Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Rates and Insurance
Do you accept insurance?
Yes! I do accept insurance. Accessibility to quality, equitable mental healthcare is very important to me and is certainly one of my values. I know finding the right provider can be a process, and I try to eliminate barriers to care whenever I can.
I am currently in-network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and Quest Behavioral Health. To make accepting insurance possible for my practice, I have partnered with Headway, who helps with all the administrative needs related to insurance and billing. Please see my Headway page HERE to book a consultation or enter your client information if you are ready to book a session.
Headway is able to verify insurance information prior to starting therapy with me, and they work quickly. So, you’ll know what your co-pay is or client portion to pay prior to starting. Headway’s platform is HIPAA compliant, and your information is secure. If you have any additional questions about Headway or insurance, please fill out a contact form or give me a call. I’m here to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Initial Assessments are 60-90 minutes
Ongoing therapy sessions are 55 minutes
What if my insurance is not listed above?
If your insurance is not listed above, my practice is considered an out of network provider, which means that your insurance company is not billed directly. Your therapy services may be eligible for reimbursement through out-of-network benefits, medical spending, or health care savings accounts. Health insurance plans and benefits vary. If you are interested in using your health insurance for services, please call your insurance provider to inquire about reimbursement for out-of-network counseling services.
Upon request, I can provide you with a receipt at the end of each session, which you can then submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network coverage/reimbursement. I also accept FSA/HSA, which can make therapy more affordable for many families.
The following questions are helpful to determine your benefits:
Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits?
Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?
Do I need written approval from my primary care physician in order for services to be covered?
What are the benefits of self-pay or paying out of pocket?
In order to have therapy services covered under insurance, a mental health diagnosis must be made. Many clients choose not to involve insurance companies in their mental health care. Their counseling is not limited by the diagnosis, treatment plan, or session limits that health insurance companies dictate. Private pay clients have the opportunity for the highest degree of privacy, flexibility, and control of their mental health record allowed by North Carolina state law because therapy is not regulated/controlled by insurance company standards and requirements. I work collaboratively with my clients to decide how often you should attend therapy, and you decide what you want to focus on. Many insurance companies also require a deductible to be met before they start paying for mental health services.
Private Pay Rates:
$175 for both assessment sessions and ongoing therapy sessions.
***Reduced rates may be available but are limited on a case by case basis
Initial Assessments are 60-90 minutes
Ongoing therapy sessions are 55 minutes
What payment methods do you accept?
All major credit cards or debit cards are accepted, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover, etc. HSA/FSA cards are also happily accepted. A major credit or debit card is required to remain on file. Payment is expected at the time of the session.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you are unable to attend a session, please notify us within 48 hours of your session; otherwise, you may be charged the full rate of the session.
Questions about Therapy and Consultation
Is therapy offered in-person or virtually?
Right now, all therapy services are provided virtually, where you can meet with me from the comfort of your home (or other location if desired). Therapy is provided through a HIPAA compliant platform where your security and privacy are prioritized. I provide care to clients in North Carolina and Virginia.
What are the benefits of online therapy?
One of the most important benefits of online therapy is its accessibility. You no longer have boundaries to seeking counseling in the city where you reside. Connecting with a therapist online widens your choices to find the best match for your needs. It is efficient as well. If you work full-time chances are your time is limited. With online therapy you can schedule on the go for a time that is convenient for you. Privacy and Confidentiality play an important role as well. Online therapy providers use HIPPA compliant platforms to ensure your confidentially. Online therapy has been researched and shown to be just as effective as in-person therapy.
What is perinatal mental health?
The perinatal period occurs between the time of conception, through pregnancy, and all the way through the first year after giving birth. This time period encompasses all the physiological, emotional, mental, psychological, and social changes that occur during this time and can impact the health of the mother and baby. Perinatal mental health refers to the mental health conditions that can affect women (and even men and non-birthing partners) during and after pregnancy. This may include postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, pregnancy related depression or anxiety, postpartum OCD, and trauma related disorders that may occur after a traumatic birth or pregnancy experience.
Perinatal mental health therapy works to provide support, resources, guidance, validation, helpful coping tools, and encouragement to people and the complexities and various emotions that often arise during this time. Perinatal mental health therapy requires the clinician to be specialized, trained, and educated about the unique complexities that occur during the perinatal period. I am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist, which requires extensive training, a rigorous competency exam, and ongoing continuing education.
What kind of clients do you typically work with?
I typically work with adolescent girls ages 15 and older and adult women of all ages. Much of my work focuses on perinatal mental health; however, I’m also incredibly passionate about women’s health and wellness in general. I work with teens and adult women experiencing challenges with mood and anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, stress management, chronic pain and health issues, reproductive issues like PCOS and Endometriosis, and challenges with body image. Additionally, I’m a Board Certified Christian Counselor and love incorporating faith in the therapy space for clients who desire a more holistic approach that includes and aligns with their values.
It helps if clients are ready and willing to be open to therapy too. Sometimes therapy requires a new way of thinking or considering other perspectives, which is always to help and benefit the client. Therapy can feel vulnerable at times too, so it helps if clients feel ready to talk about the tough stuff at times. There’s great benefit, relief, and freedom when we feel we can manage stressful situations and the hurtful things of the past are not dominating parts of our life anymore. Also, you’re not doing any of this alone. I’ll be right here walking alongside you on your journey to wellness.
I’m used to handling things on my own. How can therapy be helpful now?
Everyone needs help at some point, and therapy can be very helpful and beneficial. You already have strengths and coping tools that you’ve used before, and perhaps those things that used to work aren’t working well right now. Maybe this particular problem or challenge feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your innate strengths. There’s so much going on in our lives and our world that it’s helpful to have a space just for you where you can be as open as you wish and have someone in your corner guiding you along the way. In our work together, I’ll help you identify your strengths and how to implement them to help you work through what is happening now.
What are the fees for provider consultation?
Consultation is offered for fully licensed clinicians and medical providers who are seeking support with cases, burnout, resources, and other needs. I love connecting with other providers and seeing how we can help one another. Currently consultation is offered individually. The fee is $150 per hour for a consultation session.