Got questions? I've got answers.
What can I expect from a 15 minute phone consultation?
- This is always free to new clients. The phone consultation is a time for us to chat about your presenting concerns to make sure I am a good fit for you in regards to your needs and for you to determine if I seem like someone you'd like to work with. You want to feel comfortable with the therapist that you pick and I want to make sure that I fit the bill for you professionally (and personality wise!) so that I can help you with the concerns you're bringing in.
What can I expect once I book my appointment?
- I will send you paperwork to fill out via SimplePractice (the online portal I use for paperwork and for online scheduling), so that you can take your time filling it out prior to your first session. This helps me get a brief sense of what you're coming in for and what you'd like to focus on. You will also receive a reminder text 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Why do you require a 75 minute intake session for the first appointment?
- I want to be able to gather as much information about you and your background as possible. We also will take the time to discuss why you are coming in to therapy at this time and what your goals for therapy are. To not feel rushed, 75 minutes gives us more time to talk and explore these things than the standard 50 minute session.
What do we talk about in our first session?
- This is a time for us to get to one another. We will discuss the history of the issue you are presenting to therapy with and anything else that you feel is important for me to know about. I find it often helps my new clients to make a list of topics that they would like to discuss and bring it with them to their first session as well.
What's your schedule like?
- I'm in the office Monday-Thursday and limited Fridays. I have late morning, afternoon, and evening appointments. Appointment availability varies based on my schedule and the current clients I'm seeing. Please note: I do not currently have any evening availability open. If you would like to be added to my waitlist, please email me.
How long will I need to come for and how often?
- Research shows that there are MANY benefits for attending therapy on a weekly basis. Weekly sessions are associated with more positive outcomes and provide us the opportunity to do deeper therapeutic work (the type of work I LOVE doing with clients). As such, I only offer weekly sessions as an option. We can always discuss changing the frequency once we have an established relationship.
What if I want to talk, but I'm not ready to get into the deep stuff yet?
- That's okay! We can take it slowly until you feel more comfortable with the process. I will try to encourage you and push you out of your comfort zone a bit because it's my job to help you when I see we are working towards something that can lead to good change!
Do you take insurance?
- I do not take insurance. However, I'm happy to make a superbill for you so that you can submit an out-of-network claim. Please check your out-of-network benefits in order to understand what you are eligible for. It will be YOUR responsibility to file claims and follow-up with insurance. I have found that insurance companies frequently interfere with the therapy process by dictating how many sessions you can have, setting a limit how much coverage you receive, and requiring a psychiatric diagnosis, which is then part of your permanent medical record. I empower my clients to take control of their mental health therapy process without the fear of being labeled and to have a say in their therapeutic process.
What if I can't afford your full fee?
- I have a limited number of sliding scale spots. My sliding scale fee is $130. If this doesn't fit your budget, I know MANY wonderful therapists in Austin that I could refer you to so that you can find the best fit for you! *Please note: All of my sliding scale fee spots are currently taken. Sliding scale fee options are available for weekly clients ONLY.*
How does Telehealth work?
- It's super easy! I use a secure, HIPAA compliant video provider called SimplePractice. This is also the same as your client portal, so everything ties in seamlessly. You will receive a unique link for your video appointment, which will come with your email reminder 24 hours prior to your session and then again 10 minute prior to your session. Please ensure that you have a strong internet connection and a quiet, safe space to hold your session. You will need to make sure you grant access to your microphone and camera, then type in your name, and boom, you're in! I'll sign on at our appointment time. A laptop is best, but there is also an app available in the app store (Telehealth by SimplePractice). You'll copy your unique link into the app and you'll be good to go.