Can I use my insurance?

Yes! I accept following insurance providers in California: Aetna, United Healthcare, and Quest Behavioral Health PPO commercial insurance plans. If you are in California and would like to use your insurance benefits with these companies, please let me know at the time of scheduling. Please be aware that sometimes your insurance company may have separate providers for medical benefits than mental health benefits. For example, your medical benefits may be through Blue Shield CA, but your mental health benefits are through Magellan or Halcyon. I am not in network with any Indiana insurance networks therefore if you are a client located in Indiana you will not be able to use your benefits.

How do you bill my insurance?

If you plan to use your in-network insurance, you’ll need to create a free Headway account so they can manage your billing. I use Headway to handle all insurance-related admin so I can stay focused on our work together. Once you’re set up, you’ll be able to see your cost per session, confirm your benefits, and keep your payment information up to date. Headway will email you directly with instructions, and their support team is available for any questions about insurance, billing, or your account. At this time, Headway does not support dual coverage; if you have two insurances, we will bill your primary through Headway and you will need to submit claims to your secondary plan on your own.

If you’d like to use out-of-network benefits instead, I can submit claims on your behalf through Thrizer. Thrizer helps simplify the reimbursement process and may reduce your upfront costs, depending on your plan. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, I’m happy to help you explore your benefits.

Can I use out-of-network (OON) benefits?

In some cases, you may be able to use out-of-network benefits to help cover the cost of therapy. You’ll pay for each session in full at the time of service, and if you choose, I can submit your claims through Thrizer to simplify the reimbursement process and reduce the administrative work on your end. If you prefer to submit claims yourself, I can also provide a monthly superbill. If you don’t have insurance, your plan doesn’t cover mental health services, or you’re concerned about affordability, feel free to reach out to discuss the possibility of a reduced rate or other options.

How much can I expect to pay using OON benefits?

Each insurance plan is different, so it’s hard to predict your exact out-of-pocket cost. If you have out-of-network benefits, many insurance companies reimburse a portion of your session fee—often between 60–80%, depending on your plan. If you’re interested in using OON benefits, I can provide an estimate of your potential reimbursement through Thrizer and submit your claims on your behalf to simplify the process. If you prefer to file on your own, I can also provide a monthly superbill with everything your insurance company needs to process your claim.

How do I use my OON benefits?

Most out-of-network benefits are fairly straightforward to use. Many insurance companies simply ask you to submit a superbill or claim form, then they process it and send reimbursement directly to you. Every plan works a little differently, though, so it’s always a good idea to contact your insurance company to understand your specific benefits. If you’d like help estimating what your plan may reimburse, I can also provide an estimate through Thrizer.

If you choose to call your insurance company, here are some helpful questions to ask:

• Do I have out-of-network outpatient mental health coverage?

• Can I use these benefits for telehealth sessions?

• What is my out-of-network deductible?

• How much of my deductible has been met this year?

• Do I need a referral to see an out-of-network provider?

• What percentage of outpatient psychotherapy sessions is covered?

• What is the reimbursement rate for a 45-minute psychotherapy session (CPT code 90834)?

• How do I submit claims for reimbursement?

• How long does reimbursement typically take?

What if I can’t afford your rate?

I offer a limited number of reduced-cost therapy slots for clients who need a lower fee. If my full rate isn’t accessible for you, please reach out and we can talk through current availability and explore options that may work for your situation. If I don’t have a reduced-cost spot open, I’m always happy to provide referrals to clinicians who may be a better financial fit. If you’re searching for an in-network provider, Psychology Today is also a helpful place to start your search.

Do you work with clients anywhere in the world?

No, therapists can only provide services in the state(s) they are licensed in. I am only licensed to work with residents of Indiana and California. You must be physically present in Indiana or California at the time of therapy in order for us to work together.

How do I know if we’re a good fit?

Before scheduling a therapy session, I do a free 15-minute intro video or phone call with all potential new clients. This gives us a chance to get to know each other. Here’s what we cover:

• I’ll ask you about why you’re seeking therapy

• I’ll tell you about myself and my approach to therapy

• You can ask me any questions you might have

• We’ll talk about cost, insurance, scheduling, etc. 

Looks like we vibe! What’s next?

If we both decide we’re a good fit after our call, we’ll schedule our first therapy appointment. I’ll send you some forms to your email for you to complete before our first session, have you sign up for Thrizer/Headway, and I’ll also send you a link for our video calls before every session.

What can I expect from our first session?

It’s completely normal to feel anxious or unsure before starting with a new therapist. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space that helps make those first steps feel a little easier. In our first session or two, I’ll ask questions to get to know you, your world, and what you’re hoping to work on. I’ll listen with care, ask thoughtful follow-ups, and together we’ll identify goals for your time in therapy.

As we continue, therapy becomes a place where you can vent, cry, reflect, and celebrate. We’ll explore your history, challenge unhelpful patterns, build insight, and practice new coping skills. Some days will feel like hard work, and some will feel lighter or even joyful. Through all of it, I’m here to support you and walk alongside you.

How often will we see each other?

I see most my clients weekly or every two weeks. I ask that all new clients commit to weekly therapy sessions for at least the first 4 weeks. This will help us get off to a strong start, so you can start to see progress sooner. After that, I may recommend we increase or decrease your frequency of sessions to best meet your goals and needs.

How long do I need to be in therapy?

Unlike more “solution focused” therapies, I am focused on exploring your needs, urges, and desires and connecting them to your current experience in the world. I take a holistic approach to treatment and want to do more than just eliminate your symptoms, I’ll help you build a better life. Most of my clients find that they reach their goals in 6-12 months and no longer need therapy. I also have clients who choose to remain in therapy for much longer. They continue to see improvements and still enjoy having the ongoing support and a place to process their feelings and experiences every week.

Do I need to worry about confidentiality if we do online sessions?

Great question! I take your confidentiality and privacy very seriously. I use a HIPPA compliant medical records system for storing all our session records and appointments. I also use this system to send intake forms and paperwork to ensure your information is protected. There may be times where you want me to share information about our sessions to a teacher, family member, other medical professional, or someone else. In those cases, I will have you complete a release giving me permission to disclose your information to that person. 

• There are a few times where I am required by law to tell someone what is going on in our sessions:

• If you disclose thoughts or plans to harm yourself

• If you disclose thoughts or plans to harm someone else

• If I am issued a subpoena by the courts

• For more information about how I handle your private information, you can view my privacy policy here!