Frequently Asked Questions
How can counseling help me?
Counseling helps people improve their moods, have better communication skills, obtain a more positive outlook, and learn new ways to cope with stressful situations and people.
What is counseling like?
The first session is a chance for me to get to know you, so I'll be asking a lot of questions about your concerns, your life history, and what you hope to get out of counseling. It's also a chance for you to ask me questions about counseling and to see whether you would feel comfortable working with me. In future sessions we work on your goals for counseling. I may teach you a skill, help you figure out what to do next, or provide you with a different way of viewing your situation. We will both be talking, listening, and learning.
How long will I be in counseling for?
This really varies for each person. Most people begin to experience relief in 3-10 sessions. Some people will need longer to heal and feel better, particularly if you have experienced a traumatic event or relationship, but you will not be in counseling forever.
What do I do if I don't want to come to counseling anymore?
You can tell me if counseling is not working for you and I can either change my approach or give you a referral for someone who may be a better fit for you. As your therapist, I much prefer you tell me you don't want to come anymore as opposed to you not showing up for future appointments. If you feel like you've accomplished your goals, then we will talk about when to end counseling and next steps.
How much is counseling going to cost me?
The first session is $200. Following sessions are $150. Sessions are 45 minutes.
Do you accept my insurance?
My practice is private pay and my services are not directly covered by insurance. As an out-of-network provider, I am more than happy to provide you with the form (called a superbill) that describes your services that is required by your insurance company for reimbursement. Prior to our first session, please check with your provider to find out how much of my fee they will reimburse you.
I am a provider with the VA/TriWest Choice Program. If you are a veteran and interested in beginning counseling with me, you will first need to contact the VA mental health triage line (503)220-8262 x56409 to set up a mental health appointment through the VA. If the VA cannot get you an appointment in 30 days or you live 30 miles from your nearest VA, you will be given the choice to opt-in to the Choice program. Additionally, if you are seeking couples counseling or want a Christian counselor, the VA will automatically refer you to an outside provider as it does not perform these services. A representative from TriWest will then contact you to schedule an appointment with a provider; at this point you will tell them you want to schedule with me. TriWest will then call me to set up the appointment.
I am a provider with the VA/TriWest Choice Program. If you are a veteran and interested in beginning counseling with me, you will first need to contact the VA mental health triage line (503)220-8262 x56409 to set up a mental health appointment through the VA. If the VA cannot get you an appointment in 30 days or you live 30 miles from your nearest VA, you will be given the choice to opt-in to the Choice program. Additionally, if you are seeking couples counseling or want a Christian counselor, the VA will automatically refer you to an outside provider as it does not perform these services. A representative from TriWest will then contact you to schedule an appointment with a provider; at this point you will tell them you want to schedule with me. TriWest will then call me to set up the appointment.
Do I pay every session?
Yes, payment is due at the start of session. Cash, check, and debit/credit card are all accepted.
What if I cannot make it to a session?
Please contact me by phone, text, or email if you will miss your appointment. If you miss your appointment without notifying me beforehand, you will be charged the full session fee. However, this fee will not be charged if you can reschedule during the week of the missed appointment. Keep in mind that insurance companies will not reimburse you for a missed appointment. Two consecutive missed appointments without prior notification may result in future sessions being canceled until the appointment problem is resolved.
Do you have weekends and evening appointments?
I do not offer appointments on weekends. I do have limited evening availability on Mondays and Thursdays.
How do I begin counseling?
You can email me or call me to let me know who you are and briefly why you are seeking counseling. All calls, voicemail, and emails are answered and checked only by me. However, do keep in mind that email is not a secure way of communicating. After we connect for the first time, we will set up a time for your first session, or I can give you the name of a trusted colleague who would be a better fit for your concerns.
I've experienced a lot of trauma. Do you really want to hear about it?
Yes, because reprocessing what you have experienced in a safe and positive environment is crucial to your healing. The most effective way to heal from trauma is exposure, and talking about the trauma is a type of exposure. You don't have to talk about the details in the first or even fifth session; what you want to talk about and when is up to you. You will not harm me or overwhelm me in any way by talking about your experiences.
Please feel free to get in touch if you have other questions! I look forward to answering them.
