How long does counseling last? How often do we meet?
Each client has their own individual counseling journey. Some clients come to me for advice for one very specific issue– these clients can work with me for one to two sessions and meet their goals! On the other end of the spectrum, I have some clients that face on-going stressors and need a plan for extended support and treatment that lasts over a year.
The majority of my clients fit somewhere in the middle. At our first session we will explore your goals for treatment and discuss how long it may take to achieve those goals. Typically, clients come in weekly at the start of the counseling journey, spreading sessions out as they make progress until they arrive at a place they feel ready to end services.
What are your fees?
My counseling fees are $140 for an assessment session, $130 for a hour session and $75 for a half hour session.
Most of my clients choose to use health insurance to cover some or all of the cost. If you wish to take that route, prior to our first session together I will run a benefit check so you understand your financial responsibility.
Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?
Yes, although they tend to be popular and fill up fast!
Are your services confidential?
Absolutely. My license, my ethics and the law require I keep all aspects of counseling services confidential, except as where disclosures are mandated by law. The fact that I practice in a small town, in the community in which I live and love, adds to that importance. As soon as you contact me, you receive privacy protection– a guarantee my livelihood relies on. I will go over all aspects of confidentiality in our first session, including its limitations, but I am happy to answer any questions about it during a phone consultation as well.
Click here to download PDF of the current Notice of Privacy Practices.
Will I receive a mental health diagnosis?
In order to bill insurance companies for counseling/therapy, which is considered a medical treatment, a mental health diagnosis is required. It is my belief that all clients have the right to understand their diagnosis and what that diagnosis means, as well as the rights and limitations of confidentiality. It is an important conversation and I will always be honest about it. Every client has the right to refuse using insurance in order to further protect confidentiality. I go over this information with all clients in the first session, but if you have any questions or concerns about this, please ask at any time.
What ages of clients do you serve?
I work with clients ages 16 and up.
Do you only work with women?
No. Although my main focus is on working with women, I have had great success working with men who want to improve their relationships, offering a female perspective in addition to research based strategies and communication techniques.
I have also been honored over the years to work with clients who identify as bigender, transgender or genderqueer. Although I am not an expert, I am an ally, and I strive to create an open and supportive environment.