Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me? It is a big deal to choose a therapist, and I am glad to offer a 15-20 minute phone consultation to see if I am a good fit for you. I am pretty aware of my strengths and my limits, and will be glad to refer you to someone who may be a better fit for you if we determine that I am not.
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Do you take insurance?
With the goal of redirecting more of my emotional energy to my clients, I made the decision to stop contracting with insurance companies as of January 1, 2023, which means I am considered “out-of-network.” Many insurance companies provide out-of-network benefits for psychotherapy services; I am glad to provide you with documentation so that you can file for your out-of-network benefits – in this case, if you have any, the insurance company would reimburse you directly. You can use FSA/HSA funds to pay for your session as well. I also have a very limited number of reduced rate slots - feel free to inquire about this if your income makes it challenging for you to afford my full fee. I do believe that counseling is an investment in your mental health, and my hope is that you see a return on your investment.
What are your office hours?
I am primarily in the office Tuesday through Thursday. I can often accommodate early appointments or late appointments, if needed. I also return phone calls during normal business hours Monday through Friday.
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What should I do if I need to see someone immediately and cannot wait for the next available appointment?
You have several options available to you:
1. If you are in immediate crisis or danger, you can call 911.
2. In Mecklenburg County you can call the Mobile Crisis Team at 704-566-3410. In Union County, you can call 704-296-6200.
3. You can call Behavioral Health Charlotte’s 24 hour call center at 704-444-2400 or go to the psychiatric ER at Atrium Health Behavioral Health on Billingsley Rd. which is open 24 hours/day. You can also go to your closest medical emergency room for treatment.
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How long are the sessions?
The initial session is scheduled for 75-90 minutes in order to allow time for adequate information-gathering, reviewing paperwork, and identifying therapeutic goals. Subsequent individual psychotherapy sessions are typically 55-60 minutes.
How long will I be in therapy?
The length of therapy varies from individual to individual, depending on the situation and the client’s goals. My goal is not to keep my clients in therapy forever, but to help them reach their goals and function without my help. Typically, most clients see some improvement within 6-20 sessions but this is not a firm time limit and there is no guarantee that clients will reach their goals in this time frame. I feel strongly about collaborating with clients to identify their goals in the first session, and checking in periodically to make sure that we are continuing to be on the same page and are making progress.
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