FAQS

I am located in Southern Arizona and provide online therapy sessions throughout Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Once we connect via phone or email and establish a time to meet for a free consultation, I will send you a link (via email) to my virtual waiting room. You simply click on the link! This will be the link to use each time we meet. You can access the session using your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. All you need is some privacy and strong wifi connection!

Currently, most states have regulations that prevent me from providing services to you if you are physically present in a state where I am not licensed, even if you are only visiting temporarily.

I am licensed to provide services in the following states: Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

$190 per 55-minute session

Payment can be made via credit card, Health Savings Account (HSA), or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

Please note:

1. You cannot use HSA/FSA funds for missed sessions.

2. If you use HSA/FSA funds and submit claims to your insurance carrier for reimbursement, the money will need to be returned to your HSA/FSA account.

I can provide a Superbill if your insurance plan offers out-of-network reimbursement for mental health services. The Superbill contains all the necessary codes and information for you to submit to your insurance provider, who may reimburse you for a portion of the fees.

How to check whether you have out-of-network benefits:

1. Call your insurance carrier directly and provide your insurance ID number.

2. Ask the representative if your plan offers out-of-network benefits for mental health services.

3. If your plan offers these benefits, ask what amount ($) your plan will reimburse for CPT Code 90837 (the standard code for 55 minutes of psychotherapy).

4. Ask for instructions on how to submit the required forms for reimbursement.

Please note: I cannot guarantee your privacy when submitting for reimbursement. Your insurance provider may request additional records, including your diagnosis.

I used to be credentialed with insurance panels, but I made the decision to stop participating. Here’s why:

1. Privacy concerns – Insurance companies conduct audits and require the release of client records, including diagnoses. These records can be reviewed by various parties, not just the insurance company, but also third-party contractors hired to collect data. Your diagnosis becomes part of your official health records, which could follow you and affect future aspects of your life, such as life insurance rates or misunderstandings with other providers.

2. Quality of care – Insurance panels often require specific treatment methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, each client is unique, and I have found that my clients respond best to treatment methods that may not align with insurance requirements. This restriction limits my ability to provide the most effective, tailored care for you.

3. Administrative burdens – During my time as an in-network provider, I spent hours and days trying to reach representatives and navigate the complicated processes involved in working with insurance companies.

4. Unfair reimbursement – Unfortunately, insurance companies do not reimburse experienced therapists adequately. After investing many years and my own resources into providing a higher quality of care, the compensation I received was not sustainable. It was no longer feasible for me to continue working at those rates.

In compliance with the No Surprises Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2022, all healthcare providers, including mental health professionals, are required to notify clients of their federal rights and protections against "surprise billing." This law, originally designed to protect against surprise medical bills in settings like emergency rooms and hospitals, also applies to mental health services.

It is difficult to predict the exact length of mental health treatment, and, therefore, the total amount you will spend.  You will always have  the right to decide how long you would like to participate in therapy. I will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate outlining the expected costs of services once we schedule your initial intake session.

Notice of No Surprises Act

The first appointment is an "intake session," where we review your intake documents, discuss your history, and begin identifying treatment goals. I’ll often provide insights as well as explore treatment methods. The treatment plan, which includes your goals, may not be fully completed until the second session. Once the plan is in place, we can begin the work!

Typically, new clients meet weekly or bi-weekly. When starting therapy, it is important to maintain consistency and momentum. Regular sessions are essential for creating positive change.

Once you are feeling better, then sessions can be reduced to every 2-3 weeks. Once all treatment goals have been met, I offer “maintenance sessions”, where we can meet every 4-6 weeks if you choose to continue.

It’s hard to say exactly how long therapy will last, as each person’s journey is unique. I don’t specialize in short-term therapy; I focus on going deeper to address the root causes, so I often will work with clients for a minimum of two years.

I typically meet with potential clients first for a free 20 minute consultation. This helps us get to know one another and make sure I am a good fit for you. 

To schedule a free consultation, simply send me a message via contact page. You are also welcome to leave a voicemail at 623-277-0228.

Between sessions, you can reach me through secure messaging in the client portal (this is the most secure and preferred method). You can also email or text me, and I will respond within 1-2 business days.

In the case of an emergency, please contact 911 or go to your local emergency room. For a mental health crisis, you can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to your local emergency room.

I require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations, unless there is an unforeseen emergency or illness. If you cancel late or fail to show up, you will be charged the full session fee. You can cancel an appointment through the client portal, via email, or by text message.

Yes, therapy is confidential. I am committed to protecting the privacy of my clients. I use HIPAA-compliant platforms, software, and programs for all communication and record-keeping. My business line, voicemail, and text messages are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant phone and text service. All records—such as intake forms, assessments, notes, and progress reports—are securely stored digitally using a HIPAA-compliant Electronic Health Record (EHR) system for a minimum of 7 years, as required by law, after which they are permanently deleted. I will never release any information without your knowing or consent.

If you are using insurance benefits to pay for counseling services, your insurance company may request records for auditing purposes. I am required to provide these records without your consent. Please note, if insurance is used, your diagnosis will be logged in your permanent health record. If you are paying privately, it is much easier to maintain your privacy.

There are rare situations in which I may be legally required to disclose your information, such as a court order or mandated reporting laws. These scenarios are uncommon in my practice and will be discussed further during our consultation.