Frequently Asked Questions

Teletherapy is when a therapist or counselor provides psychological counseling and support over the internet through email, video conferencing, online chat, or a phone call.

Telemental health provides easier access to counseling and support than traditional in-office sessions.

For our online sessions to work, you must have access to a reliable internet connection and a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. You must also be in an area that you feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics and are mindful of the confidential nature our sessions entail.

Research shows that clients who have to pay something for their treatment have more positive outcomes than those who receive free treatment. Your investment with private pay has many advantages. You get to choose the therapist and services that fit your needs which in return allows me to offer unique services and more care and attention to my best-fit clients. Other advantages include:

• Information is not shared with third parties, such as insurance companies. So that means your privacy and confidentiality are much more protected.
• Stigma of diagnosis can be avoided.
• Sliding scales can be offered to private pay clients. This means that privately paying clients can actually pay less than those who pay with insurance.
• Some insurance companies only cover a certain amount of time. Private pay clients are able to choose the focus, duration, and frequency of therapy. You are even allowed to choose the length of sessions.
• Many issues (such as marital problems, life stress, or personal growth) are not covered by insurance. But I can help with that.

I ensure I have reserved temporary slots for those who are in a financial bind or can’t afford counseling. This is discussed prior to engaging in services to determine if my practice and telehealth is the right fit, if payment plans or a lower rate is needed, and how you can be supported so that finances is not a barrier. This also gives a chance for current patients to have this option while continuing treatment as I understand “life happens.” I also ensure you have available resources should you decide to pursue other options. 

Due to licensing requirements. I am licensed by the State of Alaska and the State of Virginia and therefore am required to see residents who are physically in those states only.

Please note, clients must affirm, at the beginning of each session, that they are present in the State of Alaska or Virginia. They must also affirm their actual physical location, in the case there is an emergency and I need to send help.

Unfortunately, at this time I’m only seeing individuals. I can help recommend therapists who offer couples or family counseling who may have availability in your area.

Online counseling is not appropriate for all kinds of problems. If you are in crisis or have suicidal thoughts, it’s important that you seek help immediately. Please call/text 988 (National Crisis Hotline) or 911 and ask for help, or go to your nearest emergency room. I do not offer emergency services or services of a highly acute nature. If this is you, I can provide you with resources and referrals, but I am not able to take you on as a client.

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success!

Think of it as training with tools and knowledge you can use to achieve your goals and mission. I may provide homework to help you stay accountable for your therapy work. My role is to provide you feedback, guidance, and support you while you work through your challenges. I want you to discover your own resources and gain back control of your life.

Therapy sessions are scheduled in advance at a time reserved exclusively for you. When a session is canceled without adequate notice, I am unable to fill this time slot by offering it to another current client, a client on the waitlist, or a client with a clinical emergency.

If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you provide me, at least 24 hours, notice of the cancellation via email or messenger.

If you cancel your appointment prior to 24 hours, you will be rescheduled with no penalty.

Cancellations made without 24 hours’ notice but prior to the start of the session incur a $50 late-cancellation fee unless rescheduled within 5 business days.

No-shows or cancellations, especially if it becomes habitual, made after the start of the session incur a $100 fee.

**Of course, we understand when emergencies come up. Cancellation fee can be waived in the event of an act of God, natural disaster, serious illness, or an emergency situation such as a car accident. If you are unsure of your circumstances, please contact me to discuss!