FAQS

Weekly sessions will provide the most benefit. Therapy has a flow, and our discussions will often build on what we discussed the previous week. Missed sessions interrupt the flow and slow progress because we spend more time in session “catching up” about what happened to you over the past few weeks. If sessions occur weekly, we’re able to spend more time problem solving or exploring how events impacted you instead of discussing the facts of what happened. 

The first few sessions are about me getting to know you, your story, and your goals. 

Some people need to warm up before they jump into what’s bringing them into counseling. During the first session we can talk about easy things and spend some time getting to know you. Some things that might be helpful to explore are what kind of work you do, where you went to school, and details about your family. Basically, we can talk about anything that’s important to you. And if you don’t know how or where to begin, I’ll ask questions to help you get started. 

Other people have been waiting to tell their story for a long time, and they’re ready to jump into the hard stuff right away.

55-60 minute session: $160

All clients are required to keep a credit or debit card on file in my secure online portal. My system will automatically charge your co-pay or session fee at midnight on the day of your session. If you prefer to pay in person with cash, check, or a different card we can make adjustments as needed at the time of your appointment.

Yes, I’m in network with the following health insurance companies:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Advanced Health Systems (insurance for state employees)

• United HealthCare (only plans provided through an employer)

• United Medical Resources

• Mississippi Physicians Care Network

• Aetna

If you have insurance with one of these companies, I’ll file your insurance claims for you.

In most cases the things we talk about are confidential and protected by privacy laws. There are a few exceptions to confidentiality which include:

• Threats to kill or seriously harm yourself.

• Threats to kill or seriously harm someone else.

• If there is suspected child abuse or abuse of a disabled or elderly adult.

• If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information.

After we schedule your first appointment, I’ll email you a link that you can use to complete all the required paperwork in my online portal. This will include a questionnaire about you and your medical history, privacy information (HIPAA), payment information, and several consent forms. You’ll sign everything electronically. That’s it! No forms to print out at home or complete in the waiting room.

My calendar system sends automated emails and/or texts 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Appointments canceled within 3 hours of receiving the automated message will not be charged a cancellation fee. All other missed or canceled appointments will be charged a fee of $125. Insurance does not cover the cost of missed or cancelled appointments which means you are responsible for the full cost of the session. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. If you are late for a session, you may lose some of your session time or your appointment may be canceled. If same day cancellations become frequent, I may refer you to another provider and end my therapeutic relationship with you.

Contact me to get started with a short phone consultation.

Yes, I work with older teenagers (16+ years old). I’ve found that teens respond better to counseling if they have some input into choosing a counselor. If you think I might be a good fit for your older teen, have them take a look at my website and see if they think we might click.

I only provide counseling face to face at this time. I’ve found in person counseling to be more effective for the type of work I do. We can eliminate electronic barriers and distractions and focus on connection and meeting your goals. 

My current focus is working with individuals, and many of my clients discuss relationship issues as part of our work. However, I believe it’s best for couples to work with someone who specializes in couples issues and works with them every day. I recommend searching for a couples counselor who is trained in Emotion Focused Therapy or Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

I’m not set up to handle walk-ins, urgent situations, or emergencies. If you need to talk with someone right away, you can call, text, or chat the free national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. For people who are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to the closest emergency room for assistance.

A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a document required under the No Surprises Act for uninsured or self-pay patients which provides an itemized list of expected costs for scheduled medical items or services. You have the right to request a Good Faith Estimate. For more information about Good Faith Estimates visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Contact me to get started with a short phone consultation.