FAQs + Rates
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
I’VE NEVER TALKED TO ANYONE. I’M USED TO HANDLING THINGS ON MY OWN. AREN’T PEOPLE WHO GO TO THERAPY WEAK?
I believe my clients are the most courageous people I know! To be able to sit with another human and talk about shame and fears is one of the most vulnerable things you can do.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TALKING TO YOU OR MY BEST FRIEND OR FAMILY?
A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
WHY SHOULDN’T I JUST TAKE MEDICATION?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues and it can be very helpful. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals. Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
DO YOU OFFER VIRTUAL SESSIONS?
Yes! If you live in Olympia or the surrounding area, I would love to see you in person. I am licensed in Washington State and happy to see you remotely via a secure HIPPA compliant video platform.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I ATTEND THERAPY?
In most cases, meeting once a week for a session during the beginning stages of therapy is most helpful. This supports building a trusting relationship and creates safety for explore current challenges. As you establish and meet your goals we can work together to determine if a bi-weekly sessions or other session schedule fit your needs best.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
It is different for every person. Some attend therapy for a few months. Others decide to stay in the therapy process longer. It is always ultimately up to you to determine if the process is helpful and if you have reached your goals.
“I have come to the conclusion that human beings are born with an innate capacity to triumph over trauma.”
— Peter Levine, Waking the Tiger
FEES AND INSURANCE
How does payment work?
53-minute session $150 for individuals; $180 for couples
Safe and Sound Protocol:
Initial Assessment Session: Automatic Nervous System Mapping and in-session listening $150
Remote listening SSP Core and six-month access to SSP Balance (ongoing nervous system “tune-up”) $350
Integration session: $150
As an existing client, Initial Assessment and Integration sessions are part of our ongoing work together and will not be billed as extra costs.
I accept cash, check, credit, or Venmo and practice as an out-of-network provider at the beginning or end of each session.
Longer sessions are available upon request.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
I understand we all have different financial circumstances. My session rate is $150 for individuals and $180 for couples. However, during our initial consultation, we can determine how a sliding scale may apply to you.
Do you accept insurance?
While I do not accept insurance, I can provide insured clients with a Statement for Insurance Reimbursement (aka Superbill). This is an invoice demonstrating services and proof of payment to provide reimbursement by your insurance company or employer for FSA/HSA.
Check with your insurance company to determine their coverage rate for out-of-network mental health services. This will help you understand what the full cost to you will be. Depending on your current health insurance provider or employee benefit plan, it may be possible for services to be covered in part.
What do I ask my Insurance company?
Before beginning the therapy process, please contact your insurance provider to verify how your plan compensates you for psychotherapy services.
Helpful questions for your insurance provider to help determine your benefits:
Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits?
Is there a separate deductible for out-of-network providers?
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 for services to be covered?
What is your 24-HOUR NOTICE cancelation policy?
Sometimes we need to cancel an appointment. If it is necessary to cancel, please give 24 hours notice in order to avoid being charged for the session.
Please Note: Same-day cancellations will be billed at half the full hourly rate, and no-shows will be billed at the full hourly rate.
Peek in the office:
Get Started
Finding the the right therapist is so important! Want to explore if we are a good therapeutic fit? Contact me to schedule a brief initial consultation at no charge