What can I expect when I attend my first teletherapy session?

As we embark on this journey together, your initial session will involve a warm welcome and an introduction to the virtual platform. We'll discuss your goals, explore the therapeutic process, and address any questions or concerns you may have about teletherapy. Together, we'll establish a comfortable and confidential space, ensuring that you feel supported throughout the session. This time is dedicated to understanding your needs and laying the foundation for a positive therapeutic relationship. Ideally, we will start with an initial intake and diagnostic assessment so I may get a better sense of who you are and what your strengths and vulnerabilities may be. At that time, I will provide an initial diagnosis and/or an impression of the main problems that may be the focus of treatment. I understand there are times when crisis situations require a different approach. Sometimes, people are too overwhelmed to answer standardized intake questions and want to process their current concerns and develop a plan of action. In that case, together, we will decide how to proceed based on your needs.

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How does teletherapy work?

After scheduling an appointment, you will receive a confirmation with further instructions about how to access your personalized link to join our virtual session. I ask that you find a quiet, comfortable space to talk before we begin, and ensure that your internet enabled device (computer, laptop, tablet, phone) is charged and that your internet connection is reliable. To join a session, you will simply use the weblink that I send to your email address. We will be able to see and hear one another, just like in a in-person session. From there, we will engage in conversation, discuss concerns, and work collaboratively on the therapeutic goals we decide on. Remember, we are both responsible for the confidentiality of the session, so be sure you log in to the session from a secure and private location. As we wrap up each session, we will discuss follow-up plans and schedule future sessions, if needed.

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How long is a treatment session?

Treatment sessions range from approximately 45-90 minutes depending on the type of appointment and your specific needs. For example, an initial intake appointment is usually 60 minutes, and follow-up appointments may range between 45-60 minutes. Crisis appointments may require a longer session, up to or exceeding 90 minutes.

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Will I need to complete any paperwork before our first session?

Yes, it is required that you read over and sign several forms before we start our therapy work together.  These forms will be securely emailed to you prior to our first session. Please see my "Forms" tab to preview the documents that must be reviewed and signed before your first session.

 

If you are using insurance to cover your treatment, you will also be required to sign privacy and consent forms through the billing company, Grow Therapy or Headway.

 

Will treatment be covered by my insurance?

I am accepting insurance for those who are interested. I have partnered with Grow Therapy and Headway so that my clients have access to services through those platforms. You'll have the ability to check your benefits, pay any copays, schedule appointments, and communicate with me through secure email within your personal portal.

• Please see the "Scheduling" tab to find your insurance company and use the link to schedule with me directly through either Grow Therapy or Headway's platform, depending on your insurance company. It's super easy!

• I am in-network with the following insurance companies:

  • Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare, Humana, Optum, Oxford, Oscar, Highmark

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What if you don't accept my insurance?

Most insurance plans have a provision for "out-of-network" providers.  Upon your request, I will provide necessary documentation you may submit for insurance reimbursement. When using out-of-network benefits, you are responsible for paying the total fee upfront and then submitting your receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement. Deductible amounts and reimbursement percentages vary by plan, so I encourage you to contact your insurance carrier to learn more about your specific plan and benefits. Please see the "Scheduling" tab and click on the Self-Pay Option of your choice.

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What if I don't want to use my insurance benefits?

Some individuals prefer to self-pay without using their insurance benefits, and that's fine too!

In this case, we don't have to submit any claims, and you would simply submit payments through a debit or credit card. You will have to option to pay through a HIPAA protected payment app, called Ivy pay, OR, you could elect to pay through Sessions Health, my electronic health records partner. Please see the "Scheduling" tab and click on the Self-Pay Option of your choice.

 

What are your rates for treatment?

Entering counseling reflects an investment in your wellbeing and growth.

Rates vary depending on the service being provided, and range from $120-$180 per session.

• Individual therapy: 60 minutes= $120

• Couples counseling: 60 minutes= $160

• Crisis Intervention: 90 minutes= $180

  • Additional time is charged by 15 minute time increments.

  • For example, the fee for a crisis intervention session would start at $180 for 90 minutes and then each additional 15 minutes will be charged at the rate of $30.

  • Base fee ($180) + 30 minutes ($60)= $240 for 2 hours or 120 minutes     

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Do you offer a sliding scale based on income?

I offer a limited number of appointment slots to those referred through Open Path Collective.

To be considered for sliding scale rates ranging from $50-$70 per session, you must first join Open Path Collective by clicking this link and following the directions to register. Once you receive a member identification number, please contact me and we can discuss rates based on your financial situation and schedule an appointment.

 

How are payments collected?

1. ​For clients electing to self-pay, payment is collected at the time of the session.  

   • I accept all major debit and credit cards, as well many HSA and FSA cards.

   • You will be invited to set up your payment account through  Sessions Health, my electronic health records partner. You may alternatively elect yo use Ivy Pay, which is a HIPAA-secure app you can download on to your iPhone or Android phone. The Ivy Pay app is free and very easy to use.

2. For those electing to use insurance benefits, you will provide your insurance information to one of my billing partners, Grow Therapy or Headway, depending on your insurance.

   • They will collect your insurance details, verify coverage and benefits information, and collect any copays or deductibles through their platform. 

 

​How can I schedule an appointment?​

You have 2 options! 

1. You can email me directly using the contact boxes on this website. 

   • ​I will send you a message back as soon as I can inquiring about your needs and preferences.

   • I can help you schedule an appointment when you are ready.

2. You can use the "Scheduling" tab to link directly to my calendar through Sessions Health, Grow Therapy, or Headway, depending on your choice of payment or insurance carrier.

   • ​If you are electing to pay out-of-pocket, please click here to schedule through Sessions Health.

   • If you are using insurance, please find your insurance company and click on the corresponding insurance carrier link to access my calendar here.

If you have any questions, please use this website to contact me directly.​

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What is your cancellation policy?

Clients are expected to contact me within 24 hours of their scheduled session if they need to cancel an appointment. Barring any emergency situations occurring within 24 hours of a scheduled appointment, clients who cancel/miss sessions and do not make contact before the 24-hour window will be charged a fee of $75.00. Fees must be paid prior to scheduling your next session.

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How will you protect my private information?

I take your privacy very seriously and employ various security measures to create a confidential and safe environment for my clients. Many of these practices mirror the level of privacy expected in in-person sessions. However, when using a virtual space, there are additional considerations to ensure your privacy and the confidentiality of your information. For example, the virtual platform I use is compliant with HIPAA regulations, which set standards for the secure handling of protected health information. I use platforms using end-to-end encryption for communication, protecting the content of our sessions from unauthorized access. These platforms are enabled with secure access controls, allowing only authorized individuals to join the virtual session. I may implement password protection for electronic messaging to prevent unauthorized access to documents and forms. Still, even with these security measures in place, there remain potential risks related to virtual therapy. These potential risks are discussed in my  informed consent form that you will review before we start sessions online.

 

​What platforms do you use for virtual sessions?

I use Doxy.me for our virtual sessions because they take privacy and security very seriously and are mobile friendly. They implement state of the art security and encryption protocols to assure that data integrity and privacy is maintained. Doxy.me complies with HIPAA, GDPR, PHIPA/PIPEDA, & HITECH requirements.​ Doxy.me does not require any downloads or plugins to install. You just click on the link and you will enter a secure waiting room, just for you. Doxy.me automatically works in most popular browsers.

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What if I or a loved one is experiencing or expressing thoughts of suicide?

There are a number of 24-hour crisis numbers listed under the "Resources" tab of this website which may be helpful for support and de-escalation. If a loved one is acutely suicidal or has engaged in self-injury, you should call 911, your local mental health crisis center, or go directly to the nearest emergency department.

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Do you prescribe medication?

No, I do not. I am a behavioral healthcare professional, providing evaluations, counseling and psychotherapy. I do not have a medical degree and cannot prescribe medication. To obtain medication, please seek out a psychiatrist (MD/DO) or a psychiatric nurse practitioner (CRNP) who is able to prescribe or manage your medications.

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What is the "No Surprises Act?"

In compliance with the No Surprises Act, effective January 1, 2022, all healthcare providers are required to notify clients of their federal rights and protections against “surprise billing.” This Act requires that I notify you of your federally protected rights to receive a notification when services are rendered by an out-of-network provider, if a client is uninsured, or if a client elects not to use their insurance. Additionally, I am required to provide you with a Good Faith Estimate of the cost of services. Please note, it is difficult to determine the true length of treatment for mental health care.​ However, each client has a right to decide how long they would like to participate in therapy. Therefore, you will receive a fee schedule for counseling services. In addition, I will collaborate with you, on a regular basis, to determine how many sessions you may need. Please see the "Forms" tab for more information.

If you believe you’ve been wrongly billed, you may contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at www.cms.gov for your rights under federal law, or click here. For more information about your rights under Pennsylvania state law, click here.