Frequently Asked Questions

Most insurance plans pay for mental health services. You might have to reach your deductible first before your insurance will start paying, or you might have a copay for each visit. It is best to contact your health insurance before you schedule an appointment and make sure to what extent your visit is covered.

No, only a physician, nurse practioner, or physician assistant can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in mental health. While I cannot prescribe, I work closely with your medical provider to discuss medication and ensure the best possible treatment for you.

All personal data and information that is shared during counseling sessions is confidential. The only exceptions are information about child or elder abuse, plans of suicide, or concrete plans to harm somebody else. In these cases, I am required by law to alert relatives or the authorities to ensure everybody’s safety.

In my opinion, every person is unique and no technique works for everyone. I use elements of cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused counseling, play therapy, motivational interviewing, client centered therapy, and others to tailor therapy to individual clients and problems.

Counseling can take anywhere from a single session to ongoing weekly appointments over several months. It depends on your individual issue, your motivation, and your schedule. I am very flexible to adjust my schedule to meet your needs.

Yes, counseling can be beneficial for all ages. Usually, with younger children, the parents are more involved in the process. In my experience, children are often hesitant when initially brought to counseling. But, almost every child feels comfortable and willing to continue counseling by the end of the first session.

Even if you think most of the problem is caused by somebody else, counseling can help you and the other person. You can learn to communicate more effectively with that person and better understand their behavior. This will improve your interactions and the overall situation. You can also learn strategies to take better care of yourself so you can handle the difficult situation better.

If the situation is an emergency you should call 911 immediately. If you experience a crisis that is not life threatening, I can usually fit you in my schedule within one or two business days.

In general, counseling sessions are 45 minutes long. As therapy progresses, we can discuss if you need shorter or longer sessions.

If you can’t make it to an appointment, there is no penalty for cancelling but I do appreciate it if you let me know as early as possible. If you have a weekly appointment at a set time and you miss or cancel two of them in a row, I reserve the right to take you off the schedule and give that slot to somebody else.