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.

Can you work with clients anywhere in the country?

No, therapists can only provide services in the states they are licensed. I am only licensed to work with residents of Arizona. You must live in Arizona for us to work together.

What if I’m not sure we’re a good fit?

Before scheduling a therapy session, I do a free 15 minute intro call with all potential new clients. This gives us the chance to get to know each other. Here’s what you can expect:

• I’ll ask you about why you’re seeking therapy

• I’ll tell you a bit about myself and my approach as a therapist

• You can ask me any questions that I didn’t cover

• We’ll talk about rates, insurance, availability, etc.

So we’re a good fit. What next?

If we both decide we're a good fit after our intro call, we'll schedule our first therapy appointment. I'll send you a couple of quick forms to complete before our first session. I'll also send you a link for our video calls that you can use every week.

What’s the first therapy session like?

As a Therapist, I have a collaborative, non-judgmental, and relatable approach that will make getting started a bit easier. During our first session or two, I'll ask you a bunch of questions to get a better picture of your life journey. I will listen to you without judgment. We will come up with goals together of what you hope to accomplish in therapy.

During therapy you'll have an opportunity to vent, gain perspective and new insights, learn to challenge your thoughts, receive feedback, and develop and practice new coping skills. Sometimes therapy can be tough work, and sometimes it is fun and full of laughter. Either way, I am here to support you and will help you achieve the change and growth you are looking for.

How often will we meet?

I meet with the majority of my clients on a weekly basis. I ask that all new clients commit to meeting weekly, for at-least the first 6 weeks. This will allow us to start off on a strong foot, so you can start seeing progress right away. I may recommend that we increase or decrease the frequency of sessions to best meet your needs.

What if I can’t afford your rate? Do you offer a sliding scale?

Yes, I reserve a limited number of sliding scale spots in my schedule. If you do not think you can afford my full fee, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

If I’m unable to offer you a sliding scale spot, I’d be happy to offer referrals to trusted clinicians in the area.