top of page
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is your approach to therapy?Our therapeutic approach is collaborative and client-centered. We believe in empowering individuals to discover their strengths and develop strategies for coping with challenges. Depending on your needs, we may incorporate various therapeutic techniques, always ensuring that your goals are at the forefront.
-
What's the process of starting therapy?A phone consultation is the first step. We offer a FREE 15 minute phone consultation where you can chat with your provider and make sure it feels like a good fit. If the consultation goes well, you and your provider will find a time and schedule an initial appointment. At the end of your initial session is when you and your provider will determine your frequency of sessions. This is usually influenced by the intensity of your symptoms, your budget, and your provider's availability.
-
How do you know if you and your therapist are a good "fit"?A good "fit" between a therapist and client is key to the success of therapy. It’s important that you feel comfortable, understood, and supported during sessions. In the first few meetings, notice how you feel when speaking with your therapist—are they attentive, empathetic, and non-judgmental? Do they respect your boundaries and listen to your concerns? Open communication is essential, so if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to bring it up. Finding the right therapist can take time, and we're here to help you find the best match, whether it's with us or another professional.
-
What should I expect in the first session?The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and discuss what brings you to therapy. We will talk about your goals, personal history, and any concerns you have. This session will help us develop a plan tailored to your unique needs. If you're an adolescent, an initial session will usually be split into 3 parts: A portion where you and your parent are together, a portion you speak to your provider alone, and a portion where your parent speaks to the provider alone. This is done in an effort to give every participant that the opportunity to have privacy and be as candid and open as possible.
-
How long is each therapy session and how often will I need to come?Sessions typically last 50 minutes and are held once a week. However, the frequency and duration can be adjusted depending on your specific needs and goals.
-
What are your fees, and do you offer sliding scale options?Session fees vary depending on the type and length of service provided. We offer a sliding scale based on financial need to make therapy more accessible. Please contact us to discuss your options and what suits your needs.
-
How long does therapy take?The length of therapy varies for each individual, depending on their specific goals and challenges. If your goal is very specific (e.g. "I want to stop binge eating") therapy has the potential to be short term as some challenges can be addressed in a matter of months. If your goal is focused on self-discovery (e.g. "I want to understand why I keep choosing the same type of partner") then you might benefit from longer-term therapy. Most clients are interested in working on a combination of the two goals mentioned above which makes it challenging to forecast how long therapy will last. Regardless of your specific type of goal, we will regularly check in and review your progress to ensure that you feel satisfied with the pace and effectiveness of therapy.
-
What should I do if I feel nervous about starting therapy?It’s completely normal to feel nervous or uncertain about starting therapy! We aim to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings at your own pace. You don't have to have everything figured out before beginning—therapy is a process and you don't have to do it alone!
-
Can therapy help with everyday stress or is it only for major issues?Therapy is helpful for both everyday stress and more significant mental health concerns. Whether you're facing daily challenges or a major life event, therapy provides tools to cope, grow, and improve your well-being.
-
Do you accept insurance?We currently accept two insurance plans in Maryland: Aetna and CareFirst BCBS. We do NOT accept any other insurance plans and are out-of-network providers in California. We do provide you with a superbill (i.e. a receipt) that you can submit for reimbursement from your insurance if you have out-of-network benefits. Please contact us for more detailed insurance information.
-
What does it mean if you're an "out-of-network" provider?Being "out-of-network" means that I do not have a contract with your insurance company. However, many insurance plans still offer partial reimbursement for services provided by out-of-network therapists. You would pay for the session upfront, and then submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement, if eligible.
-
How do I find out if my insurance covers out-of-network therapy?*To find out if your insurance plan covers out-of-network therapy, you can contact your insurance provider and ask the following questions: Does my plan cover mental health services from out-of-network providers? What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much of it has been met? What percentage of the session fee will be reimbursed after the deductible is met? Do I need to obtain a referral or pre-authorization for out-of-network therapy?
-
What is a "superbill" and how do I use it?A superbill is an itemized receipt I can provide you after each session. It includes all the necessary information for your insurance company to process a reimbursement claim. Once you receive the superbill, you can submit it directly to your insurance provider. They will then reimburse you based on your out-of-network benefits.
-
How much can I expect to be reimbursed by my insurance for out-of-network therapy?The reimbursement rate depends on your specific insurance plan. Typically, insurance companies will reimburse a percentage of the session fee, such as 50-80%, after you’ve met your out-of-network deductible. It’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider to understand your reimbursement rates.
-
What if my insurance doesn’t cover out-of-network therapy?If your insurance does not cover out-of-network therapy, you would be responsible for the full cost of each session. However, we offer a sliding scale fee for clients with financial need, and you can explore other options like using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which may allow you to pay for therapy using pre-tax dollars.
-
How do I submit a claim for out-of-network therapy?There a couple of options for submitting your claims for reimbursement: You can submit your claim independently by following your insurance company's specific process, which usually involve filling out a claim form and submitting it along with the superbill. Most insurance companies allow you to submit claims online. We've partnered with Mentaya, a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits. Mentaya charges a 5% fee per claim, which includes handling any paperwork required, dealing with denials, and calling insurance companies. It's risk-free: They guarantee claims are successfully submitted, or a full refund of their fees.
bottom of page