FAQ
Is telehealth safe and secure?
Yes, telehealth is as safe and secure as our industry can offer. While there are always risks to taking to the internet, I use a platform that offers security to satisfy federal HIPAA standards by using Simple Practice software.
I have previously worked with you at an agency. Can I still see you?
YES! I absolutely love seeing people I have worked with previously, as my prior positions required a brief therapy model and I frequently discharged clients to outpatient providers. Rest assured, there's a very good chance I would be thrilled to speak with you again!
Your website and/or Psychology Today say that you're not accepting new clients. Is this correct?
Yes, I keep my sites up to date frequently. If you see a banner at the top of this page or my Psychology Today profile stating that I am not accepting new clients, this is the most up-to-date information.
How do I know if you are the right therapist or supervisor for me?
It's really hard to know if you fit with a therapist without meeting them and speaking with them. Largely, I want you to feel as comfortable as possible talking to me about uncomfortable things. If we meet and you decide it isn't a good match, I encourage you to let me know! I am just as willing to help you find someone who fits your needs. Also, if we have met for a few sessions and you feel like therapy or supervision isn't helping, I encourage you to let me know so we can optimize our goals to reflect what you want to work on. My goal is to help you with your needs, and we can work toward open communication.
Can I ask you questions about you and your life?
Yes, you may. There might be questions I'm uncomfortable answering, and I'm happy to kindly say so if this situation arises. However, I do often answer questions if they're asked. I understand it's difficult to trust a person you don't know, or you might be terribly curious about something in particular. Ask! It's part of the process of building a therapeutic partnership, AND it's a great way to build interpersonal skills for difficult conversations.
I've had a few sessions, and I feel worse than I did when I started. What is going on? Am I getting worse? Is therapy making things worse?
This is a question I've heard often. It is completely normative for someone to notice worsening symptoms in the first few weeks after therapy starts. This is very often because we are noticing more emotions, thoughts, behavioral urges. We're also denying them less while we're still learning how to process through or cope with them. This is a temporary period of difficulty, and it's a really good sign that you're taking the first brave strides toward recovering!
What insurances will you accept?
I accept Premera, Regence, and First Choice insurances. I am in network with these three. Please check with me to see if I am accepting clients with other insurances.
Why don't you take my insurance?
Becoming "in-network" is a very lengthy, tedious process that doesn't always benefit the person receiving services. Insurance companies require chart reviews and audit processes, which means they're asking your providers for more of your private information to decide whether or not to continue paying for services you're receiving. They might attempt to dictate how frequently you can meet with a provider, as well as diagnoses and treatment plans. Self-pay arrangements are much more flexible and can be arranged on our terms, while keeping your privacy intact. It also helps me to be spending my time with my clients, not spending hours per week on the phone with insurance companies over claims, benefits, and payments.
I am currently in network with Premera, Regence, and First Choice insurances. If you do not have one of the above insurances, I can supply you with a Superbill, which is like a receipt for therapy. Your insurance will require you submit a form with this Superbill and they will reimburse you for a portion of the cost of each session. This amount depends on your insurance, laid out in your benefits package. If you have questions on what this looks like, I highly recommend calling the phone number on the back of your insurance card.
I know you don't take my insurance, but I'm not sure I can afford your fee. Are you willing to take a lower fee?
I do offer time-limited, reduced price slots for people finding themselves in financial hardship. This is subject to availability and approval.
If you're a current client who is losing your insurance soon and your finances won't accommodate the full fee of therapy, please talk to me as soon as possible and request a fee adjustment or arrangement to keep working together or transition a new therapist. My goal is to ensure you are getting the best care possible while avoiding doing harm to you, including financial burden.
How do I pay my bill?
You can log into the client portal by clicking the button at the bottom of this page and use this system to view invoices, superbills, and pay balances. Please contact me if you have questions or difficulties.
Can I see you if I am not in Washington?
Unfortunately, I am only licensed to practice in the state of Washington currently. This does mean I can see you if you live within anywhere in Washington--but not outside state lines. This also means I cannot see you while you are on vacation.