Questions about Therapy
What do I talk about in our first session?
Typically, the first one or two sessions are structured as intake sessions. I will ask questions, often using your intake form as a starting point, to gather info about your family history, history of mental health symptoms, current symptoms, therapy goals, and so on.
After that, the structure of session is dependent on your needs and goals. We’ll figure it out together.
How often will I attend therapy?
My clinical recommendation is for new clients to start at one session per week. As we go, we can assess whether it would be helpful to increase to twice a week, decrease to once every 2-3 weeks, or keep it the same.
How long will I be in therapy?
It is entirely up to you. It’s hard to determine at the beginning of treatment, and usually better assessed along the way.
Questions about Teletherapy
What is teletherapy?
Teletherapy (aka virtual therapy or online therapy) is conducted through a secure video platform, through which we can see and hear one another (I use doxy.me).
Although therapy is provided through a different medium than visiting a therapist in an office, you will receive the same quality of expertise and support.
Do you provide in-person services?
I do not! My practice is virtual only.
Enjoy some pics of my teletherapy office!
What will I need to participate in teletherapy?
To see me for teletherapy, you will just need four things:
- To live in Illinois (because that’s where I’m licensed).
- A good internet connection, preferably with high-speed internet.
- A laptop or tablet with a camera and microphone.
- A private space where you can talk without being interrupted or overheard.
Is teletherapy secure?
Yes. Your privacy is extremely important to me, and I take precautions to ensure it.
I use the secure platform doxy.me for our video sessions. Unlike Zoom, Google Hangouts, or other non-clinical video platforms, doxy.me was created specifically for health professionals.
Do you provide teletherapy through e-mail or texting?
No. I do have a secure e-mail address, and my phone number has texting capabilities. However, I ask that clients use these primarily for purposes of scheduling and asking questions about services.
Insurance and Costs
Do you take health insurance?
Yes! I take Blue Cross Blue Shield – PPO, Cigna and Evernorth, Aetna, Oscar Health, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare UHC / UHB, and Medicare.
Do you have a sliding scale?
As of May 2023, I do not have any sliding scale spots available.