Frequently Asked Questions
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What should I expect in my first session?
- First sessions are a bit different from follow up sessions – we’ll spend a lot of time getting to know each other and what brings you to treatment. When appropriate, I’ll give you a diagnosis that will be shared with your insurance company. We’ll also work on making a treatment plan that will help us figure out where we want to go and how we’ll get there. If you’re nervous, I totally understand! Trust me though, I am an expert at helping you to feel comfortable and you are ALWAYS allowed to let me know if you’d rather not talk about something.
Is telehealth right for me?
- Check out this blog post for more information about telehealth! But to answer your question here, telehealth is just as effective as in person counseling and can be much easier to fit into your daily life. If you aren’t sure, schedule a consultation and we can talk about it more!
How long will I have to attend counseling?
- The best part about counseling is that you don’t “have” to do anything! We’ll constantly be talking about how things are going for you and YOU are the one that gets to decide how often and for how long we see each other. I’ll make some recommendations, but you are always in the driver’s seat. With that being said, many people find that 6-12 sessions is a good number, but lots of people need and want less and lots need and want more!
Is what I talk about confidential?
- Yes, with a few exceptions. If you share about something that affects your safety or someone else’s safety (like child abuse, elder abuse, or active thoughts of suicide or homicide), your counselor will need to report to the appropriate parties to keep everyone safe. Other than those situations, the only time information will be shared is with your written permission.
How can I get the most out of counseling?
- Be open and honest in your sessions and keep an open mind!
Can I see you even if I live in Anchorage (Fairbanks, Kodiak, Nome, Kenai, Ketchikan…)?
- Yes!! I am based in Wasilla, but the benefit of telehealth is that we have so much more flexibility. As long as your body is in the State of Alaska, we can work together. However, if your body is outside of Alaska (even on vacation), I’m not legally allowed to see you then because I am only licensed to practice in AK.
What if I want a family member to join me for a session? Or a lot of sessions?
- You are welcome to! Many people really appreciate having a friend or family member join them for extra support or for the loved one to learn how to take care of them. If you think this may be useful to you, just discuss it with your therapist.
What if you don't take my insurance?
- Don’t worry, you have options! You can choose to pay out of pocket for services and not involve insurance companies at all. There are some benefits to this option, because it keeps all of your information 100% private. However, sometimes we really need the financial help that insurance can provide. That’s where Out of Network benefits come in. Not every insurance policy has Out of Network benefits, so it will be important that you confirm that with your insurance company. Here’s a helpful cheatsheet for questions to ask your insurance company about Out of Network benefits.
- If you are covered for Out of Network services, the amount you pay out of pocket is probably different than what you pay for In Network services. Your deductible may be different and your co-insurance (percentage the insurance will cover) is probably less. Remember, all policies are different, but it’s common for In Network services to be covered at 80% while Out of Network service are covered at 60%.
- When you use an Out of Network provider, you pay for your services out of pocket up front. Then, your provider (that’s me!) gives you a detailed invoice called a Superbill that includes all of the information you need to submit for reimbursement from your insurance company. You can use an app like Reimbursify to make this process even easier!
Schedule your complimentary 15 minute consultation!
Check my profile on Psychology Today to see if I am accepting new clients by clicking HERE!