Frequently asked questions.

How quickly can we get in for a consultation?

I will always try to schedule an initial consultation as soon as possible. The free consultation is a 20-minute phone call to gather information, answer any questions, and determine if I am the right fit for your needs. After the consultation, if it is appropriate and you are ready to begin, we will schedule a first intake session to meet, go over paperwork, and talk more about the therapeutic process. 

If you or your teen is severely distressed and/or you are concerned about them hurting themselves, I urge you not to wait. Please call 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency room for an evaluation.

 

Do you take insurance?

At this time, Mindfully Me does not accept insurance. I want to provide you with the best support I can, and believe that the therapeutic process can only be guided by meeting you and/or your teen right where you are. Insurance is wonderful, yet when it comes to mental health… it can be very limiting. I value being by your side for as long as it takes, and sometimes it’s more than six, eight, or ten sessions. I also believe that not all therapeutic modalities are a one-size-fits-all. Most importantly, it is human to struggle with our emotional and internal experience! Not all challenges are diagnosable or pathological. Diagnosing a teen comes with the risk that they will identify with this label far longer than the obstacle exists. There does come a time when it is appropriate or necessary, but this is the exception, not the rule. Thus, I am committed to working with you however necessary to provide the best care possible.

 

How much does counseling cost?

The fee for individual counseling and parent consultation is $150/hour. To better serve our community, Mindfully Me offers limited positions for sliding-scale services. If you are not able to pay the standard fee, you may request an affordable slot. If a slot is available, we will adjust the fee based on your current financial situation.

As of January 1st, 2022, a new law came into effect called the “No Surprise Act.” This new Federal law is intended to make sure that anyone receiving health care without insurance is not surprised by unexpected expenses. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

  • You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.

  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

  • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

Click here for questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate.

 

What’s the difference between child and adolescent counseling versus talking to family, friends and teachers?

As a therapist, I will help your child approach their situation in a new way by teaching them new skills, presenting different perspectives, and helping them listen to their own heart and intuition. Therapy is a safe place where your teen can be their self with a skilled professional who knows how to navigate the complexities a young person’s development. It is also confidential. There are some limits to this confidentiality, but, for the most part, what your teen says to me, stays with me.

 

Does my child need medication?

Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy, but it alone cannot solve most issues. Medication treats biochemical imbalances and helps alleviate symptoms. I do not evaluate for medication and will refer you to a medical professional, whether a physician or psychiatrist, if I feel it will support your teen’s wellness. My work typically focuses on exploring the root of the issue, expanding emotional tolerance and regulation, and learning new tools and skills that can help accomplish goals and improve wellbeing.

 

What happens during sessions?

Because each teenager has different issues and goals, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to you or your teen’s specific needs. Please feel free to ask this during your consultation after I know more about your specific situation.

 

How long does counseling take to achieve results?

Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them, and it is difficult to determine how long therapy takes to achieve the desired outcome. The length of therapy depends on many different factors, including you and/or your teen’s readiness to accomplish goals. I will always utilize techniques that are the most direct avenue to your child’s inherent wellness.

 

What can I do to help this process?

I am so glad you are dedicated to helping your teen get the most out of their sessions! Your active participation and dedication is crucial to their success. It’s the work YOU do outside of our sessions that will provide your child with the most opportunity for success. Often, I will recommend Parent Consultation as an adjunct to therapy so you know exactly how to support your child with the new skills they are learning.