Frequently Asked Questions

What is your approach to counseling?

I could fill this answer with lots of technical jargon but I will spare you those boring details here. I operate from the humanistic mindset that you already possess the power to change and heal yourself. I view my role as collaborative and supportive. I believe that you are the expert on your life story. I can be an expert on a lot of things but can never be an expert on you. I see my role as using my expertise to offer potential paths toward healing but never take for granted your uniqueness and complexity.

What insurances do you accept for payment?

• UPMC Commercial Products

• Highmark

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Products

• Independence Blue Cross

• United Healthcare

• Optum Health Choices

• Out of network plans

Why do you ask for a credit card to be on file?

This is simply for ease of payment for all of us. Out of pocket insurance liability is due at each appointment. If other payment arrangements are needed, please make mention of it as soon as possible.

Is Medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach.

How Can Therapy help Me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

• Developing skills for improving your relationships

• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

• Improving communications and listening skills

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

I’m Interested in telehealth appointments, how does it work?

Telehealth counseling is known in the research to be just as effective as in person counseling. We meet via a secure video platform in my practice management system, called SimplePractice. Each meeting you will receive a new secure link sent to your email where you can join the session. I recommend making sure you have a strong connection and a private space to meet. Telemental health best practices require that I obtain your location at the beginning of each meeting.

How Does the insurance billing work?

I will submit the insurance claim on your behalf. I encourage all clients to contact their insurance company member services to ensure coverage and determine any copayment, deductible or coinsurance that may exist. There is a phone number on the back of your insurance card you can call to gather this information. Some good questions to ask:

• What are my mental health benefits?

• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?

• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

What therapeutic interventions inform your work with clients?

Here is the technical stuff. I describe myself as an integrative therapist meaning that I utilize the most appropriate interventions based on your concerns and my clinical judgment. I do not subscribe to one modality of counseling. In my opinion, there is an endless amount of brilliant work to conceptualize the human experience! I will say my approach is rooted in humanistic and cognitive theories (CBT, ACT & DBT), Internal Family Systems theory and narrative approaches on change. I am trained in providing EMDR for a wide range of client concerns. If you have an interest in a particular modality, don’t hesitate to bring it up.

I’m Ready to get started, Now what?

Congratulations on making an important 1st step! Fill out the Contact Me form and we will be in touch for a brief phone consultation. Following that, we will get you scheduled for an appointment and send you an invite email to the Client Portal, where all the practice information and paperwork can be completed.