How long will I have to be in therapy?

There is no hard and fast rule about how long therapy takes. Some issues can be improved in a few sessions while other issues may take many months or even longer to resolve. Generally speaking, the more complex the issue, the more time it will likely take to see improvement. Together we will define specific treatment goals and together we will work toward those goals. Examples of treatment goals include reducing the frequency and intensity of anxiety symptoms or increasing the number of positive interactions you have with your spouse each week. Typically, therapy sessions are approximately 50 minutes long and take place once each week at a time reserved especially for you.

What is therapy and what can I expect during sessions?

Psychotherapy, also known as the “Talking Cure” has existed for over 100 years. Depending on the issues you are working to resolve, you can expect to look at how your thinking affects your moods, how unresolved conflicts in your family of origin continue in your current relationships, how traumatic events from the past impact your current functioning, and/or how your unconscious contributes to how you see the world.

How do I know you will understand my personal experience?

We all want to be seen and heard and understood. I have training and experience as a Marriage and Family Therapist, as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and as a Clinical Psychologist. Recently, I completed a two-year Psychoanalytic Studies Program at the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis. I also have advanced training in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Certified First Responder Counselor training. I have provided therapy services for almost 25 years and have experience working with many different clinical issues including, but not limited to: trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, sexual and physical abuse and assault, childhood abuse, military life, law enforcement professional issues, domestic violence, relationship issues, personality disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, physical illness, marriage and family issues, suicidal thoughts, internet pornography/compulsive sexual behaviors, substance abuse, and much more. I have lived all over the United States and Canada and have been honored to work with many different people with many different problems. The most important thing to know is that I will always do my best to hear you and understand you as the unique individual that you are.

Do you provide medication?

Only your physician or psychiatrist can provide medication. There is a great deal of research that suggests that often the best approach is a combination of psychotherapy and medication. If your symptoms suggest to me that you might benefit from medication, we will discuss this together and I may refer you to your primary care physician or a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation.

What services do you provide?

Currently, I work with adults in individual or couple’s treatment, usually meeting one time per week for 50 minutes, at a time reserved especially for you. There may be situations in which twice weekly sessions are indicated. All sessions are provided via secure video (at this time, I no longer offer in-person sessions). I do not conduct psychological testing, disability or custody evaluations, or fitness for duty evaluations.

How much will therapy cost?

I am considered an “out-of-network” provider.  Many insurance plans offer some out-of-network coverage to help cover the cost of therapy and the process is usually fairly straightforward. If you would like to use your out-of-network benefits, after each payment you make to me, I will provide you with a receipt with everything you need to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. You may wish to call your insurance before your first appointment to ask about coverage for “out-of-network outpatient psychotherapy,” possible referral requirements, deductible amounts, and reimbursement rates for “CPT codes 90834 (individual) or 90847 (couples/family) when service is provided by a psychologist.” Currently, my fee is $190/50 minute session for individual therapy and $225/50 minute sessions for couples/family therapy. Payment for each of the first month’s sessions is expected at the time of the session. Thereafter, payment is due at the last session of the month unless other arrangements have been made. I adjust my fees periodically to keep pace with inflation. I will always provide you with a minimum of 60 days’ notice of any fee adjustment.