Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?

The best way is to ask your questions during our phone conversation and then to come in for an initial evaluation. While I am evaluating you and your circumstances to see if I can help you, it is your opportunity to evaluate me and see if I am the right fit for you as well. You will want to be looking to see if you feel comfortable talking to me and if you like my style of working with clients. The best thing is to come in for a session and “try me out”.

Do you offer group therapy?

I am not currently running any groups and do not intend on running any in the near future. However, with enough interest, I am always open to having an associate run a group. If there is a group you’d like to see my practice run, contact me (link) and we can discuss what it might entail to get it up and going!

What can I expect from an initial therapy consultation?

During an initial consultation, I will ask you basic information regarding what brings you into therapy. I will ask what you are hoping to get out of therapy, and if you have been in therapy before. I like to know this, in order to best learn from you what has—and hasn’t—worked for you in the past. Remember, YOU are the expert on yourself! If we haven’t yet discussed my rate and payment options, the initial consultation will also cover this information.

How long do I have to be in therapy?

This depends on you as a person and on your individual circumstances.  I, personally, love being in therapy and would go every day if I could.  Most clients come every week, and some come every other week (mostly as they are preparing to transition back to a life without a therapist).  Clients might also choose to “step down” to a once monthly maintenance phase before we stop altogether.  I also consider therapy to be episodic, meaning someone might come in, get what they need, and return at a later time in the future to address different concerns.  Research shows that clients decide by the 6th or 8th session whether or not they want to stay in therapy. I recommend giving therapy a try for at least 6 months. Some people find they like being in therapy and stay for years, while others like to get in, address and work on their concerns, and get out!

What makes therapy successful?

There is no magic answer, but in short, you make therapy successful. Each person has different expectations or desires for therapy, and each person puts in different amounts of effort and have different levels of motivation. Some people work with several therapists before finding one they feel “worked” for them, while others don’t believe in therapy at all. Many view therapy as a “doctor/patient” relationship, although in reality, it is a collaborative effort. The “doctor/patient” perspective implies that the therapist is in control over the client’s happiness. Ultimately, it is up to you to take responsibility for your own mental health, and up to me to work with you and help you find what works for you and to help you figure out the tools that you need to feel better, rather than to “fix” or “cure” you.

How much does it cost and how do I pay?

My rate is $190 per session for a 50 minute session.  My associates’ rates are all $160 for a 50 minute session. Longer sessions are prorated. I use a a HIPPA secure credit card option, IVYPAY, tailored specifically for therapists.  This approach to payment collection allows you to store your credit card in a secure manner without Look Inside Counseling ever having access to it or having to store it.  You enter your card once into the app, where it is stored securely, and with the click of a button we are able to charge the card after each session.  It is safe and convenient for all!

What is a Good Faith Estimate and how is it determined?

Do you take insurance?

I do not take insurance. However, many insurance companies will reimburse a portion of fees for out-of-network services. Please check with your insurance provider to determine what their policies and reimbursement rates are. I am happy to provide you with an invoice that you may submit to your insurance company for third party out-of-network reimbursement.

Although using insurance might provide you with a more affordable option, there are several things to consider prior to using insurance to cover mental health services. I am happy to go over why I do not accept insurance, and potential consequences of using your insurance to cover mental health concerns, should you choose to do so.

I’m struggling with my own sexuality or that of someone close to me. Help!

Sexuality is a very complex issue, affecting every human being on this earth, regardless of nationality, creed, age, race, or religion, or any other factor. My job is to help you figure out where the struggles to accept yourself or someone else come from, and to help you challenge your own perspective if you find yourself struggling to come to terms with a sexual identity. I will not tell you that your beliefs are right or wrong, as it is not my job to judge you. Rather, I will help you explore the roots of those beliefs and help you look at how those beliefs are helping—or hindering—your viewpoints and experiences as they relate to your world today.

Someone I know is cutting themselves, what do I do?

Self-harm is a very scary issue. Being scared means you’re paying attention. Try not to get angry with the individual. Although anger is a natural reaction, anger is technically a secondary emotion, in this case, generally secondary to fear. Getting angry creates an even stronger desire for the individual to punish him or herself, thus perpetuating the cycle and desire to self-harm. Self-harm is a coping skill, which works when people haven’t found a safer coping skill that works better for themselves. Part of my job is to help the client explore different coping skills that ideally will eliminate the need for self-harm. Additionally, a physiological response happens in the body (opiates, a type of endorphin, are released when the injury occurs, creating a (potentially addictive) “high” for the user)) which makes cutting nearly impossible to just “stop”. It is for this reason that the self-harming individual really needs to be in therapy with a trained professional.

Contact me for further questions!