Frequently Asked Questions
What is your fee?
My full fee per 50-minute therapy session is $150. I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots to clients, with priority given to those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Do you take insurance?
I am not in network with insurance, though I am happy to write receipts or superbills if your plan offers out-of-network benefits.
What happens during a consultation call?
Our goal for this call is to introduce ourselves to one another and get a sense for whether we think we’re a good fit. During the call, I’ll ask a few questions about what you’d like to work on in therapy, outline all relevant guidelines (including payment structure and other logistical considerations), and respond to any questions you may have. After that point, we’ll schedule a first session if we agree to proceed with treatment.
This is my first time seeking therapy. What should I expect from a session with you?
The first couple of sessions are reserved for intake. I’ll explain my policies, ask you about your history (psychological, social, familial, academic, etc.) in detail, assess where relevant, and answer your questions. We’ll discuss what you want to work on in therapy and create goals together.
Beyond the intake, I typically start sessions with a weekly recap and/or a discussion on what you’re feeling and what you’re thinking about. My sessions aren’t structured in a specific way; we work the way that best suits you. If you’re the type of person who isn’t sure what you want to talk about in therapy, it often helps to jot down ideas over the course of the week and bring them to session. Sometimes I offer resources or give homework; as on astrology TikTok, take what resonates and leave the rest.
How can I tell if we’re a good fit?
Ask yourself these questions: Does it seem like she’s listening to me? Is she interested in what I have to say? Do I feel comfortable opening up to her? Is she on my side? Do I feel supported and validated by her? When she challenges me, is she respectful about it? Do I trust her?
What is your policy on contact between sessions?
I’m most easily reachable via text. You can reach out any time to discuss scheduling or crisis, and I will respond as soon as I can. With the proper boundaries in place, I am also willing to receive raccoon, possum, or Taylor Swift memes and/or gifs.
Can I follow you on social media?
No. My social media is private, and I won’t look at yours, either. Boundaries!
What happens if I see you in public?
If we see each other in public, in order to maintain your privacy, I won’t acknowledge you unless you acknowledge me first.
Do you have a therapist?
Yes I do, and she’s a glorious human bean.
If my teen sees you for therapy, will you tell me what they share in session?
The simple answer is no. Teen clients are afforded the same privacy as adults per HIPAA (with the exceptions of abuse or intent to harm). If your teen would like you to attend a session, that can be discussed. Otherwise, information will only be shared with you after your teen signs a Release of Information form. If you still have concerns on this topic, I’m happy to discuss in further detail.
Therapists are mandated reporters. What does that mean for what I share in therapy?
It’s my imperative to retain your privacy. If, however, you share that you are perpetrating abuse or have intent to harm someone else, I am mandated to report this information to the appropriate agencies. If you are a minor and are, or have been abused, I am mandated to report this, as well.
Mandated reporting is not relevant in cases of suicidal crisis. Pennsylvania’s Mental Health Procedures Act states that, “Whenever a person is severely mentally disabled and in need of immediate treatment, he may be made subject to involuntary emergency examination and treatment. A person is severely mentally disabled when, as a result of mental illness, his capacity to exercise self-control, judgment and discretion in the conduct of his affairs and social relations or to care for his own personal needs is so lessened that he poses a clear and present danger of harm to others or to himself…”
What this means for us is that, if you find yourself in crisis, I am not mandated by law to report this to anyone; I am mandated to keep you safe, and we’ll work together to create safety for you.
How will you respond if I do talk about suicide in session?
I’m not gonna freak out. I’m not going to move to call cops or hospitalize you. I’m going to ask you questions. I’m going to support you.
What is your position on hospitalization in crisis situations?
I am not keen on hospitalization. It can be traumatic for some folks, and risk for suicide increases post-discharge. My goal, in crisis situations, is to work with you to retain your agency and create safety. If you think hospitalization would be beneficial to you, this is a conversation we can have.
Will you be available if/when I’m in crisis?
It’s possible, but it’s also possible I may not be. This is why we work in therapy to plan for safety, increase supports, and build coping skills for emotional distress.
What are your thoughts on medication?
Medication has the power both to help and to harm. The decision to take medication is very personal, and I’m always happy to help folks work through their thought process when making that decision. I don’t believe anyone should be on medication against their will.
Will you work with my psychiatrist/prescriber?
If you sign a Release of Information form, I can share information with your prescriber, and vice-versa.