Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona and has worked in the mental health field for over a decade.
About Me
I have a strong desire to help others through difficult life situations. Growing up with a psychiatrist as a father shaped my interest in learning how and why people behave in the way they do. Early on in my career as a therapist, I utilized traditional talk therapy approaches and realized while they were helpful, there was something missing. When I was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and learned how trauma affects our system as a whole (mind, body, and spirit), my lens as a therapist shifted to a much more holistic approach. I believe in trauma-informed care which is treating patients who may have a history of trauma with respect and keeping their previous experiences in mind so as to not re-traumatize them.
Offering Private Telehealth Services
My goal in our sessions is to create an environment where you feel listened to and respected.
Get started with Samantha today!
FAQs
What is teletherapy?
Teletherapy refers to therapy that is provided by a licensed therapist via a secure video connection. Modern-day technology can now connect therapists with clients, no matter the distance or situation.
How does teletherapy work?
I use a HIPAA-compliant web portal to communicate with clients over video. Through the platform, the client can interact with the therapist just as he/she would if it was an in-person session. Teletherapy sessions are similar to face-to-face sessions, except, instead of in person, you’re on a two-way video call.
What do I need for teletherapy?
If you have a computer and/or smartphone which has a camera and microphone (which most computers/laptops have automatically now), you’re ready to go! You’ll also need a strong internet connection to help prevent issues with reception/connectivity concerns.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.
How is EMDR therapy different from other therapies?
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain.
How does EMDR therapy affect the brain?
Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create feelings of being overwhelmed, of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved meaning you won’t feel those same distressing emotions if you are reminded of the past.
Who can benefit from EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy helps children and adults of all ages. Therapists use EMDR therapy to address a wide range of challenges:
Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
Chronic Illness and medical issues
Depression and bipolar disorders
Dissociative disorders
Grief and loss
PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues
Sexual assault
Sleep disturbance
Violence and abuse
What are the pros and cons of using health insurance vs. private pay?
Pros to using health insurance are that therapy can be more affordable if you see an in-network provider. With an in-network provider, you will only be responsible for a co-pay and/or your deductible.
Cons to using health insurance could be that you may not like the choices you have to choose from as many counselors are out of network. By paying out-of-pocket, you have a much larger selection of therapists to choose from, so you are able to find the best therapist for you. Also, insurances influence clinical decisions: Insurance companies can impact the number of sessions, frequency, and diagnosis a client is given. A therapist must diagnosis the individual with a "mental health disorder" in order to be reimbursed for services. Insurance companies can also seek information regarding the presenting issues, progress made, and treatment goals in order to reimburse. If they do not agree with the plan the therapist and client have developed together, they may decide to not reimburse for services provided. Insurance companies determine the number of sessions and the type of therapy they will pay for.
How do I use out-of-network benefits?
Many insurance companies offer some type of Out-of-Network coverage. If you would like to use Out-of-Network benefits I will provide you with a monthly superbill that you may submit to your insurance provider. Fees are payable at the time of service, and you may be able to seek reimbursement from your insurance provider at a later date. Please contact your insurance company for their policy and procedure on your reimbursement as different companies have different protocols.
Rates and Payment
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Individual Therapy
Online telemedicine for individuals to process concerns, learn healthy skills, and understand their thoughts and behaviors. Typically, meetings are weekly or bi-weekly.
55-minute sessions | $150
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Payment Options
Payment is accepted in the form of cash, check, or credit card and is due at the beginning of each session.
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I can provide you with a billing statement at the end of each month to be submitted for reimbursement if you have PPO, HSA, or other flexible health care benefits. This works well for many of our clients.
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Clients also have the option of working with a service called Better (link below) to help make sure their claims are reimbursed.