How do I get started?

If you are interested in a 50 minute session as an introduction where you can decide if I am a good fit for you or ask me any questions, we can start there. Or we can start with the 90 minute intake that is a session where I am taking a history with specific questions I am asking you.

Some clients like to be able to talk first because they are either deciding still, or they have something specific they are wanting to talk about and they wouldn't have time for that during the intake. Others know they want to move forward and start with the intake.

I give the option for the intake to be on the first or second session. If 50 minute sessions are preferred due to time constraints, scheduling, finances, or bandwidth, the intake can be scheduled accordingly. We can discuss the best option for your unique healing journey.

The intake process is a foundational part of our work together. With psychodynamic work, it is giving context to what we will continue to explore together in deeper ways throughout treatment. It is the start of the therapeutic relationship, building a sense of felt safety and rapport. It also helps grow your awareness of areas that may be unresolved or not yet explored. It is a valuable and needed step in my approach to therapy and healing trauma.

What is the difference between

counseling and consultation?

Counseling involves deeper work, diagnosing and assessments, client history, and is a mental health framework of a treatment plan and ongoing work. It is more thorough. Also, counseling can only be utilized in Ohio where I am licensed.

Consultation has a different consent form that says this is for psychoeducation or support, a discussion around areas of concern in adoption, parenting, codependency or other areas of specialty. Consultation doesn't go as deep. Consultation can be sporadic, short term, as needed. Also, consultation is not limited to those in the state of Ohio.

Do you do Telehealth?

Yes. I use a HIPAA compliant platform called SimplePractice.

Do you see children?

I have a children's room in my office space for a limited number of younger clients. I primarily choose to focus on work with the parents or adoptive/foster parents directly because this is what will most influence the healing of the child. I do enjoy my work with children, as my background was previously in elementary education and I have four of my own (now an adolescent and three young adults).

Do you take insurance?

I am self pay only, which is due at the time of service. Some clients choose to submit a monthly superbill to their insurance for reimbursement. The superbill is a receipt that is sent to clients on the third of each month for the previous month's sessions that has a diagnosis and NPI number required by insurance companies. Depending on your plan, your insurance may cover part of the session (out of network), put the cost toward your deductible, or not cover it. Some clients use an HSA (Health Savings Account) that gives flexibility in choosing your own therapist, and having financial support, with the added benefit of pre-taxed contributions and deductions.

Why don't you take insurance?

I want to spend my time and effort focused on clients, not with billing companies and contracts. My own healing journey when I was the client was long, and I never used insurance to pay for mine despite our own financial hardships. It was the best fit for me to have therapists that I connected really well with and even traveled quite a distance to get to them -- they were in private practice and didn't take insurance either. It becomes an issue of quality of life that will impact all of your relationships and work. I came to see it as a deep and worthwhile investment and experience for me that changed my life in the best of ways. That is my hope for my clients too.  I am passionate about and love this work! I also respect that you have to do what is best for you.

Do you offer a sliding scale fee?

No, but finances are very important to me and I understand the challenge of paying for counseling. If there is not a safety concern, we can work with a schedule that best suits your needs for consistent support and your finances. I give quality and ethical care, and consider the needs of each unique client for pacing that supports their healing journey. We can arrange sessions weekly, twice a week, every ten days, every two weeks, every three weeks, or monthly. You can always contact me to come in sooner if needed. I am available in between sessions through secure message, email, or text -- so the cost of the session is not just limited to covering your session. When you are my client, I make myself available without added fees. I intentionally keep my fees on the lower side to make them more affordable and less burdensome for longer term work. If you need additional support at no cost, I also have a mental health podcast called Community Routes that has a wealth of topics for you to choose from and to support your counseling between sessions.