FAQ

The decision to seek therapy is a personal one and the reasons vary greatly.  An individual can seek therapy for personal growth, to relieve distressing emotions, to heal past trauma, to improve relationships, to feel better about themselves, to change problematic behaviors, or to feel greater happiness. The list for personal goals in therapy could go on and on. If you or your child are finding it difficult to cope with current or recent stress in your life, are having difficulty functioning at school or work, or are experiencing significant changes in mood or behaviors that are distressing to you, therapy would likely be beneficial in helping you return to feeling like yourself (or better!).

Sessions are typically 45-50 minutes.

• Initial visits are $250. (please see description of initial visit below)
• Individual therapy sessions are $175.  If using insurance your cost will be determined by your specific plan.
• Couples therapy sessions are rarely covered under insurance and are $200.  I’d be happy to check with your specific insurance plan regarding coverage.
• Family therapy sessions are not typically covered by insurance and are $200
• Coaching sessions are not covered by insurance and are $175
• Online therapy sessions are covered by some insurance plans.  Your cost would be determined by the coverage of your specific plan.  If not covered by insurance sessions are $175.
• I do not offer sliding scale fees

I currently accept and am In Network with the following insurance plans:

• BCBS
• Cigna
• United Healthcare/Optum/Oscar
• Medicare
• **Please note I may be listed with your insurance as in network with a different practice location or because I have been a network provider with them in the past.  I only accept the above referenced insurances at my Pinellas Park office** Insurance information can change at any time so please call my office to discuss your benefits. Not all insurance companies pay for all therapy services.  Your policy may have exclusions for certain diagnoses or treatment services.

• I would be considered Out of Network with other insurances and you would be billed at the out of pocket rate for your service.  However, I can provide you with a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement of a portion of your cost depending on your plan and if you have Out of Network benefits.  In some cases clients have reported being reimbursed up to 80% of their cost.

You should be aware that if you choose to use your insurance to pay for therapy services you are giving up a great deal of control over your treatment to the decision policies that your insurance company implements.  Your insurance company decides whether or not you meet the criteria they set forth to qualify for therapy based on diagnosis and medical necessity, what types of treatment services you can receive, what types of treatment interventions you may receive, how long you can be seen for and even when the therapy will end (even if treatment goals are not met). For these and other reasons many individuals are choosing to opt out of using their insurance to pay for services and are instead paying out of pocket so that we may have greater control over their treatment and outcomes.

Payment is due in full at time of service.

I accept:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Cash

Therapy is not a one size fits all model and therefore it is impossible to predict length of progress.  A desire for change and willingness to do the work necessary for change to occur are essential. Individual progress will vary based on many factors.  I have had clients make significant progress in just a few sessions and others who have needed to remain in therapy for years, however, a typical range for treatment is 6 months to a year.  It truly depends on what the issues that bring you to therapy are. Gains in therapy are more likely with consistent attendance, active participation in session, completing homework, and implementation outside of session of strategies and skills learned.

Prior to your first session I will send you an email link to my secure client portal where you will be able to find and complete the initial paperwork.  This eliminates the need for you to come in early prior to your appointment time.  Your initial session will focus on gathering the information I need to fully understand your concerns and treatment goals,  conduct a comprehensive review of your personal history, determine diagnosis if applicable and develop an individualized treatment plan.  We will discuss frequency of sessions and determine scheduling of future appointments. It is also an opportunity for you to feel free to ask any questions you may have.

• Parents, for your child’s initial session you WILL need to be present no matter what their age. We will be gathering information regarding family history as well as your concerns and observations of your child.  Also if there is information you wish to discuss without your child present in the room please bring someone to watch that child in the waiting room if they are not able to be unsupervised.

Your appointment time is set aside for you.  Therefore I ask that you notify me as soon as you know you are unable to keep your appointment. I do require 24 hour cancellation notice or a fee of $75 will be assessed.  For your convenience, I provide multiple ways to reach me in order to change scheduling.

• Please do not bring children to your session.  Your time is for you and we want to be able to focus on you without distraction.
• Please do not bring siblings or other children to your child’s session unless you have another adult or responsible sibling who can watch them in the waiting room.