I am able to see people who are in the state of NC and/or NY. I provide treatment virtually, so that anyone in either state can make an appointment with me.

My guess is that you have already been trying to handle things on your own or talking to others about the issues you are facing. A therapist is an unbiased and non-judgmental person that can work with you to find a new path. Friends may be supportive, which is great! However, they are not trained to help you explore new possibilities, and to challenge you in the midst of hardship.

In North Carolina, I take all BCBS and Cigna plans. You may also use your out of network benefits also (see below).

In New York, I am self-pay or out of network.

However…

You may be able to use your out of network benefits to see me, if I am not in network with your plan. I will give you what is called a superbill that you can send to your insurance company, and they may reimburse you for some of what you have paid.

Some questions to ask your insurance:

1. Do I have out of network benefits?
2. Can I be reimbursed for the codes: 90791, 90837, 90847
3. What percentage will my out of network benefits reimburse me for?

You should be aware that when you use insurance, you are giving them permission to your entire mental health record. This means that you will have to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder, and they are privy to your confidential information.

1. Is the therapist an expert on the problems you want to work on?
2. Do they have the training and experience you think you need to help you?
3. Is the personality of the therapist a good fit with your personality?
4. Does the model of treatment that the therapist uses a good fit for you?
5. Is the therapist a good listener?
6. Is the therapist empathetic and non-judgmental?
7. Does the therapist treat me as an equal?
8. Is the therapist 100% focused on you?
9. Are you ready for therapy?
10. Do you feel emotionally and physically safe? 
11. Does it seem like you could trust this person?
12. Do you think they ask good questions?
13. Do they seem knowledgeable and competent?
14. Do you like them and enjoy spending time with them?
15. Are they setting the right tone?
16. Does it feel confidential?
17. Do you feel distracted and not engaged?
18. Do you feel heard and understood?

Therapy is different for everyone. Oftentimes, there is more going on than we realize. The length of therapy depends on many factors, such as history, symptoms, the issues you seek to resolve, how long you have had the issues, how open and honest you are, other people involved, and the types of changes your want to make in your life, and your commitment to the process.

Therapy is a professional relationship. However, it is different from a business transaction. You will be sharing very intimate information about yourself with your therapist. You may share things that you have never shared with anyone else. It may take time before you build enough trust to share these things with your therapist. In the beginning, your therapist will be getting know you, and you him/her. She/he will be working towards understanding you and the reasons that you are coming to therapy. Life is complicated and working towards the changes you want to make is a process that takes time. A therapist doesn’t have magic answers or pills. Looking for quick fixes, doesn’t bring the results we truly need or want in our lives. Most problems do not show up over one night, and they can’t be resolved overnight either. A therapist will walk beside you as you journey towards a new way to live your life.

Therapy is an investment in yourself and your life. An investment worth your time, money, and energy.

I won’t lie. Therapy is hard work, and uncomfortable at times. You may feel better sometimes, and worse at other times. I think working towards a better way of life can be motivating and promising. Whereas you may feel some hopelessness in some part of your life, even when therapy is hard, you know it is helping you towards a better place in your life, relationships, and daily activities.

You will know therapy is working when you start to implement what we talk about in session into your life. This may take time, so be patient with yourself. You may do or think about something differently than you had in the past, and you may realize that this change was more natural than you thought it would be. Change isn’t a forced action. Change is something that comes intrinsically.

I see clients once per week. I generally do not see people less than this. I don’t find that therapy is useful or beneficial when seen less than once per week. The exception to this is after I have seen you for awhile and we both agree that you are doing well, and you want to come in to see me for maintenance of your progress.

I have a 48 hour notice policy. I give everyone one free late cancelation per year that you can use however you wish. Cancelations made with 48 hours or less notice are charged full fee. Please note that insurance does not reimburse for cancelations/no shows.

I find that this policy works well for both of us. On the one hand you are making a commitment to your therapy, and on the other hand so am I. You are essentially paying for a spot in my weekly schedule, and I am committed to giving you 100% of myself during that time.

If you are in crisis, please go to your nearest emergency department or call 911. If you are a current client, you may call me and let me know that you are in crisis. However, do not wait for my response because I may not get back to you right away.

Please allow me 24 business hours to respond to any correspondence you make with me. I am usually in session and may not be able to respond to you until the next day. I always respond to emails and phone calls as soon as I am able.