Thinking about therapy but not quite sure what to expect? You’re not alone. These are the most common therapy questions I hear — about cost, insurance, what the first session actually looks like, and whether any of this is even worth it.
Do you take insurance? I currently accept private pay and BlueCross BlueShield. That said, there are a few things worth knowing before you decide how to pay for therapy.
Using insurance requires a mental health diagnosis on file — and not everyone who comes to therapy needs or warrants one. Insurance companies can also place limits on the type, frequency, and duration of your care, which can get in the way of doing the work at the pace that’s actually right for you. Choosing to self-pay keeps your records private — insurance companies have no access to what we discuss or why you’re here, and your care stays between us.
For self-pay clients, I accept all major credit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover — as well as Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). If you have questions about rates, just reach out.
I don’t have insurance. What can I expect to pay? Sessions are scheduled for 1 hour and are billed at $175/session. As required by law, I provide a Good Faith Estimate to all self-pay clients so you know what to expect before we begin. This estimate outlines the anticipated cost of your care with no surprises. For more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit cms.gov/nosurprises. Reach out directly and I’m happy to walk you through the details.
What can I expect in a first session? The first session is really just a conversation — there’s no script, no checklist, and nothing you need to prepare. I’ll ask some questions to understand what’s bringing you in, what your life looks like right now, and what you’re hoping therapy can help with. You’ll also have space to ask me anything.
Most people leave the first session feeling a mix of relieved and a little emotionally tired — both are completely normal. The goal isn’t to solve anything in session one. It’s to start building the kind of trust that makes the real work possible.
How do I know if therapy is right for me? If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re just going through the motions — therapy is probably worth trying. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from it. Many of my clients are high-functioning people who look completely fine on the outside and are exhausted on the inside. They waited a long time to reach out because they didn’t feel like their struggles were “bad enough” to warrant support.
They were wrong — and I’m glad they came anyway.
If you’re on the fence, start with a free consultation. It’s just a conversation, and it costs you nothing.
What’s the difference between therapy and just talking to a friend? A good friend listens. A good therapist listens and helps you understand why you keep ending up in the same patterns, the same conversations, the same exhaustion — and what to actually do about it.
Therapy is also a space that’s entirely yours. You don’t have to manage my feelings, worry about being a burden, or wonder if you’re being too much. For people who spend most of their lives taking care of everyone else, that kind of space is rarer than it should be.
How often will we meet? Most clients start with weekly sessions. Consistency early on is important — it’s how we build the trust and momentum that makes therapy actually work. As you progress, we’ll adjust the frequency based on where you are and what you need.
How long will I be in therapy? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people come with a specific goal and feel ready to wrap up in a few months. Others find that therapy becomes an ongoing part of how they take care of themselves. We’ll check in regularly about your progress and adjust as we go — you’re always in the driver’s seat.
Where are you located? I offer telehealth sessions across Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida. I also have an in-person office in Dover, Delaware, with afternoon and evening hours available to fit your schedule.
What is your cancellation policy? I require 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are charged $100. No-shows are charged $150. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the session will be considered a no-show.
How quickly do you respond to messages? I do my best to respond within one business day. As a solo provider, I may be unavailable during session hours — I appreciate your patience and will always get back to you as soon as I can. You’re welcome to reach out by phone, text, or email.