Common Questions

People enter therapy for many reasons. Some need support in responding to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. If you’re overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, psychological treatment can be helpful in addressing these experiences and determining appropriate adjustments.

Therapy is intended to be a safe place to explore the difficulties happening in your life and develop strategies to manage them. Therapists provide support, help you develop problem-solving skills, and enhance coping for various issues. If we are a good fit, we would work together to determine your goals and find the best way to achieve them.

No, you don’t have to lie on a couch. Therapy is like having an honest, deep conversation with someone you trust. I am someone who will support you in your aspirations, and challenge you when necessary.

Therapy sessions last 45 minutes and typically occur on a weekly basis. The first session or two gives us a chance to get to know one another. You fill out paperwork, answer some specific questions, and determine your goals for treatment. Beyond the first couple of sessions, you are in the driver’s seat – you decide what you’d like to focus on and I will help guide your growth and change. As we work together, we can talk about what’s working or not, and an appropriate length for treatment

No. According to legal and ethical guidelines, I cannot discuss or share any information about you to anyone without your written consent. This applies to adults (aged 18 and older) and for children whose parents sign a consent form. It should be noted however, that there are a couple of exceptions to this rule: if there is imminent concern for the safety of you or someone else, or if you disclose abuse of a child or elder, I am required to inform appropriate authorities to make sure everyone is safe.

The short answer: No. My professional services qualify for patient reimbursement, and may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. As an “out-of-network provider,” I collect fees directly from you, however many plans allow you to apply for reimbursement using the monthly invoices I will provide for you. I can also provide your insurance company with any additional information about me that they need to process your claim. Prior to beginning therapy, it will be useful for you to contact your insurance company to get specific details about your mental health benefits.

Here are some questions that may be helpful to ask:

1. Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
2. Is coverage based on a “usual and customary rate” for certain CPT codes (common codes = 90791, 90791-95, 90834, 90834-95), or the full rate that the therapist charges? If it’s the usual and customary rate, ask what that amount is.
3. What is my out-of-network deductible and has it been met?
4. What percentage is covered by insurance once my out-of-network deductible is met?
5. How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover? Are there any limitations?
6. Is pre-certification required before I start?

My fees are competitive for an out-of-network provider in the Washington, DC area. Here is a list of current rates. Please note that rates are subject to change.

• $255 for an initial consultation appointment
• $225 per individual therapy session
• $105 per group therapy session
• Rate varies based on nature of consultation

Clients are asked to make payments by cash, check, or credit card at the time services are provided. I will provide a superbill for services each month, which will contain all of the information required in order for you to receive reimbursement from your insurance company.