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What do the sessions look like?

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The first couple of sessions will look a little different from the sessions moving forward. These initial sessions are my chance to get to know you better, to understand where you are coming from and where you are hoping to go. These sessions help us determine our goals and what you are hoping to get out of therapy. It also is an opportunity for us to explore any further questions you might have. During these sessions, I will likely ask a lot more questions than I would in sessions to come. Some of these questions can feel invasive, and you may not be fully comfortable disclosing some more closely kept information to a complete stranger the first time you meet them. That is absolutely understandable! I will not ask you to share any more than you are comfortable sharing. We will go at your pace.

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Who does the talking?

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I like to think of therapy as a conversation. Together, we will be discussing ways in which to reach your goals, exploring obstacles, celebrating victories, and even brainstorming creative solutions. Therapy is an ongoing discussion that takes shape as we pursue the type of life you are striving after.

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How long are the sessions?

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Individual and couple sessions typically last 45-50 minutes.
I would encourage you to be on time and arrange your schedule so that we will be able to get the most out of your session without the stress of schedule conflicts. This will allow you to give yourself the space needed to pursue your goals.

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Do I accept insurance?

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I do not accept insurance. There are both pros and cons to using insurance as well as there are several reasons why I, and many other therapists, do not accept insurance. I will provide you with some information here that will help you decide how best to utilize services to suit your needs.

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First of all, seeing a provider that accepts your insurance can be beneficial, as the insurance company may cover a portion of the fee. Of course, your copay may vary with different insurance plans as many cover a differing range of mental health benefits. ​This can be helpful, as therapy is often expensive.

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Some important information about utilizing your insurance, however, is that you are required to meet criteria for a mental health diagnosis for them to cover even a portion of your sessions.

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What does this mean?​

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Well, in short, insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis for insurance to cover the payment. So, when you use your insurance for therapy, whatever therapist you use would be required to assign you a mental health diagnosis that would go on your permanent medical health records, which can follow you into various settings throughout your life. Some people are uncomfortable with this and the potential impact it may have.

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Another good thing to know is that insurance companies will also determine, and thereby limit, the number of sessions they would cover. This number is based on a summary the therapist would be required to provide to the insurance company that shares many details of therapy that are often kept private, such as what exactly we are working on, what kind of progress you are making, and the reasoning why you need to be in therapy. Additionally, the therapist would need to provide reasoning why we would need more sessions, or in other words, why you may not be progressing as quickly as they would like.

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Based on the type of therapy I provide, I do not believe this provides the best environment in which to work toward particularly challenging goals. Ideally, therapy runs more smoothly when you and I decide together how the sessions are going, when to shift focus, and when you are ready to leave instead of someone else, or even multiple someones, determining these things. Without those confines, you are more in control of your progress and are able to maintain more privacy.

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​If, however, you do decide you prefer to work with a therapist who accepts insurance, I can still help point you in the right direction. Many of my colleagues accept insurance, and I could refer you to someone better able to meet your needs.

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How much is therapy without insurance?

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Individual and couple sessions are $125, and there can be up to a $5 processing fee for using credit cards.

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What forms of payment do I take?

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I accept debit and credit cards, cash, and check payable to Journey Counseling Center, PLLC.

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Are there cancellation fees?

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I understand that life happens and that there will be times, despite your best efforts and intentions that you will be unable to make your appointment and will need to cancel or reschedule. I want to work with you, so there is no fee as long as you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Sessions cancelled less than 24 hours from your appointment time will be charged half the session fee.

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What are my office hours?

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I am currently in the office on Mondays 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Tuesdays 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Wednesdays 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., and Thursdays 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Additional hours may be available upon request.

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Do I require a mental health diagnosis for a session?

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Since I do not work with insurance companies, you are not required to have a mental health diagnosis in order to attend sessions.

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Are there snacks?

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Definitely! I try to keep my office stocked with an assortment of chips, cookies, and other individually wrapped snacks. We also have coffee, tea, and water in our lobby.

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