Common Questions
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
I mostly offer fee-for-service therapy services, which means I don’t accept in-network insurance, except Preferred One and Hennepin Health. I do that for a variety of reasons; the main reason is to avoid a mental health diagnosis from the DSM-V-TR. With a fee-for-service provider, clients do not have to receive a diagnosis, so that what happens in our work together is shared between us, instead of with an insurance company. Many clients prefer the privacy of a fee-for-service provider because it prevents insurance companies from accessing treatment plans, case notes and other important, private mental health information, as well as it is not in their permanent record.
Another reason to consider paying out-of-pocket instead of using insurance providers, is that you are able to choose the therapist who best can help you. As an example, I specialize in trauma and EMDR and the value a client receives from this expertise and therapy model may outweigh trying out other therapeutic approaches that are not as effective. Additionally, a person may end up paying less for these sessions compared to paying $2,000-$6,000 towards an insurance deductible.
I am not contracted with insurance companies, but I may be covered as an “out-of-network” provider for Medica, Health Partners, Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and others. You will want to investigate this question with your plan. If you do have such coverage, I will provide you with the documentation necessary to submit a claim directly to your health insurance company for reimbursement directly to you. Being out-of-network actually provides the client with the most control over private information. You will also find that between insurance deductibles and/or co-pay bills, the cost of paying out-of-pocket is often comparable. The cost of each 55-minute session is $120, and a hardship discount may be available. Please contact me for more info!
What are your business hours?
Appointments are available evenings Monday and Tuesday, daytime Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. I try to accommodate your schedule whenever possible.
How can therapy help me?
A person can benefit greatly from therapy whether experiencing significant symptoms or less pressing concerns. A therapist can provide emotional support, coping skills,strategies, and a fresh perspective on your problems. No problem is too great or too small. Sometimes, a person feels a little relief even after the first session! What you get out of therapy depends upon the effort and patience you put into it. My clients have reported these benefits:
Figuring out goals and values
Learning effective communication especially in romantic relationships
Coming up with solutions that work for you
Decrease in daily stress
Managing depression, anxiety, grief
Creating more loving relationships with family or partner
Decreasing trauma responses and PTSD symptoms
What can I expect at a therapy session?
Each situation is unique, but you can expect to talk about yourself and how you are experiencing your problems. Many times I’ll start with a “check-in” which helps to review any significant events that have recently occurred. This usually leads to discussion about what is bothering or challenging you. What comes from that conversation could be a specific plan, or it could be a new way to think about and process a problem. Often, these discussion open up worlds of positive and encouraging possibilities for you to take care of your own well-being.
Is what I say in therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. I provide a list of exception to this rule, and this is called “Informed Consent”. I cannot otherwise share information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
If I receive a subpoena or court order from a judge; or
If I have reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.