FAQ

This depends largely on who is seeking therapy and what they're looking for. I believe in a few absolute truths about therapy - it is a sacred journey on which I am grateful to be part of, everything you share in therapy is a gift, and we can't expect to make real progress unless you're vulnerable and honest. The journey is yours, I happen to have a few extra tools to help you write a more effective roadmap than what you've been following so far.

Session time will be divided between sharing what brings you to therapy - what challenges you're facing and the successes you've had, determining where your challenges are coming from (internal or external) and collaboratively problem-solving ways to more effectively meet your needs.

I'm not one to sugar-coat or beat around the bush and I genuinely care about improving your wellbeing. If you're minimizing your needs or spinning a story (because let's be real - we all do it sometimes to look better), I'm going to call you on your BS. If you're talking crap about yourself or putting yourself down, we're going to talk about it, because I believe you deserve whatever a positive outcome looks like for you with a healthy sense of inherent self-worth.

Because research shows one of the main predictors to therapeutic success is the relationship between the therapist and client, making sure we're the right fit is essential for the process. I offer free 20 minute face-to-face consultations for potential clients who desire a meet-and-greet. For clients who prefer to "jump right in", I offer 90 minute intake sessions. Intakes are about information gathering to best collaboratively plan for our future sessions.

Essentially, I draw from Psychodynamic Theory, Rational-Emotive Behavior Theory, and Attachment-Based Theory.

You may be saying, "Okay - well what the heck does that mean?".

This means that I believe:

• The successes and failures of our early childhood relationships shaped the way we approach relationships as an adult, even in so much as trying to recreate relationships to "do them better".
• Our life experiences shape our worldview which shapes the way we think. The way we think then shapes the way we feel and behave in response to difficulties in life. The result of how we respond, the consequences whether positive or negative, informs our worldview and the cycle continues.
• It is important that as humans we have a close and trusting relationship with at least one other person, on whom we can rely for emotional support. The way we form bonds with others as adults depends largely on our early life experiences with our caregivers. The way we connect with others as adults can affect a variety of aspects of our life including school, work, and intimate relationships.

I'm in the office Tuesdays from 10am-8pm and Saturdays from 10:30am-6pm.

Availability may vary week to week.

As a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern I'm unable to be paneled with any commercial insurance companies. So, the short answer is no. However, if someone has insurance and is unable to afford my full rate, I'm happy to discuss a negotiated rate in order to increase access to services.

Individual Therapy Intake (90 minutes) - $100

Individual Therapy (60 minutes) - $65

Relational Therapy Intake (90 minutes) - $135

Relational Therapy (60 minutes) - $85

Gender-Affirming Assessment & Referral Letter (60 minutes) - FREE

I understand that not everyone can afford my full-fee rates. Particularly, as some of the communities I serve are often under- and unemployed. The following reflects my sliding scale hourly rates – intake rates are pro-rated based on the hourly rate.

The sliding scale is as follows for individual therapy:

• For individuals who are employed I can slide as low as $45.
• For individuals who are under- or unemployed (25 or fewer hours per week) I can slide as low as $30.
• For individuals who have insurance (which I cannot take) and who are unable to afford my full-fee, I’m willing to slide down to their behavioral health copay ($30 minimum).

The sliding scale is as follows for relational therapy:

• I can slide as low as $65 per session.

I also offer reduced-fee services through the Open Path Collective.

Sliding scale rates are determined through a conversation. I do not base sliding scale on income as I understand many people have financial responsibilities not accurately reflected by their income. I also believe that YOU are the expert on what you can afford. If you, like me, see therapy as an investment in yourself only you can determine how much you can afford to invest and how highly you value my services (build on years of education and training).