Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, I am currently accepting new clients for in-person therapy at my office in Shalimar, Florida and clients for virtual therapy throughout Florida and New Hampshire.

Please send a request from the website under “schedule a consultation” to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.

Please send a request from the website under “schedule a consultation.” I will do my best to respond within 2 business days unless it’s a holiday.

I work with clients who self-pay and clients who would like to utilize their out-of-network benefits with insurance.

Many PPO insurance plans will cover a percentage of services provided by Out-of-network providers. If you have a PPO-type plan and want to submit a claim for out-of-network reimbursement, I can give you a receipt, or a “superbill.”

I accept HSA and FSA cards.

Please note that submitting an insurance claim means I will need to give you a mental health diagnosis, which goes into your permanent health record.

Some may wonder why a therapist would not take insurance. Here are some reasons:

Limited Control over Treatment:

Insurance companies may impose restrictions on the type and duration of therapy sessions covered, as well as require justification for treatment. This can limit therapists' ability to provide the level of care they believe is most appropriate for their clients. Clients have more flexibility and choice when THEY get to choose their provider. Some individuals value the flexibility and autonomy that comes with paying out of pocket for therapy. They may prefer the freedom to choose their therapist based on factors such as expertise, personality fit, or therapeutic approach, rather than being limited to providers within their insurance network.

Confidentiality Concerns:

Submitting claims to insurance companies requires sharing confidential client information, which may raise privacy concerns for both therapists and clients. Some clients prefer to pay out of pocket to maintain greater control over their privacy. Examples of why confidentiality is important when it comes to insurance companies:

1. Life Insurance: Some life insurance policies may require applicants to disclose mental health diagnoses or therapy history during the application process. Depending on the severity of the condition and the insurer's underwriting criteria, individuals with certain mental health conditions may be denied coverage, charged higher premiums, or offered coverage with exclusions related to mental health.

2. Disability Insurance: Disability insurance provides income protection in the event of a disability that prevents someone from working. Mental health conditions may be considered pre-existing conditions by insurers, and coverage for disabilities related to mental health may be limited or excluded from the policy. Additionally, individuals with a history of mental health diagnoses or therapy may face higher premiums or exclusions related to mental health.

3. Health Insurance: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits health insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions, including mental health conditions. Under the ACA, mental health and substance use disorder services must be covered as essential health benefits. However, there may still be limitations on coverage, such as restrictions on the number of therapy sessions or requirements for pre-authorization.

4. Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance covers services such as nursing home care, assisted living, and in-home care for individuals who need assistance with daily activities due to illness, disability, or cognitive impairment. Some long-term care insurance policies may have exclusions related to mental health conditions, particularly if the condition requires specialized care or supervision.

Administrative Burden:

Dealing with insurance companies can be time-consuming and administratively burdensome for therapists. The paperwork, documentation requirements, and reimbursement processes can detract from valuable time spent with clients. The burnout rates among therapists who accept insurance can be influenced by several factors, which, in turn, can impact the quality of care they provide to their clients. Burnout and job-related stress can affect therapists' emotional well-being and their capacity to be fully present and engaged with their clients. This can undermine the quality of the therapeutic relationship, which is considered one of the most important predictors of client success in therapy. Clients may sense when their therapist is distracted or emotionally drained, which can erode trust and rapport and impede progress in therapy.

Low Reimbursement Rates:

Insurance companies often reimburse therapists at lower rates compared to private-pay clients. Some therapists find that the reimbursement rates offered by insurance companies are not sufficient to cover their expenses or justify the time and effort required to navigate the insurance system. Therapists who rely heavily on insurance payments may experience financial stressors, such as fluctuations in reimbursement rates, delayed payments, or denied claims. These financial pressures can exacerbate feelings of burnout and impact therapists' ability to focus on their clients' needs without distraction.

Freedom to Choose Clients:

Opting out of insurance allows therapists to have more flexibility in choosing their clients and focusing on specific populations or treatment modalities. They may specialize in niche areas or offer specialized services that are not covered by insurance. Therapists who participate in insurance networks may face restrictions on the types of treatments they can offer, the duration of sessions, and the frequency of appointments. These limitations can constrain therapists' ability to tailor treatment to meet the individual needs of their clients and may lead to feelings of professional dissatisfaction.

Focus on Quality of Care:

By avoiding the constraints and limitations imposed by insurance companies, therapists can prioritize providing high-quality care tailored to the individual needs of their clients. This may involve longer sessions, more frequent appointments, or alternative therapeutic approaches that are not covered by insurance.

Clients with High Deductibles or Limited Coverage:

Even individuals with insurance coverage may face high deductibles or limited mental health benefits that make paying out of pocket for therapy more cost-effective. In some cases, the cost of therapy sessions may be comparable to or even lower than the out-of-pocket expenses associated with using insurance.

Autonomy and Freedom of Choice: I am a small business that values autonomy and the ability to make decisions that best serve the interests of myself and my clients. Allowing insurance companies to dictate operational aspects of a business, such as staffing levels, hours of operation, or service offerings, can infringe upon this autonomy and limit the flexibility small business owners have in managing their enterprises.

There are two options available for self-pay:

60 minute Individual Therapy session: $200

90 minute Individual Therapy session: $225.

The initial intake assessment usually takes 75-90 minutes and is $275.

Payment is collected on the day of service. I keep your credit card on file and charge it the day of the session through a HIPAA compliant electronic health records system.

I see clients in-person at my office in Shalimar, Florida or via telehealth throughout Florida and New Hampshire.

All telehealth therapy sessions are conducted via a secure and easy-to-use telehealth platform.

I provide counseling for adults who reside in Florida and New Hampshire.

I help empower motivated, high achievers who need a sense of hope that it can get better. I help clients navigate perfectionism, anxiety, self-criticism, and past traumas. Using a holistic and trauma-trained approach, I guide my clients to cultivate self-compassion, change negative thinking, and truly heal. Together, we foster personal growth and well-being in a supportive environment.

Ready to break free from limitations and thrive? Reach out today to schedule a free consultation!

This is something we can discuss together at the intake appointment. Most clients start out at one time a week then gradually move to every other week.

I do not believe that people need to be in therapy for months or years on end. My goal from the beginning is to work myself out of a job so my clients can get back to living their life!

I require 48-hours’ notice of cancellation, or you may be charged for the appointment.

An occasional exception may be made in the case of an emergency or illness.

Please notify me by text or email if you need to cancel.

I find that an eclectic approach works best, meaning I pull from a variety of theories and techniques.

I use Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), EMDR, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness. I take an individualized treatment approach and collaborate with my clients on the best modalities for them.

I approach my client from a holistic view: mind, body, and spirit. If needed, I collaborate with other medical professionals in the area to provide a well-rounded, integrative treatment plan.

Yes, my office is disability friendly. Accessibility is very important to me. The interior was completely renovated in 2022 and meets all the newest disability standards.

Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, service animals, etc. are all welcome and if you need other accommodations, please let me know and I will be happy to assist you.

I also have a coffee bar with coffee, teas, and snacks!

No, I do not. I am not a medical doctor. Medication can be helpful, but not necessary. I have clients that make progress in therapy without medication. If you want to be evaluated for psychiatric medication, either contact your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. I can make recommendations for psychiatrists in our area. If you are already taking medication, I can coordinate care with your prescribing doctor.

I work with adults aged 18+ (no children). I do not conduct child custody evaluations, nor do I provide custody recommendations. I also do not provide treatment for eating disorders, psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, etc.), or personality disorders.

Due to state licensing laws, I can only provide therapy to individuals residing in Florida or New Hampshire.

Yes. I am a qualified supervisor for MHC interns seeking licensure in the State of Florida. I would love to help you navigate this exciting time. I also offer professional consultation for difficult or complex cases involving my areas of expertise.

• Individual supervision (60 min): $125

• Group supervision (60 min): $70

• Professional consultation (60 min): $150