Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about working with me. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, feel free to reach out to me on the Contact page.

How long are counseling sessions? 

Counseling sessions are typically 50 minutes. Occasionally, I provide supplemental 30 minute sessions.

What happens during the first counseling session? 

During the first two to four sessions, we’ll be conducting an intake. During that time, we’ll talk about what brings you to therapy as well some aspects of your personal history. These questions will help me understand you, your context, and how I can be of help. During these intake sessions, we will also talk about how the process is feeling for you and if we might be a good fit for continued work together. I’m a big fan of clear, open communication and consent check-ins.

How do I know if I really need therapy? 

There are a number of ways to measure this, including how distressed you feel, concern from others, feelings of isolation, or noticing an impact of your symptoms or struggles on your life (e.g., in the realm of relationships, self esteem). I’d suggest that if you’re on this page and feeling like you might need therapy, it’s likely you could use some support right now. Let’s talk about it.

How often will I need to come to therapy? 

When we begin therapy together, we will work together weekly. I require that we work together weekly for at least 3-4 months to establish our working relationship and help you get a jump start in moving toward your goals. I welcome conversation about what you think your therapy frequency needs are and how that fits with my assessment of your needs.

How long will I need to come to therapy? 

Typically, I work with clients for roughly 1-3 years. It is difficult to estimate how long you will need to come to therapy. Treatment length varies based on a variety of factors, such as what you’re coming to work on in therapy, frequency of sessions, and more. Therapy takes time, commitment, and energy. If you have a specific time frame for our work together in mind, I welcome hearing it. I’ll let you know how that fits with my psychological assessment of your concerns, because you deserve to know if our expectations meet or not. Here I am with that encouragement of open, clear communication again! Starting to see a theme, right?

How much do sessions cost? 

50 minute sessions are $265. We may occasionally need 30 minute sessions, as well, which are $180. Of note, I am required to provide you with a Good Faith Estimate at the start of therapy so that you can anticipate the annual cost of therapy with me (of note, this is a rough estimate).

Are sessions covered by my insurance?

If you have a PPO plan, your insurance may reimburse you for sessions with me through your out of network benefits. The amount you will be reimbursed varies from plan to plan. I recommend giving your insurance a phone call to confirm your out of network deductible and the amount you will be reimbursed for sessions with the codes 90791 (intake sessions) and 90837 (50-60 minute sessions).

I also offer a limited number of lower fee, sliding scale spots in my practice; presently, these spots are full.

How do I seek reimbursement from my insurance company? 

I will provide you with a medical invoice called a “superbill.” You will then submit this superbill to your insurance, either via their website or mail. We can look over the process for your specific insurance together; I’m happy to help you figure it out!

Do you have evening and weekend appointments available? 

I do not. For my well-being and ongoing chronic illness management, I see individuals Monday through Friday in the mornings and early afternoon.

Where do sessions take place? 

I offer sessions via telehealth; all you need is a private place to talk and a good internet connection for our sessions. In the Spring and Summer, I occasionally offer in person sessions in my office in Somerville, depending on COVID numbers.

Who do you work with? 

I specialize in working with individuals with identities that are targeted by systemic oppression. These identities include (but are far from limited to!) being trans, queer, kinky, in the BDSM community, chronically ill, POC, disabled, fat (living in a bigger body), neurodivergent, and polyamorous/non-monogamous. I work with adults ages 18 - 70. I do not work with children or elders because I respect that these are stages of life that I don’t currently have the specialized training to properly support.

What if counseling isn't working? 

If counseling isn’t working, we will explore what’s hindering our work together. If there is something we can navigate together with open communication, then I will work with you to do so. If you decide you do not want to continue working together, I will help you find a new therapist who feels like a better fit for your needs. Above all, I will respect your self knowledge, especially when it comes to your needs and boundaries.

How do I get started with therapy with you?

If you want to invite me onto your therapy journey, I’d be thrilled to hear from you. I offer a free, 15 minute consultation to discuss what you hope to gain from therapy and to tell you more about what I can offer you. You can reach out to me through the Contact form so we can get started. I look forward to helping you find some gentler times ahead.