1. How does online therapy work?

Just like regular face to face therapy, you will schedule an appointment with me for either a video, telephone, or text based session on my private platform.  You will be billed after the session is completed.  If you would prefer to receive counseling by back and forth message, you can schedule for a weekly messaging package.  You can write to me in your own time, and you will receive at least one response back from me a day.

2. Is your online therapy legal, secure, and HIPAA compliant?

Yes, I use a platform called Simple Practice that complies with all HIPAA standards.  You can trust that our communications will be totally secure here. I also use the Signal app as a secure and encrypted back up in case anything interferes with our ability to meet on Simple Practice. Signal is also a more accessible way to use my messaging package, if you so choose.

3. What happens if there are technical difficulties?

I understand that technical difficulties happen sometimes, so we will do our best to ensure that nothing gets in the way of a successful session.  On the Simple Practice app and desktop platform, there is always technical support just a chat away. Also, the Signal app makes for a great backup for meeting by video.

4. Do you accept insurance?

I currently accept Oxford, Oscar, Aetna and United Health plans through the Headway platform. For other health plans, I can provide you with a receipt (called a “Superbill”) that some insurance companies may be willing to reimburse you for.  Many insurance companies require counselors to make diagnostic decisions when we are not ready to or when we feel that none are applicable, and these companies can try to dictate what kind of therapy and how much therapy you need. Please keep these stipulations in mind when deciding to use insurance to see a mental health counselor.

5. I have never been to counseling before, can I use online counseling?

Yes, online counseling can work very nicely for anyone trying counseling for the first time.

6. Do you provide couples counseling?

I can accommodate one or two couples at a time, please apply for a consultation and we will determine if I currently have any openings.

7. Can I quit counseling at any time?

Yes.

8. When are you available for sessions?

I am available Mondays through Thursdays, noon until 7pm EST. 

9. Can I remain anonymous while working with you?

As a licensed counselor I am not legally allowed to treat anyone anonymously, however with licensure I am required to adhere to HIPAA standards to keep your information confidential and secure.  It is against the law for me to share anything about you to anyone, unless you have explicitly requested that I do or unless I feel that you or someone else are in immediate danger.

10. What kind of technology will I need to be able to use online counseling?

For live sessions by video, you will need a computer or smartphone with a camera and video capability.  If you are seeking message only based counseling, just a device with internet connection and a browser application is all that you will need.

11. What do I need to do to get started?

First, click here to apply for a FREE 15 minute consultation.  You will have the opportunity to ask me some questions during this consultation and I will tell you everything that you need to know about me and my practice to get started.  If we decide to move forward with counseling, you will receive an invitation from me to get set up on my counseling platform. There, you will fill out some information and we can can get you on the schedule!  I will also request for you to send me a photo of your ID.  In our first session, I will do a brief assessment interview and ask you about your goals and we will make a plan together for you.