Q. Will psychotherapy sessions be weekly?
A. All practitioners work differently but I prefer seeing my clients weekly. I compare it to going to the gym….going once every other week doesn’t strengthen muscles. Consistency in any practice, whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual, is essential for growth and change.
Q. Will there be homework?
A. Again, all practitioners are different, but I rarely give homework. I may suggest books or podcasts that might be useful, however, it is my experience that the work done in sessions will slowly begin to permeate life outside of therapy. This isn’t to say that insight alone produces change. Rather, the transformative work in therapy usually results in an intrinsic motivation and ability to create a life that is more congruent with one’s authentic self.
Q. I am not sure I can afford therapy. Will my insurance pay for it?
A. I am not a preferred provider on any insurance panel. However, if your insurance policy reimburses for out-of-network providers, and many do, then a portion of my fee can be reimbursed to you. I am glad to help my clients file their own claims if they have insurance coverage.
Q. Will I be charged for missing a session?
A. I require that clients call 24 hours in advance if they cannot make their regularly scheduled appointment. If a client fails to come with no prior notice, full payment is expected. If an unexpected and unavoidable event occurs on the same day as the appointment, there will be no charge. Life happens.
Q. When is therapy over? How will I know?
A. The decisions to begin therapy and to end it are usually the client’s. I often talk with clients about their experience of therapy as we work together. It is my experience that it will become apparent to one or both of us when the client is ready to terminate treatment.
Q. Do psychologists prescribe medication?
A. Psychologists in the state of Tennessee do not prescribe medication. If it appears that an evaluation for psychotropic medication like an antidepressant might be useful, I will refer my client to a medical professional who can discuss the appropriateness of medication
Q. How do I make an appointment?
A: If you are interested in making an appointment, contact my assistant, Lauren, using the email address or phone number listed under “CONTACT.” She will schedule an initial short phone consultation. Following the consultation, the first appointment is scheduled. Often, there is a waitlist for new patients and sometimes the wait can be several months. Patients who want to be seen within a few weeks are encouraged to put their names on the waitlist yet continue to look for other providers who may be able to see them sooner.
Q: How do I pay my bill and what form of payment do you accept?
A: All of the scheduling and billing is handled through patient portals. You can pay electronically with a debit, credit, or HSA card that is linked to your portal. Via the portal, you will receive appointment reminders, payments receipts, super bills and any other relevant communication. If you prefer to use a check or cash for payment, that’s fine too.
Q: Can my appointment be virtual?
A: I do offer both virtual and in-person sessions. I prefer in-person, however, scheduling limitations, travel considerations, and health precautions often make virtual sessions a better option. I use a safe and confidential platform for my electronic sessions. You will receive a different link prior to each session. I do ask that you find a quiet location, away from others, for your sessions. I don’t mind a pet joining :) but no other humans please.