Frequently Asked Questions
What is your cancellation policy?
I have what's called a No Cancellation Policy. Because each client's time is reserved exclusively for them, they are financially responsible for their appointment time whether or not they attend. However, I have a generous rescheduling policy that allows for clients to reschedule their appointment within a three-week window of the original appointment time, schedules permitting. Additionally, each client is entitled to one "free cancellation" per year for any reason. Many clients find this policy more flexible as it allows for last minute cancellations without penalty while maintaining consistency in the therapeutic process. Clients are also not financially responsible for any appointments canceled by me for any reason.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not accept insurance but clients may be eligible for out of network benefits. Please check with your insurance provider to determine benefits. I typically provide a monthly “Superbill statement,” i.e. a receipt for the purposes of insurance reimbursement that contains the detailed information insurances typically require. Please note that any documentation for insurance purposes must include a diagnosis.
Where are you located and will we be meeting in person or virtually?
While I physically reside in Maryland, I am licensed in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia and can see clients virtually who are located in any of those jurisdictions. I am currently conducting my sessions 100% virtually (using a secure, encrypted and HIPAA compliant video platform called Simple Practice), except for Couple Intensive retreats that take place either at a mutually convenient therapy office location in the DC, VA, MD metro area or at a mutually agreed-upon destination location.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
On January 1, 2022, a ruling went into effect called the "No Surprises Act" which requires health care providers to render a "Good Faith Estimate" (GFE) for private pay care (those who are not using insurance nor will seek reimbursement from insurance). The GFE works to show the cost of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs. The estimate is based on information known at the time it is created and is good until January 1st of the following year. The GFE does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur and will be provided a new GFE should this occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill if you and your therapist have not previously talked about the change and you have not been given an updated GFE. Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan, coverage, or a Federal health care program, or who are not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request, or at the time of scheduling health care items and services to receive a GFE of expected charges.
How long will therapy last?
I really care about my clients getting results. I have found that working in a more intensive format, meeting two or more times weekly in the beginning not only can accelerate the process but also often shortens the total number of sessions required to reach treatment goals. Whether we work together for six months or more than a year, I always believe it is my job to work myself out of a job, and my commitment is always to work as efficiently and effectively as possible.
How fast will I feel better?
Working with me means that I bring a highly specific process where we focus in on what will bring the most relief or the issue that will bring the most change for you in your life. We work together to identify what issues are most pertinent and really focus in on those areas. Often there are many areas clients want to work on but I’ve found it to be most effective to work on one area at a time. Using a more intensive approach allows us to move through relevant areas more quickly and bring greater relief with the process.
When is couple therapy not advisable?
Couple Therapy is not recommended if you or your partner are struggling with:
Undisclosed or ongoing emotional, physical or financial unfaithfulness.
Serious violence in your relationship, threats of serious violence, or fear of serious violence on the part of one or both partners.
Untreated, diagnosable mental illness (bipolar, psychotic disorders and major clinical depression), not including past and successfully treated mental health conditions that are currently stable and/or in remission.
Suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or a history of serious harm inflicted on another person.
Is virtual therapy as effective as in person therapy?
Since transitioning to Telehealth in 2020, clients have been able to see no change in the results they are experiencing in therapy with me. That being said, not all clients are good candidates for Telehealth and I carefully screen potential clients for suitability.
How do I know we are a good fit?
I believe that we are a good fit for individual therapy if you:
have hope and are able to set positive goals for yourself
are curious about yourself, have tenacity, see therapy as a joint expedition
appreciate a sense of humor
are willing to stretch yourself, take risks and try new things outside of the sessions, even if it may feel uncomfortable.
are actively engaged in the process
I believe that we are a good fit for couple therapy if you:
are both committed to each other and willing to work hard on behalf of the relationship
both recognize that relationship problems are co-created, i.e. each partner plays a role and contributes to the relationship dance.
I look forward to supporting you and/or your relationship. Click the button below to schedule a free consultation today.