Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You’ve Ever Wondered About Therapy (And a Few Things You Haven’t)
The Practical Stuff
Where are you located?
I offer therapy at my private home office in Piffard, NY, and provide virtual sessions for clients throughout New York State. If you’re joining me virtually, feel free to curl up in your favorite blanket, grab a cup of tea, and get comfy – this is your time.
What are your hours?
I offer sessions by appointment only from 8 am – 5 pm, Monday – Thursday.
Mornings? You got it. Evenings? Nope, I’ve got to eat, do housework, play with the animals, and exercise at some point! Middle of the night? Well… let’s stick to daylight hours so we can both get some sleep.
How long are sessions?
How do I set up an appointment?
What’s your cancellation policy?
Life happens – I get it. But I ask for a minimum of 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations within 48 hours will be subject to the full session fee. Why? Because that time is reserved just for you, and last-minute changes make it hard for me to offer that spot to someone else in need.
What are your fees?
My session fee is $150. For Telehealth sessions, it’s super easy to keep a credit card on file to be charged for your sessions. If you have out-of-network insurance benefits, that card gets reimbursed once your deductible is met.
Why are you an out-of-network provider?
Okay, this one is going to be LONG but it’s important, so here goes…
Why I Am an Out-of-Network Provider
One of the questions I am most frequently asked is, “Do you accept insurance?” While I am an out-of-network provider and do not participate directly with insurance plans, this decision is intentional and allows me to provide the highest quality care to my clients.
Choosing a therapist is an important investment in your emotional well-being, and I believe it’s equally important to understand how insurance can impact the therapy process.
Therapy Designed Around Your Needs—Not Insurance Requirements
Insurance companies often dictate many aspects of treatment, including the diagnosis required for reimbursement, the type of treatment that is covered, the frequency of sessions, and sometimes even the length of treatment.
As an out-of-network provider, I have the freedom to focus solely on what is best for you. Together, we can create a treatment plan based on your unique goals, needs, and circumstances—not on the limitations of an insurance policy.
Greater Privacy and Confidentiality
To receive insurance reimbursement, therapists are required to provide a mental health diagnosis and share certain clinical information with insurance companies. This information becomes part of your permanent medical record and may be reviewed by insurance representatives.
Many clients appreciate the added level of privacy that comes with private-pay therapy. Your personal information remains between us, except in the rare situations where disclosure is required by law.
No Restrictions on the Length or Focus of Treatment
Healing is not a one-size-fits-all process. Some people benefit from short-term therapy focused on a specific concern, while others find value in longer-term work that explores deeper patterns and experiences.
By remaining out of network, I can offer treatment that evolves with your needs rather than being limited by insurance-authorized sessions or predetermined treatment goals.
More Time Focused on You
Insurance participation often requires significant administrative work, including treatment authorizations, progress reports, and ongoing communication with insurance companies.
Operating as an out-of-network provider allows me to spend less time on paperwork and more time focusing on what matters most—providing thoughtful, personalized care to my clients.
You May Still Be Eligible for Reimbursement
Many insurance plans offer out-of-network mental health benefits. If your plan includes these benefits, you may be able to receive partial reimbursement for therapy sessions.
Making Out-of-Network Benefits Easier for You
While I am an out-of-network provider, I understand that navigating insurance benefits can feel confusing and time-consuming. To help simplify the process, I partner with a secure billing platform that helps clients access and utilize their out-of-network insurance benefits.
My out-of-network billing platform can assist with verifying your out-of-network benefits, estimating your potential reimbursement, submit claims on your behalf, and help manage the insurance process from start to finish. Depending on your insurance plan and benefits, you may be able to pay only your estimated patient responsibility at the time of service rather than paying my full fee and waiting for reimbursement.
My goal is to make quality therapy as accessible as possible while maintaining the flexibility, privacy, and individualized care that come with being an out-of-network practice. If you have questions about your insurance benefits or whether out-of-network benefits may work for you, I would be happy to discuss your options.
An Investment in Yourself
Therapy is an investment in your mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. My goal is to provide a therapeutic experience that is individualized, confidential, and free from the constraints that can sometimes accompany insurance-based care.
If you have questions about fees, out-of-network benefits, or whether therapy is right for you, I welcome the opportunity to discuss them. Finding the right fit is an important part of the process, and I’m happy to help you explore your options.
The Therapy Stuff
What services do you offer?
I specialize in Individual Therapy (for disorders such as anxiety, OCD, depression, and overall emotional well-being), Relationship Coaching (for individuals who want to improve relationships, not necessarily couples therapy), and Empowerment & Confidence Coaching (because you deserve to walk through life like you own it).
What age ranges do you work with?
I work with adults 18 and up. If you’re in that stage where you’re figuring out how to adult (or just want to figure out how to do it with less stress), you’re in the right place.
What happens in a session?
We talk, we strategize, and we work on helping you break free from the thoughts and behaviors that have been holding you back. Sometimes, we’ll dig deep; sometimes, we’ll practice real-world skills; and sometimes, we’ll just sit with what’s coming up. Every session is tailored to what you need.
What therapy modalities do you use?
I blend different approaches based on what works best for you, including:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – helping you reframe those anxious thoughts.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) – the gold standard for OCD treatment.
Psychodynamic Therapy – because sometimes, looking at the past helps us heal the present.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches – learning how to actually be present and stop overthinking everything.
Person-Centered Therapy – because you are the expert on you.
What kind of training do you have?
In addition to completing an associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree from accredited colleges in NY State, I have thousands of hours of post-graduate continuing education and specialized training in anxiety and OCD treatment.
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (New York State), Nationally Certified Counselor, Nationally Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and OCD Specialist. I completed an intensive Behavior Training Therapy Institute (BTTI) and follow up consultations through the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) to earn my certificate and become an OCD specialist.
I’ve provided therapy in community mental health settings, jails, colleges, group therapy, and private practice, which means I’ve seen it all – and I’m here to help you with whatever you’re facing.
The Fun Stuff
Is it okay to cry in session?
What if I don’t know what to talk about in session?
Will I hear any weird background noises during a virtual session?
Yes. You may hear my dog snoring loudly in the background. Consider it free ambient sound therapy.
What about in-person sessions?
If you visit in person, you might be greeted by the sounds of chickens clucking. (Yes, real chickens.) Therapy and farm vibes – what more could you ask for?
Do you give homework?
Sometimes! If I think a small exercise or reflection between sessions will help you grow, I’ll suggest it. But don’t worry, I’m not grading you. If you’re doing OCD treatment with me, expect exposure homework when we get to Exposure and Response Prevention. Again, don’t worry because I won’t ever make you do anything that I wouldn’t do myself! And also, I’ll make it fun, I swear!!
Why should I work with you?
Still have questions?
Let’s chat! Schedule a Free consultation to get started.