FAQ
-
Honestly, we're just two regular people, having a conversation about the tough stuff in life. It just also happens to be that one of us is a therapist. It really is as simple as that.
-
I believe wholeheartedly in your ability to change in whatever way you see fit, because I’ve seen people change hundreds of times over. Here's the thing, though - in order for therapy to work for you, it's important for you to be willing and open to doing the work. It's absolutely, 100% ok (and normal) to be anxious or scared - but to show up consistently, in spite of that fear, is the way to make therapy effective for you. I promise to always show up for you. You just need to show up for you, too.
-
Once we've scheduled your first appointment, we'll talk about what time of day works best for you, and compare schedules to see what will be most realistic. In terms of frequency, most people are seen either weekly or every other week.
-
Yes, with a few exceptions. Therapists are mandated reporters. That means any issues related to child abuse and elder abuse is required by law to be reported to agencies who manage these issues. Along with that, if you're threatening to harm someone else, with an active plan and intention to follow through, this is required to be reported to law enforcement.
If you are a first responder and you’ve been referred to therapy by your company or command staff, we’ll discuss the specifics of your situation and whether or not anything has to be disclosed to them. This is situation specific, but in most cases, I do not disclose information from your sessions to companies or command.
Everything else, is between us.
-
It's my job to 'test the waters,' and to push you outside your comfort zone. After all, outside the comfort zone is where growth happens, and you've hired me to hold you accountable to that. That being said - there is definitely a 'right' and a 'wrong' time to talk about certain things.
If you're truly not ready to talk about something and you’re pushed you to do it anyway, that can actually cause more harm than good. It's my job to listen to you, to pay attention to your cues, and let you show me when you're truly ready. So if you say you're not ready, I’ll believe you.
-
Nope. You’re a complete person, full of thoughts, feelings, opinions, hopes, fears, strengths, weakness, light parts, and shadow parts. There is a massive difference between feeling crazy, and actually being crazy. All people have times in their lives when they feel crazy, and this is a huge fear for a lot of folks - especially first responders.
-
Currently, out of pocket session fees are:
First session/intake - $220
30 minutes - $130
45 minutes - $150
60 minutes - $160
Family/Couples sessions, 60 minutes - $200
I charge $60 for late cancellations/no shows, and $200/hr for court appearances, including preparation and travel time.
-
Turning Point Wellness is an in-network practice, accepting Aetna, Optum Behavioral Health**, Anthem BCBS, Tricare, and Cigna. Prior to a first session, I ask that you call your insurance company to verify your in-network mental health benefit plan, so that you are aware of what to expect financially. If you have coverage with an insurance carrier I am not in-network with, I will bill them on your behalf for out-of-network benefits. I set up all out-of-network billing to ensure that any possible reimbursements from the insurance company will go directly to you, not to me.
** For Optum members, this coverage is related to Connecticare, United Healthcare, and Oxford.
-
No. I do, however, work with all clients who are paying out of pocket, on financial plans which can meet their needs without creating financial hardship. If you have an insurance plan I am in-network with, I am required by contract to charge you specific fees that are set by your insurance carrier. Those fees are dependent on which insurance company you are a member of.
-
All fees, whether they are out-of-pocket fees, copays, coinsurance, or deductible fees, are collected at the time of session. You can pay with a credit card, including use of HSA/HRA funds.
-
First - life happens. Cancellations will happen. I always try to be as flexible as realistically possible with all my clients, but have to balance that out with running a business. Because of that, my cancellation policy is a minimum of a full 24 hours notice. If there is less than 24 hours notice for a cancellation, unless it is an emergent situation such as extreme weather, sudden and extreme illness for yourself or an immediate family member, or other emergency, I will charge a fee of $60. This is a time reserved specifically for you, and I cannot use that time for anyone else if I do not have enough notice.
For first responder clients, I try my best to be as flexible as possible with schedule changes due to shift bids, overtime, and mandate shifts.
-
Fill out the form on the Contact page, and I’ll reach out to you within 48 hours to schedule a free consultation. During that time, we'll talk about what's going on in your life and explore how therapy can be helpful for you, along with what to expect from me. From there, we'll schedule your first appointment together.
Good Faith Estimates
There is a new law, called The No Surprises Act, that began January 1, 2022. Under this law, you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost if you do not have insurance, or if you are choosing to opt out of using your insurance.
This act applies to all certified and licensed medical and behavioral health professionals across the country who serve patients and clients who do not have insurance, or who are choosing to opt out of using active insurance benefits. 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 behavioral health services or therapy, medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
A Good Faith Estimate is currently not required for patients and clients who are choosing to use their insurance with an in-network provider, but I will happily provide you with one for all non-covered services if you’d like. An example of a non-covered service would be court fees for a court appearance.
If you request a Good Faith Estimate from me or any other healthcare provider you’re working with, make sure you receive it in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or therapy session. You have the right to ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
You also have the right to dispute the bill you receive if it ends up being at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate.
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 www.cms.gov/nosurprises.