+ Why don’t you take insurance?

Most insurance companies don’t cover true therapy. The content of what I work on most (communication, changing relational patterns, etc) isn’t covered through in-network benefits. However, I have found that most of my clients are able to receive out of network coverage from their PPO insurance plan that allows them to afford therapy.

1. Insurance companies only cover mental illness. They define very tightly what they see as “illness” and they will cover only that (depression, anxiety, adjustment, for example). They do not cover “wellness” promoting services such as couples therapy. Insurance only pays to cure a sickness. In some cases, the therapy that we do might be focused around one partners diagnosable mental health condition and we can submit that to insurance for reimbursement. I’d be happy to chat in detail about this with you over the phone before you begin.
2. Time for therapy. When you use insurance, the insurance company will dictate most of your treatment. They decide how long sessions last, how long you can receive treatment, and when they will stop paying. I think that sucks, and I don’t agree with it on a fundamental level. I find it more beneficial for my clients and I to work together to decide what therapy should look like for them. I offer 50 or 80 minute sessions. I will provide services for as long or as little as the presenting problems need. Sometimes this is a few weeks, other times it is much longer and more intensive. I want you to be able to make that decision and NOT your insurance company.
3. I protect your privacy. When you use insurance, you are agreeing to give the insurance company access to your confidential therapy records. Therapists are highly trained (and legally and ethically bound) to keep your information private. I take this very seriously and I don’t feel comfortable submitting my private notes from our sessions to your insurance. Once your insurance has these notes, they are no longer in my control and I have no way of knowing what they do with them. I want you to have the freedom to discuss with me anything that you want, and I will make clear to you when information I can protect and what I would have to share by law (safety concerns).

+ Is therapy confidential?

Yes! Absolutely. Therapy is confidential and I will not share information outside of the room. However, there are legal and ethical mandates that sometimes require me to share information outside of the room. These are as follows:

1. If I believe that you are going to seriously harm yourself or if you have threatened to harm someone else.

2. If any current or past abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult is disclosed. I am a mandated reporter and I have to report this information to the appropriate authorities to investigate.

3. If I am required by a Judge or a court to provide my notes or documentation.

There are also times when you may wish for me to communicate with other people about your treatment. I cannot do this without your written consent. In the instance that you would want me to speak with your doctor or past therapist, I would discuss this in detail with you before allowing you to decide whether you would like to provide written consent for me to do so.

+ What is Infertility Therapy?

Learn more about my Infertility Counseling Services here.

+ What is Postpartum Therapy?

Learn more about my Perinatal Counseling services here.

+ What kind of Couples Therapy do you offer?

I specialize in working with couples who are new parents. I use Relational Life Therapy, which is a direct and relational approach. That means that I will provide a lot of support and coaching on learning new skills and we will also explore how the past is impacting your current relationship. The time spent in session will provide you with a lot of skill building and practice. I am warm, caring, and authentic, but I will also challenge you and help you understand ways to improve your relational skills. I will help you learn to strengthen your relationship. Learn more about my Couples Therapy services here.