Question 1

How do I know if I “need” therapy?

Answer

Anyone can benefit from the introspective nature of therapy. I believe it’s fundamentally important for all of us to connect with ourselves through mindfulness and meditation. A lot of times in life, we’ve very outwardly focused -- worried about the opinions of others, stressed about work. Therapy can be a time to have a conversation with yourself -- to check in on your own feelings. Therapy can also be especially beneficial to those suffering from anxiety, depression, addiction, or sexual repression. I’m trained, certified and have many years of experience providing treatment for these issues; sometimes acupuncture can be utilized as an adjunct form of treatment to support traditional therapy modalities. If you were curious enough to come to this page, I invite you to meet me for a consultation!

Question 2

How long are typical therapy sessions?

Answer

Individual sessions are 55 minutes and couples' sessions are approximately 90 minutes in length. Longer duration therapy sessions can also be negotiated.

Question 3

How often are you available to meet?

Answer

Generally, I meet with clients once a week. If needed, more frequent therapy sessions can be arranged.

Question 4

How can I be sure my personal information and history will be kept private?

Answer

I am bound by the Michigan Mental Health Code (law), by my Michigan Social Work License and by the federal Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to maintain confidentiality of all therapy conversations and your mental health records. Confidentiality can only be broken under very rare and extreme circumstances which will be discussed with you at your first treatment session. Additionally, my office is arranged for your safety and to optimize your privacy.

Question 5

What is parking like at your office?

Answer

There is free and ample street parking available in front of and behind my office. Parking at the back of my office building affords some additional privacy for you.

Question 6

What if I need to cancel an appointment, will I still have to pay?

Answer

Twenty-four hours (24) notice prior to any scheduled appointment must be given to cancel any previously scheduled appointment or you will be charged a service fee.

Question 7

Can my parent or significant other come to therapy with me?

Answer

Yes! In fact, for your first treatment session, if you are younger than 18 years of age, a parent or guardian is required to attend your first treatment session with you. If you are 18 years of age or older and would like another person to attend the treatment session with you, I simply ask that you inform me prior to your scheduled treatment session. At points during therapy, it may even be recommended to you that others be involved in your treatment; we will discuss this accordingly before a combined treatment session with others.

Question 8

Can I bring food or water to your office?

Answer

Yes, you may bring food or water with you to your treatment session. Additionally, I provide water, tea and coffee as well as small snacks in my waiting room.

Question 9

Can I bring my pet?

Answer

You may bring your pet with you to treatment sessions, just be sure to have your pet leashed or otherwise contained. Make sure to discuss this matter with me prior to your scheduled treatment session.

Question 10

How much will this cost?

Answer

Services range from $80.00 to $400.00 depending on the type service requested. Specifics will be discussed when we arrange your appointment. Currently, I am a provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS) and Medicare insurances. I bill these insurance providers directly for your convenience.
For others who might have different insurance coverage, I provide you with a receipt (called a “Superbill”) that you can submit to your insurance company for any reimbursement you may be expecting. The billing receipt provided to you will include necessary diagnostic and procedural codes for submission. Some clients can reclaim all or some of their expenditures for treatment through their insurance depending on their individual insurance plans.
Feel free to ask me if you have any questions about this process.

Question 11

What if I can’t reach you in an emergency?

Answer

In an emergency, it is recommended that you proceed to your local hospital emergency room for a mental health assessment. You may also call 911.

Question 12

What are some additional resources for anxiety or depression online? Do you have any recommended reading, or tools I should utilize outside of therapy to improve myself?

Answer

Please visit my Resources page!

Question 13

What are the age ranges with whom you work?

Answer

I work with adolescents age 13 and above. I work with adults and older adults. I work with individuals, couples and families.

Question 14

Do you provide video online therapy?

Answer

Yes! I use a FREE and private (encrypted) video conferencing platform that you can easily upload and utilize for online therapy. Video or online therapy is not usually covered by commercial insurance, but I will provide to you an invoice containing all the information you would need to submit to your insurance company for any reimbursement you may have available to you with your particular insurance plan. In addition, I have other FREE and private text platforms to keep in touch between therapy sessions or for you to provide feedback to me about your treatment session, or if you would like to alert me to a topic you wish to address at your next scheduled treatment session.

Frequently Asked Questions