FAQ

Practical Questions

Do you offer telehealth services?

Yes! I only offer sessions via telehealth. Often, clients find that it is convenient for their schedules. Many appreciate not having to navigate traffic or use their car to get to and from therapy appointments. It can also be highly comforting for clients to have sessions in their personal space surrounded by their familiar belongings.

What are your office hours?

I see clients during the week on Mondays through Thursdays in the mornings and afternoons. Occasionally, I can accommodate late afternoon appointments.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. I am an in-network provider under Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna insurance plans.

For all other plans, I am an out-of-network provider. I can provide you with a Superbill you will send to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Depending on your out-of-network benefits and deductible, you may receive a partial refund directly from your insurance. A downside to this option is you must receive a mental health diagnosis for insurance to process a claim. A diagnosis is helpful for some people, and they would like one. For others, this isn’t optimal for many reasons, including the desire for absolute privacy. I can explore the pros and cons of being diagnosed with you.

I also accept private pay. Session fees are $135 per session.

How do I pay?

Session fees can be paid with a debit card or credit card through the HIPAA-compliant and encrypted payment system within our electronic health record system. All fees and/or co-pays are due the day of the appointment.

Can I cancel an appointment? Do you have a cancellation policy?

A 24-hour cancellation notice is required. Any cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment may be subject to a late cancellation fee.

What do I do to get started?

Call, text, or email me, and we will set up a free 15-minute phone call so I can get to know your situation a little better. From there, we can mutually decide if it feels right to move forward. When choosing a therapist, whether it is me or someone else, it’s essential to make sure you feel comfortable talking with this person.

What is the best way to get in touch with you?

You can call, text, or email me. I generally respond to calls, texts, and emails within 24 hours during the work week.

Practice Questions

What does the first session look like?

The initial session is 60-90 minutes long. Part of this time will involve a biopsychosocial assessment where we will discuss biological, psychological, and social factors affecting your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In doing this, you may better understand certain factors contributing to your current symptoms or concerns. Also, this helps me develop an individualized treatment plan unique to your situation.

How long is a typical session?

After the initial session, a typical session is 53-60 minutes.

Do you work with men? Do you work with women?

I work with adults, both men and women. I do not offer couples or family counseling, though if you’re interested, I’m happy to provide recommendations.

Are you LGBTQIA-friendly?

All are welcome! I am LGBTQIA-affirming.

Do you work with people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions?

Yes. Part of our work together may include exploring how your background, ethnicity, and any religious or spiritual beliefs uniquely influence who you are today.

Are you a Christian counselor?

While I’m well-versed in many Christian denominations and spiritual practices, it is up to you whether you want our sessions to include these elements. For some clients, spirituality and faith are essential to them. For others, not so much. I will work with your unique preference.

Is our work confidential?

Your confidentiality and privacy are critical to me, and my professional ethical codes and legal state board regulations require me to keep any work we do together confidential. And I work from a private and confidential office space.

Are you licensed?

I am pre-licensed in the state of Maryland by the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists as a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor, License # LGP13767l. I am practicing under the clinical supervision of Amanda Steinhorn, LCPC, ATR-BC.

Can you help me with my medications?

I am not a prescriber, but I will explore with you your experiences of medication. You will need to consult your prescriber to adjust your medication.

Medication generally is used to treat symptoms and often does not solve the causes or underlying issues. Medications are great at taking the edge off, which may be necessary for functioning at the beginning of therapy. But they almost always come with side effects and often take away the opportunity to engage the source of the problem. I can also provide resources and support to successfully and safely taper off psychiatric medication if that is a route you choose to explore.

What is your educational background?

I earned a master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida in 2008. I earned a Health and Wellness Coaching certificate from Vanderbilt University Medical Osher Center for Integrative Medicine in 2024.

What kind of Health and Wellness Coaching have you received?

I received my health and wellness coaching training through the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. Two of my mentors include a Vanderbilt health psychologist and a Vanderbilt-trained psychiatric nurse practitioner, both of whom are leaders in the health and wellness field.

What do I need to prepare for a telehealth session?

You’ll need a session link, which I will provide. You’ll need a robust and stable nternet connection of at least 100 Mbps. You’ll need a private space free of interruptions and a backup cell phone on hand throughout the session. I also recommend having a cozy blanket, either tea, coffee, or water, and nearby tissues. (You never know when the tears may come! This is natural.)

I do not need therapy, but I have a loved one needing support. Can you help?

Yes, I offer consultation services and can direct you to valuable resources to help you and your loved one.

EMDR

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured psychotherapy that encourages you to focus briefly on memory while using bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements). It is a proven method of psychotherapy that can help treat symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other distressing life experiences.

What kind of EMDR Training have you received?

In addition to my graduate degree, I completed a rigorous EMDR training program that EMDRIA, EMDR International Association, accredits. I am currently working toward advanced certification.

Can EMDR Therapy be provided via telehealth? I thought I needed to be in person or in an office for it.

You can receive EMDR Therapy safely and effectively through online sessions. Early in our work together, you and I will talk about how virtual EMDR Therapy works, what it looks like, and how you can be comfortable while getting the most out of your experience. It’s important to know that virtual EMDR Therapy with a trained therapist is as effective as EMDR therapy in person.