you for part of your intake session.
I can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance carrier to pursue reimbursement.
Because it is deemed "not medically necessary" most insurance carriers will not reimburse for couples therapy but you are welcome to try.
A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to secure your appointment. The remaining balance will be charged the day before your intensive.
I understand that sometimes life gets in the way of our best intentions. Since the scheduling of an intensive involves setting aside time especially for you, a minimum of 48 hours notice is required for rescheduling or cancellation of your intensive. If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, I will keep your deposit. If you can reschedule your intensive within 3 months your deposit will be applied to your rescheduled intensive.
I accept payment by credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover etc.) or HSA/FSA cards.
I readjust my fees annually to reflect market and cost of living increases.
Please see my investment page for more information.
Do I really need counseling?
Many people struggle for years with old habits and patterns, bitterness or fear from past experiences, or struggling relationships.
I like to think of counseling and mental health care as I do physical care for my body. If my arm was broken I would go to a doctor immediately. But what if it was just sprained or tweaked and I could still function but not at my best?
Many people live their whole lives with sprained mental health. They talk to their friends or partners but never really get to the very heart of the problem. The find quick fixes that work for a short time but none that dramatically change their life. Therapy can help you go to the heart of the matter and develop curiosity about yourself leading to deep insight into who you are. With that knowledge you can change anything about your life - your job, your friendships, your reactions to challenges. With therapy you'll find you're more psychologically flexible and able to face conflicts head on rather than just avoiding them. You'll feel more control of yourself and your life and you'll begin to enjoy your relationships again.
Will I need to take medication if I start therapy?
Being seen for psychotherapy by a therapist does not necessarily mean you will need to take medications. Some of my clients take medication and some do not. Many mental health problems can be successfully treated without medications. If you decide you might benefit from medication, you will need to see a psychiatrist for any prescriptions.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. All client-counselor conversations are private and confidential. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
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Suspected child abuse, abuse or neglect of a dependent adult or older adult. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
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If a client is threatening grave bodily harm to another person. The counselor is required to notify the police.
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If a client intends to harm himself or herself. This is not the same as thinking about suicide which is sometimes a symptom of depression or anxiety. I may have to notify someone if you have an idea, a plan, and a way to carry out your plan.
How can therapy help me?
There are many benefits available to you by participating in therapy.
Counselors can provide support, help you explore you past, and offer possible coping skills for life's challenges. Many people find therapists instrumental in helping their relationship find peace and balance again.
My client's have found that an hour (or a 3 hour intensive) devoted entirely to them, is pivotal in their self-care.
The benefits you receive from therapy depend on how much you put into it and how honest and open you are to learning new ways of being.
How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?
Studies have shown that the relationship between the therapist and client is what leads to the most positive outcomes. I do everything in my power to make sure my clients feel cared for and respected. My clients describe me as warm, caring, consistent, and kind. Because I have a small number of clients, I remember what it said in session and reflect it back when it's most helpful. I will remember your best friend's name, you're mother's drinking problems, and your personal pronouns.
That being said, I can't be the best counselor for everyone and I am far from perfect. If at any time you feel as if our alliance is not helping you change and grow I hope you will speak to me about your concerns. You deserve the best help possible for the struggles you are dealing with and I will help you find that help.
My partner needs help but doesn't want to come to therapy!
To encourage your partner to consider therapy, focus on framing it as a positive step towards strengthening your relationship. Emphasize that therapy is a safe, blame-free space to openly discuss concerns and work through challenges together. Avoid accusatory language and instead, express your desire for a healthier and more fulfilling relationship. If they're hesitant, suggest a trial session to see if we're a good fit. Even if your partner doesn't consider themselves "emotional," I provide a welcoming and non-judgmental space.
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
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Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
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You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
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You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
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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, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Specializing in....
Couples Counseling
Online in all of Massachusetts
We are wired for connection and attachment but things can get in our way. Therapy can help you move from defensiveness and distrust to openness and emotional attunement.
Individual Trauma Focused Therapy
Online in all of Massachusetts
Anxiety, depression, trauma.
I use an Emotionally Focused Therapy lens to help you gain a secure and confident sense of self again.
Also Individual Therapy Intensives for accelerated healing.
Couples Therapy Intensives
Online in all of Massachusetts
Intensives offer a focused approach to jumpstart your therapy journey. Choose from a mini-intensive, one-day intensive, or a two-day intensive. These concentrated sessions can be a standalone experience or a precursor to weekly therapy.