Frequently Asked Questions
You’re here because you want to know EVERYTHING you can before starting therapy or getting a psychological evaluation. Here are some common questions I get (or would like to get) and my answers for you. If you have more, ask them during our initial consultation together.
Where is your office?
I primarily work online, so we can meet anywhere in Idaho where you feel safe and secure (and have reliable Internet access!).
If you prefer in-person appointments (ask about availability during your free consultation), I have an office in Downtown Boise. Here is the address:
910 W. Main St. Suite 330Boise, Idaho 83702
Downtown Boise? Where do I park?!
When are you available for appointments?
How long are appointments?
What is your cancellation policy?
The best work happens when you are consistent, so I hold a steady spot in my calendar each week just for you.
If you need to reschedule during the week, I need to know in advance, but we can do that.
If you cancel or miss your session, you are charged in full for the time reserved. You get one freebie to use for any reason.
What are your fees?
$387 per 60 minute session. Time off for holidays is not charged and everyone gets 1 freebie per year to cancel for any reason.
Can I use my insurance?
Like everything with insurance, it’s complicated.
If you have an HMO plan, they require you to find someone on their list, so no.
If you have a PPO plan… probably. I can give you a special receipt called a “Superbill” every month that you can submit to your insurance company. You pay me directly, and then they reimburse you if the services are covered as an out-of-network benefit. Some people like to use services like Reimbursify to help with this process. If your budget requires you to depend on some reimbursement, I recommend checking the details of your plan before getting started.
Insurance does NOT cover mental health services for court purposes (such as immigration or court-ordered evaluations).
You can use your Health Savings (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) if you have one.
Do you accept Medicaid or Medicare?
What is a “Good Faith Estimate”?
Under the law, healthcare providers must give patients without insurance (or not using insurance) an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. This is to help protect you from unexpected expenses.
You have the right to receive this Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. Make sure your healthcare provider gives you this estimate in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. This includes costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
You can dispute the bill if it’s over $400 above your Good Faith Estimate.
Save a copy or picture of your estimate. For questions or more information, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (208) 843-3149.
How do I get started?
All you have to do is click the button to schedule your free consultation call.
If we both feel we’re a good fit, we’ll schedule your first appointment. No referral is needed.
With whom do you work?
Do you work with couples or families?
I’m (autistic, trans, non-binary, etc.). Have you worked with anyone like me before?
I am an affirming provider, so most likely, yes.
Please ask on your consult call if you have any specific questions or hesitation about this. The bottom line is you need to feel safe with whomever you work.
What do you do in sessions with clients?
What happens between sessions?
What’s your professional training and experience?
I have a Ph.D. in school psychology and am a licensed psychologist.
Before going into private practice, I worked at a university-based clinic, a large autism-focused clinic, and a Federally Qualified Health Center.
I’ve worked in the field for over a decade and on my own for about five years. You are welcome to ask more on your call with me.
What if my dog barks?
I need to fidget and am inconsistent with eye contact. Is that okay?
Will you make me cry?
Well, I don’t know for sure if I’ll make you cry, but it’s not uncommon to cry in session. Even if you aren’t normally a crier, the tears will likely come out when you are ready. Don’t worry: I have the good tissues if you are with me in the office!
Therapy hasn’t been helpful for me in the past. Are you sure you can handle me?
This is exactly why our first step is your free consultation call. We can get a better idea there. If I don’t think I can help you, I will point you in the right direction.
If we aren’t sure after the initial consult, you get to decide if you want to try 3-4 sessions with me so we can make a more informed decision. There will be no pressure to stay with me if it doesn’t feel right, and I will let you know if I don’t think I’m the right person for you to continue with based on what we’ve learned.
How will I feel after sessions with you?
Some will feel easy; others will feel hard –but in a good way – a way that makes you proud. You’ll often feel a bit “lighter.”
Regardless, you’ll always want to give yourself a little extra time and space after a session before you’re needed by anyone or anything else.
Do you think about your clients outside of sessions?
Yes! Sometimes I’ll be singing along to a playlist, and a song will come up that reminds me of them.
Or they have a medical concern they are trying to figure out, and my curious problem-solver tries to find answers.
Other times, I’ll make a random connection, and you’ll pop into my head. I’ll write a note and bring it back to session if it’s something helpful for you!
Don’t worry, though: I have a life outside of you all, and it includes karaoke!
Why aren’t you a singer in an emo band if you love karaoke so much?
I never said my voice was great – just that I love to sing!
And as much as I like to travel, I want to do it slowly and on my terms – not on some crazy tour bus schedule.