How long does therapy take?

Sometimes short-term consultation are beneficial to individuals or families over several sessions, while others choose ongoing therapy. Keep in mind that some patterns develop over long periods of time, and every person is unique in the time it takes to recognize problematic patterns, un-learn them, and then to re-learn more effective ways of being.

How frequently should I come?

Understanding yourself and changing deeply rooted habits takes time, commitment, and practice. Some clients find several consultation meetings to be helpful. For others, especially children and healthy adults seeking deeper self-understanding, more intensive treatment or psychoanalytic approaches can be beneficial.

What should I expect in the initial visits?

​You will meet for several sessions with your therapist to get to know one another, and to discuss your history and what brings you to therapy. After several sessions (usually 3-8 meetings), we will have gathered enough information to make a tailored recommendation for you or your family. At that point, we can decide how we might work together. By this time, you will also have a sense of whether this is the right therapist “fit” for you.

Questions Specific to Child/Adolescent Treatment

Do parents get to be involved?

Yes - in fact, we believe working with caregivers is so important that we usually do not work with a child UNLESS caregiver(s) are involved in treatment, though the configuration may vary depending on circumstances and the age of your child.

Sometimes work with caregivers only can be beneficial, who would like to strengthen and learn new skills or help support their child at home via parent guidance.

What exactly is "play" therapy and how does it help children?

Play is not only one of the best communication tools many children possess, it sets them at ease and meets them on their own turf. Rather than communicating with words and intellect, play provides an opportunity for children to tell a therapist about themselves in the language they speak best, and allows me a creative space within which to make therapeutic interventions.

How does Insurance Work?

In Network Information (Aetna & BCBS):

​Our practice is considered “in-network” with most BCBS plans (including Blue Home/UNC Health Alliance), Aetna, and the NC State Health Plan (Aetna). Before your first appointment, we recommend you call your insurance company to ask about the following:

• Confirm that your clinician is considered “in network” with your specific plan.

• Ask about your deductible. An insurance deductible is the amount of money you, as the policyholder, pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage starts paying for services. This varies wildly plan-to-plan, so you should be aware of what costs you must meet up front.

• Ask what your copay for psychotherapy will be (codes are typically 90791, 90837, or 90834). After meeting your deductible, you are usually responsible for set copay per session thereafter.

Out of Network Information

Our practice is considered “out of network” with all plans outside of BCBS, Aetna and the NC State Health Plan. We can still work together if we are not “in network,” but you will be responsible for paying the full fee for service up front. You will be provided with a monthly “superbill,” which contains all the information necessary for you to submit an out-of-network claim through your insurer (who will then reimburse you according to your plan). Some questions to ask your insurer about your “out of network” benefits:

• First, ask if your plan has out of network benefits. Most, but not all, insurance plans provide out of network coverage - so you can see a provider out of network and still receive some reimbursement for services.

• Ask about your deductible. An insurance deductible is the amount of money you, as the policyholder, pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage starts paying for services. Out of network deductibles are usually SEPARATE from your in-network deductible.

• Ask what your out of network coverage for psychotherapy will be (codes are typically 90791, 90837, or 90834). After meeting your deductible, you are usually responsible for set copay (or percentage of allowed costs) per session thereafter.

What is the cost of treatment?

If you have health insurance, see above sections. However, if your insurance denies coverage (or if you are working with us out of network), our prices for services are as follows:

Initial Intake Session (out of pocket): $200 - 225 (depending on clinician)

Ongoing Psychotherapy Session (out of pocket): $140-175 (depending on clinician)