FAQs
Is therapy for me? How can it help? Does it work?
It is my belief that every person should consider therapy at some point in their life. Why? Therapy is not just for times of stress or to "fix" something, but rather it is a safe space where one can explore their past, how it impacts the present, and clarify how one wants to live more authentically. Consider it not only an investment in yourself, but an opportunity to generate more self-compassion, understanding, and then bringing that self-awareness into all aspects of life.
Does Therapy work? In my experience, therapy is not prescriptive about how to live life a certain way, but about attuning to your inner wisdom, recognizing triggers, repairing wounds, and developing healthy ways to process the grief that inevitably comes with being a human. In this sense, if one consistently shows up to therapy sessions, is curious about their emotions, and is open to reflective listening, then therapy can help guide someone towards how they want to live, process emotions, and engage in meaningful relationships with others.
What Can I Expect from Therapy?
During our initial session, I will gather relevant information about your personal history, symptoms, primary concerns, and what is bringing you to therapy. We will discuss any goals you have for therapy, how might that look like in-session vs. your daily life, and develop an understanding of what style of therapy fits your needs. We will also review confidentiality, practice policies, and your ongoing session time.
Ongoing therapy will then consist of meeting at least 1x weekly for 55 minute sessions. Sessions will include traditional talk therapy, somatic (body-based) work, meditation, or expressive arts. You will have full say in what style is meeting your needs that day.
Length of therapy will depend on a number of factors:
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clinical needs/severity of symptoms
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whether you want to work on a single issue or engage in deeper work
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scheduling
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consistency
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financial cost
When we work together, we will continuously check-in about how things are feeling, if the work is progressing in a way that feels sustainable, or if we need to adjust goals.
If there is a specific style of therapy you are looking for, please let me know. If it is not something that I offer, I will gladly help you find a therapist that does.
What Does it Cost?
My fee is $145 for a session, which is based on what is usual and customary for this area. This fee includes my time on your behalf, such as record keeping, routine authorizations, and readings. In many circumstances, the insurance carrier limits the fee charged for the session (usually $95-$120). You will not be charged for the difference between my fee and the cap placed by insurance.
Please contact your individual insurance carrier for specifics about your plan (co-pay vs. deductible) and what their reimbursement rate is for psychotherapy.
A course of therapy can range anywhere from just a few sessions to several years; this depends upon each client's goals and preferences and the depth of the work. Your likely expense will then depend on the reimbursement rate of your insurance company or my private pay rate and the number of sessions. Between the unexpected and vacations weekly clients usually manage 40 sessions a year.
What Are Your Hours?
I offer therapy during the following times:
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Monday 9am-5pm
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Tuesday 8am-4pm
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Wednesday 9am-4pm
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Thursday 8am-1pm
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I do not see clients regularly on Friday, but may offer a rescheduled time that day depending on the week
How Do I Schedule an Appointment with You?
Please contact me via email or phone and I will get back to you within a week (for new clients).
802-760-0550
Do You Offer In-Person or Virtual Sessions?
I am offering both in-office and telehealth sessions at this time.
For in-person sessions, due to the current climate around COVID-19, I am asking that individuals be vaccinated. Masks are optional at this moment in time, but may become a requirement in the winter months depending on CDC recommendations.
I also offer virtual sessions using a HIPAA complaint software through SimplePractice.
By offering virtual sessions, I am able to expand my offerings to all individuals in the state of Vermont, regardless of location. This brings unique, personalized care to you at the click of your mouse or tap of your finger.
All you need is an internet-connected device with a web camera and microphone and a quiet, private environment.
Are You Available After-Hours?
I do my best to respond to contacts within 72 hours, however I am not always able to do so. Please know that I will get back to you as soon as I am able. For calls made on/after Thursday, I will return them on Monday.
I do not respond to phone calls after 4pm or prior to 8am. I do not provide on-call or emergency mental health services.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call your local crisis team, 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. For individuals living in Chittenden County, First Call for Chittenden County is the local 24/7 crisis team: 802-488-7777
Does What I Say in Therapy Stay in Therapy?
In general, all communication between a client and psychotherapist is confidential and protected by both ethical practice and law. I am only able to share your information if you give me written & signed permission to do so.
There are however, certain instances when your right to confidentiality is waived due to legal mandates. These are the exceptions:
If I have reason to believe you may seriously injure or kill yourself, or if you tell me you have intentions to injure or kill yourself and we are unable to establish a well thought out safety plan
If I have reason to believe you may seriously injure or kill someone else, or if you tell me you have intentions to injure or kill someone else
If you inform me about abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable/dependent adult
When I am ordered by a judge to do so
If you have questions about this, I am happy to discuss more.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS/Aetna
MVP
Medicaid
Cigna / Evernorth
Good Faith Estimate
*Notice in accordance with the No Surprises Act, effective 1/1/2022
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
Office Hours
Monday -Thursday 9am - 4pm
*last session of the day starts at 3pm*
In case of emergency- contact local crisis team