Prior to your initial appointment, I will send you a packet of paperwork to complete that covers issues of confidentiality, policies of my practice, and an opportunity for you to share more about your life and concerns bringing you to therapy. During the first session we will review that information and collaboratively determine a plan for future therapy, as well as other recommendations I may provide.

The length of a therapy session is 60 minutes. Sessions are typically scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The length of therapy sessions recommended depends on the presenting concerns and therapy goals. We will collaboratively develop goals for therapy during the first few sessions and determine the appropriate course of therapy.

I make all attempts to ensure that our sessions are confidential and private. All sessions take place over a HIPAA-compliant video therapy platform. You will be able to see and hear me as if you were on a high-quality Skype, FaceTime, or Google Meet call, but the video software we will use allows for extra protection and security. It is important that you also ensure confidentiality by meeting me in a private location and connecting to a secure WiFi network.

I also use a record system called Simple Practice, which allows for safe and secure client access to all documents and scheduling you need. Once you begin services with me, you will receive an email inviting you to create a patient portal account for Simple Practice.

Scheduling and attending online therapy allows for convenience of meeting from the comfort of your own confidential space (with secure WiFi connection) and flexibility with travel time not being required. You are able to meet with me in any confidential environment, as long as you are within the state of Minnesota.

When attending online therapy, you will meet with me online via a HIPAA-compliant video therapy platform. You will be able to see and hear me as if you were on a high-quality Skype, FaceTime, or Google Meet call, but the video software we will use allows for extra protection and security.

Once an appointment is scheduled, you will receive an email inviting you to create a patient portal account for Simple Practice, the secure electronic records system I use, where you will be able to access intake forms to be completed and instructions for accessing the secure, HIPAA-compliant video counseling platform.

My private pay rate for a 60 minute online counseling session is $150. I also offer a limited number of sliding scale (reduced rate) options for those experiencing financial difficulties. Please feel free to reach out regarding these rates if interested.

For those using health insurance for sessions, payment can vary depending upon your health plan and benefits. I encourage you to contact your insurance carrier to verify your benefits, network coverage, and to receive an authorization if needed. It may be helpful to ask the following questions:

• Does my plan have coverage for mental health services?
• Is there a limit to the number of sessions I can attend per year?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• Do I have to pay a copay or coinsurance rate?

I am currently in-network with the following insurance carriers: Aetna and Optum (UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, Harvard Pilgrim, Oxford, and UMR). I encourage you to contact your insurance carrier to verify your benefits, network coverage, and to receive an authorization if needed. It may be helpful to ask the following questions:

• Does my plan have coverage for mental health services?
• Is there a limit to the number of sessions I can attend per year?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• Do I have to pay a copay or coinsurance rate?

If I do not accept your insurance carrier, you can still contact them to see if you receive Out-of-Network (OON) benefits as a part of your insurance plan. If so, I can provide a receipt of services (called a superbill) for you to present to your insurance carrier to request reimbursement from them directly. I recommend you contact your insurance carrier to determine their process for accepting OON benefits.

I believe that everyone should have access to mental health services, and I understand that obtaining these services can be a financial stressor. For that reason, I offer a limited number of sliding scale (reduced rate) options for those experiencing financial difficulties. Please feel free to reach out regarding these rates if interested.

Thank you so much for your interest in working with me. I require a free 15 minute phone consultation prior to scheduling with all new clients. This is to help you determine if I am the right fit for you. To schedule your consultation, please fill out the contact form here.