Frequently Asked Questions...
>>HOW DO I get started?
First, fill out the confidential contact form and I will reach out to you to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation where we can discuss if I am the right therapist for you. If we agree to work together, you will receive an email with intake materials for you to return via the secure client portal before your first session. We will use the first 3 sessions to assess goals, formulate a treatment plan, and confirm that we are a good fit for working together.
>>WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS OF OPERATION?
Appointments are available Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30-2:00; Tue/Th 10:30-2:00 (last appointment of the day at 1pm).
>>What should I ask MY INSURANCE COMPANY about reimbursement?
*Below are some essential questions to ask your insurance company before beginning therapy.
[Download a printable list here. ]
Does my policy include mental health benefits?
Does my policy cover Counselors (LCPC, LPC) or Licensed Art Therapists (LCPAT)?
Does my policy cover out-of-network mental health professionals?
How much will my policy pay for the following coded sessions:
90791 (Diagnostic Evaluation)
90834 (45-min psychotherapy session)
90837 (60-min psychotherapy session)
How much psychotherapy is covered per year?
Is my mental health deductible part of, or separate from, my medical deductible?
What is my yearly mental health and/or medical deductible?
How much of my deductible have I met this year?
Can I pay my therapist out-of-pocket and submit my session receipts for reimbursement?
Do I need a DSM diagnosis on the receipt that I receive from my therapist? If yes, what are the covered and not covered diagnoses? Do you reimburse for V codes?
To whom should I mail or fax the receipts?
Once I mail in a receipt, how long before I receive a reimbursement check?
Do you require pre-approval or pre-certification of sessions?
Who must obtain the pre-approval or pre-certification?
Can this be done over the phone?
If not, what is the procedure?
How many sessions will likely be pre-approved at a time?
Who should be contacted to authorize the pre-approval?
Is there anything else I should know?
>>HOW DO I PAY FOR THERAPY WITH YOU?
I am considered an out-of-network provider, and will collect your payment at the beginning of each session(credit/debit/FSA card, cash, or check) . Most clients prefer to store their card for automatic payments after each session using my secure platform. I can provide you with paperwork you need to submit for reimbursement from your insurance provider, and I'll gladly discuss the pros and cons with you about using your coverage.
>>HOW DO I GET TO YOUR OFFICE?
Driving and public transportation are both great options. My office is located in downtown Bethesda, 2.5 blocks east of the Bethesda Metro station. There is ample free parking in front and back of the office building. There are a couple restaurants within a short walk, including a coffee shop. The address is 4405 East-West Hwy, Suite 502, Bethesda, MD, 20814.
>>HOW LONG DOES THERAPY TAKE?
The answer to this is unique to each client I see. Some may come to therapy with a concrete goal with minimal complications and will complete their process in a matter of just 6 sessions. Others may be grappling with more complex concerns that take longer to explore and address. Once we find that you are meeting your goals and feeling satisfied and confident in your accomplishments, I may ask you to come twice a month... then once a month, slowly tapering down the number of sessions to ensure ongoing support and that a meaningful, lasting change is taking place for you.
>>HOW do i reach my therapist between sessions?
You are welcome to call me between the hours of 7am and 7pm, at which time I will pick up the phone if I am not otherwise busy or with a client. I will return your call by the end of that business day; please allow for 24 hours on weekends and holidays if it is not an emergency. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911, go to the emergency room, or call your physician immediately. If your call is urgent and you need to reach me, please leave a message and indicate the urgency and times at which I may return your call. You are welcome to email me or text me for issues related to scheduling; please do not email or text about private clinical concerns for privacy reasons. In some cases, you may need to schedule periodic 15-min phone calls for support or clinical matters (changes in your care, travel, urgent concerns that cannot wait until our next appointment), which I am happy to make available to you at no charge.
>>IS THERAPY REALLY CONFIDENTIAL?
While the content of sessions and any communications between therapist and client are required by law to be kept confidential, there are a few exceptions. These exceptions include: the disclosure of abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent; and, the discovery that a client is at risk of harming him/herself or others. If you would like me to consult with another mental health or medical provider, I will provide you with a release of information form for you to initiate and confirm this request.
>>Do you work with children, teens, families, or couples?
I do not, and I would be happy to refer you to experts in these areas. I specialize in working with adults (21+) in individual and/or group therapy sessions. Once we start working together, if we find that your individual concerns are beyond my scope of practice, I will attempt to provide you with referrals to specially trained therapists to meet your needs; we will discuss this thoroughly during the consultation call and any initial sessions that may follow.
>>HOW LONG ARE YOUR THERAPY SESSIONS?
Our initial session will be 60 minutes, while all follow-up sessions will last approximately 50 minutes.
>>WHAT IS YOUR CANCELATION POLICY?
If you need to cancel your appointment please notify me at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Cancellation less than 24 hours before session will result in a charge of $100.00. Please call me to let me know you need to cancel.
>>HOW DO I KNOW THERAPY IS WORKING?
Good therapy is all about the right fit and feeling as though you are making the changes you desire. Research shows time and time again that the key to successful therapy is a good relationship with your therapist. Check out this article on myths about therapists and the 5 qualities that effective therapists possess. If you meet with me, expect that we will take about the first 2-3 sessions to get to know each other, so that I can determine if I am the best match for your needs, and vice versa. If at any time I feel that you would be better served by someone else, I will provide you with an appropriate referral. I always request feedback from my clients so that we can continue to work together in the best ways possible-- it is a two way street, after all.
>>WHAT IS ART THERAPY?
Click here for a description of my work as an art therapist, and visit the American Art Therapy Association website for additional information.
>>WHAT IS EMDR (EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING)?
"EMDR is a non-drug, non-hypnosis psychotherapy procedure. The therapist guides the client in concentrating on a troubling memory or emotion while moving the eyes rapidly back and forth (by following the therapist's fingers). This rapid eye movement, which occurs naturally during dreaming, seems to speed the client's movement through the healing process... EMDR is used to treat troubling symptoms such as anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, and post-traumatic reactions. It can also be used to enhance emotional resources such as confidence and self-esteem." I completed Basic Training in EMDR through the Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute (source of above quote). Visit their website for more information.
>>WHAT IS IMAGERY REHEARSAL THERAPY (IRT)?
This cognitive-imagery technique has evidence backing its usefulness in reducing the frequency and intensity of recurring nightmares. Check out this NY Times article about IRT.
