FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What problems do you treat?
I specialize in working with people experiencing issues around unresolved grief and children affected by grief and loss, people on the Autism Spectrum and their families in addition to depression, anxiety, family of origin issues, attachment issues, relationship issues, and stress management for children, teens, and adults.
Do you take insurance?
That's a complicated question. Insurance takes a few months to get on the panels themselves. Insurance requires diagnosing as of the first visit, which can be stigmatizing and I do not believe I would know you well enough to determine a diagnosis in such a short timeframe. They also require access to your private information about your care with audits and I can't completely control your records. I can better safeguard your privacy and your treatment if insurance companies are not involved. Insurance limits the number of sessions you can have, how long sessions can be, the type of treatment that will be covered, the types of diagnoses to be treated, and they will often deny coverage forcing me to spend considerable time advocating for my clients. Less time arguing with insurance companies means more time for you and your needs.
I am currently accepting Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Bright Health Plan, Cigna, Kaiser, UHC, and Crime Victims Compensation. You can request a Superbill to give to your insurance provider for out of network coverage. Please contact your insurance provider to determine what their out of network policies are as related to mental healthcare.
What about privacy?
Your privacy is important to me. I can't help you if you are worried about being honest with me. Most of the time I can keep things private- part of our first visit includes an explanation of what I am required by law to disclose and discussing any fears you may have about that.
What can I expect from therapy?
While working with me you can expect a collaborative approach, meaning you will be asked to participate in formulating your goals and treatment plan and will be called upon throughout treatment to make your opinions and needs heard. It is my job to respect those needs and wishes and help guide you to achieving your goals. You are expected to do some work while in therapy, meaning you will get out of it what you put into it.
You say you have experience with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), what does that mean?
I spent 4 years working as an Early Intervention Therapist with children on the autism spectrum. As a practicum trainee I worked with teenage boys who were on the spectrum facilitating social skills art therapy groups with them and seeing some for individual therapy. I wrote my thesis project based on social skills groups for children and teens with ASD. During my internships after graduation I worked with several kiddos and teens on the spectrum facilitating groups and seeing them individually, frequently focusing on social skills and emotional regulation. In my personal life I already mentioned being in a long-term relationship with someone who I believe was on the spectrum. Finally, long before working professionally with people on the spectrum, I discovered having a natural ability to communicate and interact in positive ways with this population. This population is in my comfort zone.
Will it hurt?
Sometimes therapy brings up difficult feelings and might be uncomfortable, but I try to make it as painless as possible. Sometimes how you are feeling may get worse during the course of therapy before you start feeling better. My role in this is to support you and create a safe space for you to experience these difficult feelings.
You are an Art Therapist, do I have to make art?
No, you are not required to participate in art therapy, however I see it as a powerful tool for self-expression and for installing concepts and insights you may be working on. This means that the things we discuss in therapy can be more fully realized and solidified in your brain by using art.
What if I don't like you?
Sometimes that happens. I don't take it personally. It's important that we discuss this and determine if it's something we can work through or if I need to give you a referral for another therapist. Sometimes I'm not the right personality fit for a client and you are not comfortable working with me. It's important that you get help from whomever makes you comfortable.
Are there any reviews of you and the care you provide?
This is a tricky question. Ethically, I am not permitted to ask clients for testimonials. However, if a client voluntarily asks to write a review, it may be posted on my Facebook page or on this website. I have some endorsements from colleagues that can be found on my Psychology Today page.
What problems do you treat?
I specialize in working with people experiencing issues around unresolved grief and children affected by grief and loss, people on the Autism Spectrum and their families in addition to depression, anxiety, family of origin issues, attachment issues, relationship issues, and stress management for children, teens, and adults.
Do you take insurance?
That's a complicated question. Insurance takes a few months to get on the panels themselves. Insurance requires diagnosing as of the first visit, which can be stigmatizing and I do not believe I would know you well enough to determine a diagnosis in such a short timeframe. They also require access to your private information about your care with audits and I can't completely control your records. I can better safeguard your privacy and your treatment if insurance companies are not involved. Insurance limits the number of sessions you can have, how long sessions can be, the type of treatment that will be covered, the types of diagnoses to be treated, and they will often deny coverage forcing me to spend considerable time advocating for my clients. Less time arguing with insurance companies means more time for you and your needs.
I am currently accepting Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Bright Health Plan, Cigna, Kaiser, UHC, and Crime Victims Compensation. You can request a Superbill to give to your insurance provider for out of network coverage. Please contact your insurance provider to determine what their out of network policies are as related to mental healthcare.
What about privacy?
Your privacy is important to me. I can't help you if you are worried about being honest with me. Most of the time I can keep things private- part of our first visit includes an explanation of what I am required by law to disclose and discussing any fears you may have about that.
What can I expect from therapy?
While working with me you can expect a collaborative approach, meaning you will be asked to participate in formulating your goals and treatment plan and will be called upon throughout treatment to make your opinions and needs heard. It is my job to respect those needs and wishes and help guide you to achieving your goals. You are expected to do some work while in therapy, meaning you will get out of it what you put into it.
You say you have experience with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), what does that mean?
I spent 4 years working as an Early Intervention Therapist with children on the autism spectrum. As a practicum trainee I worked with teenage boys who were on the spectrum facilitating social skills art therapy groups with them and seeing some for individual therapy. I wrote my thesis project based on social skills groups for children and teens with ASD. During my internships after graduation I worked with several kiddos and teens on the spectrum facilitating groups and seeing them individually, frequently focusing on social skills and emotional regulation. In my personal life I already mentioned being in a long-term relationship with someone who I believe was on the spectrum. Finally, long before working professionally with people on the spectrum, I discovered having a natural ability to communicate and interact in positive ways with this population. This population is in my comfort zone.
Will it hurt?
Sometimes therapy brings up difficult feelings and might be uncomfortable, but I try to make it as painless as possible. Sometimes how you are feeling may get worse during the course of therapy before you start feeling better. My role in this is to support you and create a safe space for you to experience these difficult feelings.
You are an Art Therapist, do I have to make art?
No, you are not required to participate in art therapy, however I see it as a powerful tool for self-expression and for installing concepts and insights you may be working on. This means that the things we discuss in therapy can be more fully realized and solidified in your brain by using art.
What if I don't like you?
Sometimes that happens. I don't take it personally. It's important that we discuss this and determine if it's something we can work through or if I need to give you a referral for another therapist. Sometimes I'm not the right personality fit for a client and you are not comfortable working with me. It's important that you get help from whomever makes you comfortable.
Are there any reviews of you and the care you provide?
This is a tricky question. Ethically, I am not permitted to ask clients for testimonials. However, if a client voluntarily asks to write a review, it may be posted on my Facebook page or on this website. I have some endorsements from colleagues that can be found on my Psychology Today page.