Got questions? You’re not alone.
Here are answers to what folks often ask before starting therapy.

Let’s clear some things up.

Therapy can bring up a lot of questions, especially if you’ve had mixed experiences before. These are here to help you feel more grounded in the process.

  • Do you offer in-person or telehealth sessions?

    Yes to both! I offer secure telehealth therapy for adults anywhere in Washington State, and I also see clients in person at my cozy Blaine, WA office (just minutes from the border). You can choose what feels best, or even switch between the two.

  • What are your fees?

    I offer an equity-based sliding scale inspired by the Green Bottle Method:

    • $175 – Full Rate

    • $150 – Middle Rate

    • $125 – Reduced Rate

    • $100 – Sliding Scale (limited availability)

    You're invited to choose the tier that best fits your current financial situation. No proof required. This model is grounded in trust, sustainability, and the belief that mental health care should be more accessible.

    Important: If you have insurance with one of my in-network providers (Premera, Lifewise, Regence, Aetna, Moda, United Healthcare, HMA, or Anthem), you cannot use the sliding scale rates. Your cost will be determined by your insurance plan's copay, coinsurance, and deductible. The sliding scale is available only for out-of-network insurance or private pay clients.

    Can I change my rate later?

    Yes. Life changes, and your rate can too. If your circumstances shift, just let me know and I'll generate a new Good Faith Estimate reflecting the updated rate. No judgment, no proof required. This scale is built on trust.

    Do I need to explain my rate choice?

    Nope. You are the expert on your own circumstances. You don't need to justify or explain your choice. That's the whole point of an equity-based model. I trust you to know what's sustainable for you.

    What if my financial situation changes unexpectedly?

    If you're experiencing a temporary financial crisis or shift in income, let me know and we can talk through options like adjusting your rate (if you're using the sliding scale), pausing sessions, or changing frequency. I want care to be flexible, not punishing.

    What's included in the session rate?

    Your session fee includes:

    • Weekly, biweekly, or monthly therapy sessions (whatever frequency we agree on)

    • Access to secure messaging for limited between-session check-ins

    • Time I spend outside of session (notes, prep, occasional resources)

    It does not include:

    • Additional session time beyond our agreed duration

    • Letters or documentation requests (these are discussed and billed separately if needed)

    What if the $100 sliding scale still isn't accessible?

    If none of these rates are accessible to you right now, please know I see how hard that is and it doesn't make your need for support any less valid.

    I recommend checking out Open Path Collective, a nonprofit network offering therapy sessions between $40–$70. It's a resource I truly value, created to bridge the gap for folks who are often left out of traditional care systems.

    Everyone deserves support. If I'm not the right financial fit, I'll always do my best to help you find someone who is.

    What if my in-network copay is higher than your sliding scale rates?

    I understand this can feel frustrating. Insurance contracts require me to accept your plan's copay and coinsurance structure as your cost for services. I cannot offer sliding scale rates to clients with in-network insurance, even if your copay is high. If your copay creates financial hardship, you might explore adjusting session frequency (moving to biweekly or monthly) to make care more sustainable. You can also contact your insurance company to ask about financial hardship programs or payment plans for medical expenses.

  • Are you in-network with my insurance?

    I'm in-network with several major insurance providers, including Premera, Lifewise, Regence, Aetna, Moda, United Healthcare, HMA, and Anthem.

    If I'm in-network with your plan, my billing team will submit claims to your insurance on your behalf. You're only responsible for any copay, coinsurance, or deductible your plan requires.

    Important: If you have insurance with one of my in-network providers, you cannot use my sliding scale rates. Your cost is determined by your insurance plan's benefits.

    Not sure what your benefits cover? Call the number on your insurance card and ask about your copay for outpatient mental health services, your deductible status, and whether you need pre-authorization.

    If you don't take my insurance, can I use out-of-network benefits?

    Yes, many clients with out-of-network insurance are able to receive reimbursement. You pay me directly using my sliding scale rates, and your insurance may reimburse you for a portion of the cost.

    I generate monthly superbills (detailed receipts with all required codes and information) and send them through the secure client portal. You then submit these to your insurance company for reimbursement.

    Important things to know:

    • Reimbursement is between you and your insurance company. I can't guarantee what they'll cover or how much you'll receive back.

    • Reimbursement rates vary widely. Some plans cover 50-80% after deductible, others cover very little or nothing.

    • You'll need to meet your out-of-network deductible first, which can range from hundreds to several thousand dollars.

    • Processing times vary, but reimbursement can take weeks to months.

    If you're not sure whether your plan includes out-of-network benefits, call the number on your insurance card and ask:

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

    • What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much have I met so far this year?

    • After I meet my deductible, what percentage of out-of-network therapy sessions will be reimbursed?

    • What is the reimbursement rate for CPT code 90837 (individual therapy)?

    • How do I submit claims for reimbursement? (Online portal, mail, fax?)

    • How long does reimbursement typically take?

    Insurance can be confusing, and I'm always happy to help walk you through the process or clarify anything you need.

  • What's your therapy style like?

    I bring warmth, real talk, and curiosity. I'm not here to fix you or push you toward some predetermined version of "better."

    I work primarily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with elements of Compassion-Focused Therapy, inner child work, and parts work. Expect reflection, emotional depth, and strategies we build together that actually work with your nervous system, not against it.

    How long does therapy take?

    There's no standard timeline, and I'd be skeptical of anyone who promises one.

    Real change takes time, safety, and repetition. Most of my clients start noticing meaningful shifts between 18 months and 2 years of consistent work. That's not because therapy is slow, it's because we're addressing root patterns, not just surface symptoms.

    I typically recommend weekly sessions to start, especially while we're building trust and momentum. As things stabilize, some clients shift to biweekly or monthly. We'll figure out what works for you.

    What do we actually do in therapy?

    Some sessions we dive into your history. Others we focus on what's overwhelming right now.

    We might explore your inner parts, practice boundaries, unpack shame, map your values, or build systems that work with your actual brain. It's collaborative, not formulaic. We go at your pace.

    Who is your practice not a good fit for?

    I'm not able to provide care for:

    • Active, ongoing risk of harm to self or others

    • Situations requiring multiple sessions per week or 24/7 crisis support

    • Court-mandated therapy or highly structured legal requirements

    If that's where you're at, you still deserve care. I'm happy to connect you with colleagues in group practices or higher-level care settings better equipped to support those needs.

Book your consultation here