Question 1

How do I know if I “need” therapy?

Accepted 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?

Accepted Answer

Individual sessions are 50 minutes and couples' sessions are approximately 60 minutes in length. Longer duration therapy sessions can also be negotiated.

Question 3

What are the age ranges with whom you work?

Accepted Answer

I work with adults and older adults. I work with individuals and couples.

Question 4

How often are you available to meet?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted 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 6

What is parking like at your office(s)?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

One week notice prior to any scheduled appointment must be given to cancel any previously scheduled appointment or you will be charged a service fee.

Question 8

Can my significant other come to therapy with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  
 
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 9

Can I bring food or water to your office?

Accepted 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 10

Can I bring my pet?

Accepted 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 11

How much will this cost?

Accepted Answer

Services range from $265-$400 for individual and couples work, and $500-$1300 for assessments.
 
Currently, I am a provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS).  I bill this insurance 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.

GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Question 12

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

Accepted 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 13

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?

Accepted Answer

Please visit my Resources page!

Question 14

Do you provide telehealth video therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  I use a FREE and private (encrypted) video conferencing platform for telehealth therapy.  Video or online therapy is covered by commercial insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions