Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept insurance?
Yes—I currently accept several major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Optum, Oscar Health, Oxford, SelectHealth, and UnitedHealthcare (UHC/UBH).
I also accept Medicaid (Regions 1 and 3 in Colorado) through my contracted work.
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If you're not using one of these plans, you may still be able to use your out-of-network benefits to get partial reimbursement for therapy. I'm happy to provide the necessary documentation (called a superbill) to support this process.
Why might someone choose to pay out-of-pocket, even if they have insurance?
While I do accept several insurance plans, many clients choose to pay out-of-pocket for therapy—and for good reason. Paying privately gives you more confidentiality, flexibility, and autonomy in your care.
Insurance companies often require a diagnosis, limit the number or type of sessions they cover, and can request detailed clinical information that may compromise your privacy. They also have the power to deny claims or end coverage abruptly—regardless of what you and your therapist feel is needed.
By choosing the self-pay route, you're able to engage in therapy on your own terms, without third-party interference. This allows us to work at your pace, focus on what truly matters to you, and preserve the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. It also enables me to provide the level of care, presence, and responsiveness that aligns with my values—and yours.
If you have insurance but prefer a more private, personalized experience, we can talk through what that would look like and whether using out-of-network benefits might still be a good fit.
Is therapy covered by my insurance benefits? What do I ask my insurance company?
The best way to find out is to call your insurance provider directly and ask about out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health services. Here's are some questions to guide that conversation:
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What out-of-network benefits does my plan offer for outpatient psychotherapy sessions?
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What is my out-of-network deductible, and have I met it yet?
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How many psychotherapy sessions per year does my plan cover, and are there any limitations on this coverage?
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Is pre-authorization required for therapy sessions?
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What percentage of the cost does my insurance cover for an out-of-network provider?*
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Is there a co-pay for psychotherapy sessions?
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Does my coverage calculate session reimbursement based on a “usual and customary rate” or an “allowed amount” for CPT codes 90837 (53-60 minute Individual Psychotherapy Session) and 90791 (Intake Appointment), or is it based on the full rate charged by the therapist? If it’s based on the usual and customary rate, what is that amount?
*Mention to your insurer that I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a MA degree. Insurance companies typically reimburse different rates for services depending on a provider’s degree.
What is your fee?
More information about my fee is here.
Do you offer sliding scale?
I offer a limited number of reduced rate spots.
How long will I be in therapy?
The duration of your therapy depends entirely on your individual needs and goals. If you’re seeking relief or a reduction in symptoms, you may be able to meet these goals within 8 weeks to 6 months. If you’re looking to address deeper and more longstanding patterns, it may take a few years. Remember, it often takes years for patterns to develop, so it will also take time to understand and effectively change them.
How often should I come to therapy?
To optimize the benefits of therapy, I recommend sessions once or twice a week. My policy is that new clients attend sessions at least once a week. This helps us establish a rhythm and structure to therapeutic work and supports lasting change. Meeting less frequently than once a week tends to be more like plugging leaks in a boat than actually cultivating long-lasting change.
Think of it like physical exercise: you wouldn’t expect significant results from lifting weights just once a month. Similarly, regular and consistent engagement in therapy is crucial for meaningful psychological healing and growth.
Are your services confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of my practice as a therapist. I am legally required to keep all the information you share with me confidential, with a few specific exceptions (detailed below). Your information will not be shared with anyone unless you explicitly provide a signed release for that specific person and information.
Exceptions to confidentiality include:
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If you express an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others and indicate plans and intent to carry out these actions.
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If you reveal information about the abuse of a minor or a vulnerable adult; in these cases, I am obligated to report this to the appropriate protective services because I am a mandated reporter.
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If I receive a valid subpoena or court order; I am required to respond to these motions but I will be in contact with you about it.
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In the event you are receiving care with me through insurance, I will be required to submit claims to your insurance company; this information typically includes diagnosis. Insurance companies may also request treatment plans and session notes.
Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
I offer limited evening appointments on Monday through Thursday.
I don't live in Colorado, can we still work together?
Currently I am only licensed to see counseling/ psychotherapy clients who are in Colorado. I am able to offer coaching services to those who live out of state. You can find more info about my coaching services here.
What can I expect when I reach out?
When you click the link to schedule on my website, you'll be directed to my secure practice portal where you can request a time for a free phone consultation. If the available times don’t work for you, feel free to reach out via the contact form on my site, and I will coordinate with you by email to find a suitable time.
Once we've confirmed a time for your free consultation, I will send you a prescreen form. This can be completed through the secure client portal before our consultation. During the consultation, I will ask questions to understand what has prompted you to seek therapy and to assess whether my services are the right fit for your needs. This is also a chance for you to get a feel for how we might work together and to ask any questions you might have. Depending on your needs, I might also suggest alternative care resources if they seem more suited to your situation.
If we both decide to proceed, I will send you my practice forms through the secure client portal and we will schedule an intake appointment. You’ll complete the intake forms before we meet for this appointment. During that session, we will dive deeper into your concerns and establish goals to guide our work together.
How do I get started?