Fees and FAQs

What are your fees?
My standard fee for a 50-minute individual, marriage/couples, or family counseling session is $140. Accepted forms of payment are cash, personal check, all major credit cards, Health Savings Account (HSA) cards, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards. 

Do you take insurance?
I am not paneled with any insurance companies at this time. I am, however, considered an out-of-network provider for most insurance plans. I can generate a statement that you will be able to submit directly to your insurance company for reimbursement.

I recommend that you contact your insurance company prior to our first session to inquire about the out-of-network benefits specific to your plan.

What is your cancellation policy?
When you schedule a session, that time is reserved solely for you. Therefore, 24-hour notice is required to cancel or reschedule appointments. You will be charged the full session fee of $140 for any missed sessions or sessions cancelled with less than 24-hour notice. I find that this is the fairest way for us to respect each other’s time.

Is therapy or counseling right for me?
Seeking out therapy is a very personal and individual choice. People choose to come to therapy for a number of reasons, although most pursue therapy during in a state of crisis. Something happened and now they have an overwhelming problem that is beyond their capacity to cope. Others may want to deal with longstanding issues that have affected their well-being for many years, work through current life transitions or unexpected changes, or desire a safe, supportive space for exploration, reflection, making meaning of experiences. Therapy can treat a variety of symptoms and presenting problems. Here are some common reasons people seek therapy:

• • Feelings of sadness, depression, melancholy, etc.
  • Relationship issues
  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Grief and loss
  • Major life events (a break-up, serious health issues or an accident, a financial crisis, aging concerns, etc.)
  • Addictions and compulsions
  • Existential/Spiritual concerns
  • Stress and stress management
  • Parenting concerns or family problems
  • Phobias
  • Sexual problems or sexual abuse
  • Fertility issues
  • Chronic pain or illness
  • Domestic violence or abuse
  • Eating disorders
  • Anger Management
  • Self-esteem issues

How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for a plethora of issues. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• • Developing a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
  • Learning skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the presenting issues or concerns that led you to pursue counseling
  • Finding new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, sadness, and other emotions
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

• • Compassion, respect and understanding
  • Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
  • Real strategies for enacting positive change
  • Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

Are my therapy sessions confidential?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about therapy. And the answer is yes, of course the sessions are confidential! Therapy is best experienced in an atmosphere of trust. Thus, all treatment services are strictly confidential and may not be revealed to anyone without your written permission, except where disclosure is required by law. Legal exceptions to confidentiality are put in place to protect your safety and the safety of others. Limits to the privilege of confidentiality include: suspected abuse/neglect of a child or elderly person, if I believe you are in danger of harming yourself or another person, if a valid court order is issued, or when otherwise required by the law.

What will happen at our first appointment?
Coming to therapy for the first time, or for the first time with a new counselor, can be a scary and nerve-wracking experience. It is okay to discuss these feelings with your counselor, and it often helps to do so.

Prior to our first appointment, I ask that you print and complete the “Client Intake Form” and “Client Consent for Treatment” (located in “Forms”  section of this website) and bring these with you to your initial visit. If it is more convenient, you are welcome to arrive about 30 minutes prior to your first session to fill them out in the waiting room at my office. If you choose this option, please notify me in advance, and I will leave the forms out for you.

During our first session, often referred to as the “assessment” or “intake” session, we will review the intake form that you completed and talk about what you hope to gain from therapy. This session will be different from the rest of your therapy sessions, as it is a time for your therapist to gather information about your presenting concern(s) and what you’re experiencing, ask about your childhood and family background, medical history, etc.

The initial session is also an opportunity for us to get to know one another and decide if we would be a good fit for treatment moving forward. We’ll discuss office policies and procedures, and I’ll answer questions/address any concerns you might have about the counseling process, working with me, etc.

How do I get started?
You can contact me, send me an email, or give me a call at (585) 615-6985. If I am not available at the moment you phone, please know that your call is very important to me! I check calls and emails frequently, so if you leave your contact information, I will get back to you as soon as possible (usually within one business day).