FAQ

I work out of my home office four days a week and see clients virtually. Your location is wherever you have a private place and can access the Internet in Minnesota or Massachusetts.

Through experience, I’ve found it best to start meeting weekly, especially for the first three to four sessions. Weekly individual sessions allow us to develop trust and rapport and build momentum in the areas you’re working on.

After the first month, it often makes sense to continue to meet weekly, but we can also move to biweekly sessions (every other week) if it makes sense clinically and pragmatically.

Communication is critical, and you and I will discuss what makes the most sense given your situation and practical factors.

I am a contracted provider for Lyra Health. I am not in-network with any other insurance companies.

That said, you may still be able to receive reimbursement for my services through your insurance provider, as many health plans have out-of-network reimbursements for mental health services. Please get in touch with your insurance provider to understand your out-of-network deductibles and reimbursement options.

I am happy to provide you with a monthly “superbill” (an itemized receipt of services) as needed. In some cases, I can also submit claims electronically to your provider. In both cases, you’ll need to pay me upfront.

I charge a short-term cancellation fee of $75 for sessions canceled less than 24 hours in advance. Please let me know if there is a true emergency, and I’ll consider this.

You’ll receive appointment reminders before sessions.

The short answer is “no.” Occasionally, a client will have a family member or partner join for part of a session. We’ll discuss this beforehand.

I recognize that I bring to the table certain privileges as a highly educated, heterosexual, cisgender woman of half-white, half-Asian descent.

I’m not perfect, but I’m open and curious, and I also recognize that more than openness and curiosity are needed. I’m committed to taking responsibility for learning about my own internal biases and educating myself on issues that connect to the marginalization of people and systemic inequities.

I am open to receiving feedback and strive to respond respectfully.

None of us is free until we are all free. We are all connected.

You’ve already started the process! Since you’re here, check out my website to see how it resonates with you. If it does, the next step is to contact me to schedule a free 20-minute phone call. We’ll discuss what’s going on and what you’re looking to get out of therapy. Our conversation will give me a good idea if I’m the best provider to help you.

While we’re talking, check in with yourself to see how comfortable you feel with me. You can generally get a feel for fit with me after that 20-minute conversation.

First, let’s cover a few logistics:

Since we’re meeting online, it’s crucial you find a private setting where you feel safe to talk openly and won’t be interrupted.

A few minutes before our session, check your Internet connection and make sure your device (laptop, computer, or phone) is ready. Connect your earbuds or headphones so we can hear each other. You’ll also want to have your phone nearby in case of technical difficulties so I can text or call you.

Lastly, please be sure to close down notifications and windows. You’ll want to be present and open, not distracted by work chats or devices.

Second, let’s cover what you can do mentally/physically to prepare:

Transitions are important. Before we meet, allow yourself a few minutes to stretch your body or take a short walk to use the bathroom and get a drink.

Spend a moment or two thinking about what you want from the session. Don’t worry if you are drawing a blank. I am confident that we’ll find significant issues to address, regardless of whether you have something in mind.

Be present. I often have us start with a centering exercise for the first few minutes (breathing, mindfulness, etc.) so that you can get in touch with yourself and feel more present.

Share freely. The more you can communicate what’s going on (your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations – don’t worry, I’ll ask you questions), the more helpful it will be. Know I’m not here to judge you. I’m here to help you shift your perspective, release emotions and beliefs that don’t serve you, and motivate you to take action in the areas you want to grow.

Depending on the session, the answer is often “yes” and will vary based on our work.

The best way to learn is by doing and experimenting, so we won’t just discuss areas you want to improve.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

Make sure your healthcare provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and German from Bowdoin College and a Master of Social Work from Boston College. Before opening my private practice, I worked in various psychiatric settings, including McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA.

In addition to being a psychotherapist, I’m an ICF-credentialed coach working with corporate professionals and entrepreneurs on their careers, businesses, and lives.

In treatment, I utilize a variety of interventions and approaches, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). As a clinical social worker, I have a systems-oriented approach.

All of this is to say that I have an eclectic approach and use my intuition to integrate them.

I spent a good portion of my childhood in New England and lived in the Boston area for many years after college.

Even though I live in Southeastern Minnesota now, I connect well with clients in both regions.

Thanks for asking. My pronouns are she/her/hers. What are yours?

I love both.

For most of my life, I preferred cats. I’ve had them since my early twenties, and they’re lovely companions.

During the pandemic, my daughter begged me for a dog every day for six months, and I finally relented.

After we got our dog, she decided she preferred cats and didn’t want anything to do with him. Fortunately, Charlie has grown on me, and I love him. He brings energy and comfort to the house, and his enthusiasm is contagious.

I love to read and write, and I’ve always had it on my bucket list to write a book. I desire to share and express myself, and I’ve wanted to write a book that could serve others.

Chocolate, for sure! Chocolate cake, ice cream, croissants, etc., what’s yours?