FAQs about Therapy

First of all, let me tell ya: it’s totally OK to be nervous about starting therapy! Maybe you’ve never done it, or maybe you haven’t had super great experiences before. Regardless, I’ve been told by newcomers that it’s “not as bad” as they thought it would be (thank goodness!) and people are surprised at how quickly the time goes.

Our first session together is mostly information-gathering and questions from me to you. (Of course, you can ask me anything you’d like as well!) During this time, we explore the reasons you’re coming to therapy and what you’d like to get out of it. Throughout our time together, we will look at how you’re doing, and pivot with our work, if need be. I literally have no agenda for you other than for you to feel better and like you’re moving toward your goals.

I offer coaching for people who identify as “gray area drinkers” and are ready to stop the cycle of trying (and failing) to moderate their alcohol use. Many of my therapy clients also find that they have difficulties with alcohol, and this is something I work with in both modalities (there is a very strong relationship between anxiety, depression, and alcohol).

The biggest differences between the two are a) the amount of between-session accountability you have (as frequently as daily, if you want it, for coaching), and b) the structure and goals of the work (coaching being very action-oriented). For more details, check out my blog on this topic here.

It’s an important question, and I think it’s important to be informed about this topic, whatever you decide to do. One of the main reasons why I don’t take insurance is the issue of diagnosis.  In order to bill your insurance for therapy, I’m required to give you a mental health diagnosis. First, not everyone has a diagnosis. Second, for those that do, this diagnosis becomes part of your permanent medical record. This may affect your ability to get life insurance and, if pre-existing conditions are again taken into consideration, it could affect your ability to get future coverage for mental health. 

In addition, insurance companies have the right to request your therapy notes at any time, can decide what type of treatment they will or not pay for, and determine how many sessions you can have (I have seen clients “cut off” from therapy without knowing it, and were left with an unexpected bill. That sucks).

A typical 50-minute session with me is $160. I offer longer sessions as well. If you’d like to learn more about fees and my cancellation policy, check out this page.

I do offer a few reduced fee spots, but these are currently spoken for. I don’t have any openings for reduced fee appointments right now.

I see clients Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 1:30 to 6:30 PM MT (with 5:30 PM being my latest appointment). Please note: if you need a 5:30 PM appointment, these are often already scheduled with recurring clients, so your flexibility is appreciated!

I have limited availability for remote sessions outside of these hours and on Fridays. I do not see clients on weekends but am available outside of these times for check-ins if you are a coaching client.

My Denver office is part of the Intentional Path Wellness Center at 422 Broadway (between 4^th and 5^th, in the Baker neighborhood). We are the second floor of a glass and silver building with hands on the front. We have free parking for clients in the parking lot between our building and Rory’s Tavern. Our door is in a small alcove between our building and the frame company (look for the blue entryway). Just come upstairs, help yourself to water or tea, and I’ll come get you when it’s time to meet.

I am licensed as a clinical social worker in the states of Colorado, New York, and Maryland, so I can work with clients who live in these 3 states (obviously, remotely if you’re not in the Denver area!). If we can’t meet in person, we are able to meet by phone or by video, whichever you’d prefer.

The first thing to do is to set up a complimentary phone consultation to make sure we’re a good fit! You can do that here. When you schedule, you’ll see a couple quick questions to answer prior to our call. During our call, we’ll chat briefly about what’s been going on, and how I might be able to help. You’ll also be able to ask any questions about therapy that you might have. If you decide to schedule at that time, we’ll set up your first appointment and I’ll then send you an e-mail to sign up for the online scheduler, where you will be asked to fill out some new client forms and to save your credit card information. I ask that you complete the new client forms before our first session so that I have time to review them.