Frequently Asked Questions
Session Fees
Individual therapy fees start at $200/session for 50-minutes. Sometimes I arrange for longer sessions, in which case fees are subject to change and would be discussed prior to the session. I accept credit only. I am also not an in-network provider with insurance. A limited number of sliding scale slots based on annual income may be considered for clients who experience financial hardship and are not eligible for out-of-network benefits. We can discuss your individual needs during our consultation.
What are the benefits of being “Out-Of-Network?”
Insurance companies mandate a diagnosis, oversee your health records, and may seek access to your information while in therapy. They also may limit your coverage to a set number of therapy sessions per year, regardless of what you're going through. When considering the implications of using insurance, paying out-of-pocket is a better fit for some. Please feel free to call me to further discuss any questions.
What to ask yourself and your insurance:
Clinical Services may be covered in part or in full by your health insurance plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking your provider these questions:
Do I have "out-of-network" mental health insurance benefits?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
What is my "co-insurance"?
How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
What is the coverage amount per session?
Is approval required from my primary care doctor?
In instances where out-of-network benefits are covered, you will be responsible for payment at the time of service and your insurance will reimburse your expenses.
Why is individual therapy beneficial in the long-term?
Therapy is a process of exploring of your inner plane and how that effects your response to the external world. To facilitate change, one must commit to this process and accept the time it takes. We are complex beings and the experience is always relative. Typically, this depends entirely on how comfortable you are with being open and vulnerable. When we release emotional pain we create spaciousness and room for more of what we need and want in life. This is not a rushed experience and most often requires several months, if not more, to really gain clarity.
Who do you work with?
The primary populations I work with are young adults (18+) and adults. I do not currently work with those under the age of eighteen nor do I provide couples counseling. My practice is open to those from all different backgrounds and I welcome individuals exploring non-traditional relationships such as polyamory or ethical non-monogamy, psychedelic lifestyles, BDSM/kink, and BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. My previous work in higher education involved extensive training in anti-racist work of which I continue to educate myself.
What is “developmental/complex trauma?”
Developmental or complex trauma, aka C-PTSD, is essentially trauma experienced over a long/extended period of time. In this case, the term “trauma” is all encompassing and can be influenced by a variety of circumstances. The most common link to C-PTSD would be from childhood trauma. From birth to adolescence, we’ve had several experiences that contribute to what we believe and how we behave. Some of the more challenging ones may include neglect, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, bullying, abandonment, divorce, etc. Typically, overlapping situations occur that makes this type of trauma “complex.” These experiences also contribute to what we call “core shame.” This is the inner critic telling us we are not good enough, we are unlovable, we are not deserving of respect, and so on.
When we look to the past to address the ‘root’ of our emotional life, there is an opportunity to gain clarity about repressed emotions and patterns that no longer serve us in the present. It’s important to be aware that this process takes time and patience.
What is “spirituality?”
Spirituality fundamentally stems from a belief that we can experience energetic connections that go beyond the physical world. A common sense of feeling there is something “greater” or “higher” than the self resonates. Spirituality is often aligned with a lifestyle that utilizes methods to interact with altered states of consciousness such as meditation, yoga, dance, energy healing, shamanism, plant medicine, and breath work.
Living a spiritual life takes a variety of forms and does not have to be attached any organized concept or religion. Spirituality is a fluid concept and available to anyone interested in deepening experiences with their internal, external, and metaphysical realities.
What is “psychedelic integration?”
Psychedelics and plant medicines have been around from decades to centuries for ritualistic and spiritual growth. The mental health community is becoming increasingly more aware of their benefits to treat PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, etc. Using psychedelics and plant medicine recreationally as tools for individual well-being is also becoming more widely accepted in our society. Integration can be a powerful compliment to the psychedelic experience as a means to purposefully merge a new perspective into ones lifestyle. Psychedelics however are just like other substances and are at risk for abuse when used without understanding their benefits or having an intention. Additionally, psychedelics are not appropriate for everyone such as those with severe mental health issues, on certain medications such as SSRI’s and in certain cases, deep traumas.
Please note, I do not promote the use of illegal substances. The information provided here and in my work is meant to educate and orient the public towards safe, caring, and just communities of care regarding the use of psychedelics and plant medicine.