Frequently asked questions
Starting therapy brings up a lot of questions. Here are answers to the ones I hear most. If yours isn’t here, reach out and I’ll be glad to answer it.
Getting started
What is the first step?
Book a free consultation. It’s a brief call where we talk about what’s going on, what you’re hoping for, and whether we seem like a good fit. Book a free consultation here.
How long is the free consultation?
15 minutes.
What happens after the consultation?
If we both feel it’s a good fit, we schedule your first session. I’ll send paperwork to complete beforehand through the client portal. If I’m not the right fit, I can help you find someone who is.
What are your hours?
Telehealth sessions are by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Do you have a waitlist?
At this time I do not have a waitlist, but provide services on a first come, first serve basis and do not hold spots.
Who I work with
Who do you work with?
Adults located in Maine or New Hampshire at the time of the session. I work with high-functioning anxiety, anxious attachment and relationship patterns, trauma, perinatal mental health, life transitions, and substance use. You can read more on each specialty page.
Do you see teens or children?
No. I work with adults only.
Do you work with couples or families?
No. I provide individual therapy only. I’m happy to support you in how someone else’s behavior affects you, or in supporting a loved one who is struggling, but I don’t offer couples or family sessions.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ clients?
Yes. I am LGBTQ+ affirming, and I welcome clients of all identities, backgrounds, and relationship structures.
What I do and don’t treat
What do you specialize in?
High-functioning anxiety, anxious attachment and relationship patterns, trauma (including EMDR), perinatal mental health, life transitions, and substance use.
What do you not treat?
I don’t treat OCD or specific phobias. I assess for and monitor mood disorders but don’t specialize in bipolar disorder or psychosis, and I refer out for those. I work with dissociative symptoms on a case-by-case basis. I don’t work with clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, or with clients who have active and persistent suicidal thoughts with a plan or intent. If you need someone to support with these disorders, I can help you find the right provider.
What if I’m not sure whether I’m a good fit?
Ask in the consultation. I’d rather talk it through up front than have you start with someone who isn’t the right match.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. I provide therapy. If medication might help, I can coordinate with your doctor or a psychiatric prescriber.
How therapy works
What approaches do you use?
I blend evidence-based therapies, including CBT, DBT skills, EMDR, and motivational interviewing for substance use, along with mindfulness and body-based practices. We choose what fits you. I also draw on tools from narrative, relational, and psychodynamic therapy to explore attachment patterns and where present-day triggers may have shown up before. We choose what fits you.
How long does therapy take?
It depends on your goals and what you’re dealing with. We’ll check in on progress together.
How often will we meet?
Most clients start weekly. We can adjust over time.
How long are sessions?
Most sessions are typically one hour.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
For many concerns, yes. Research on telehealth therapy is generally encouraging, and many people find it easier to attend consistently. It isn’t right for everyone. If you need a higher level of care, I’ll help you find it.
What do I need for online sessions?
A private space, a device with a camera and a stable internet connection, and ideally headphones. I’ll send you a secure video link before each session.
Where do I need to be during a session?
Located in New Hampshire or Maine when we meet. I’m licensed in both, and I can only provide therapy to clients physically located there at the time of session.
What if I’m in a different state?
I can’t provide therapy to clients located outside Maine and New Hampshire during a session. I can help you find a provider where you are.
Fees, insurance, and payment
How much does therapy cost?
A 60-minute session is $175. See Insurance and Fees for additional information.
Do you take insurance?
I am currently in network with a few major insurance companies. See Insurance and Fees.
Is everything covered by insurance?
Individual counseling may be covered by your insurance. LADC evaluations are self-pay and aren’t covered by insurance. See Insurance & Fees.
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and HSA. A valid card is required to be kept on file for billing.
Do you offer a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement?
I do offer superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. See Insurance and Fees.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require 48 hours notice for cancellations or reschedules. Late cancellations or no shows will be charged the full session fee.
Substance use and LADC evaluations
Do you provide court-required LADC evaluations?
Yes, in New Hampshire, as part of my services. These are self-pay. Learn more here.
Are you an IDCMP provider?
No. I am not an IDCMP provider, and my services are not part of the IDCMP program. If you were ordered to complete IDCMP requirements, you’ll need an approved IDCMP provider.
Do I need to be sober to start counseling?
No. You can come in while you’re unsure, still using, or in the middle of change. If you require a higher level of care than what I can provide safely through online outpatient therapy, I will provide you with referrals.
Privacy and confidentiality
Is what I say confidential?
Yes, with legal exceptions, such as safety concerns, mandated reporting, and court orders. I’ll go over these with you in your first session. For substance use treatment, additional federal confidentiality rules may apply. See my Privacy Policies.
Is my video session secure?
I use Sessions Health, which is a HIPAA-compliant Electronic Health Records platform. I recommend sessions from a private space and a secure internet connection.
Will you share my information with anyone?
Only with your written consent, except where the law requires or permits otherwise.
Safety and emergencies
What if I’m in crisis between sessions?
I’m not an emergency service, and I can’t respond to crises outside of session. If you’re in crisis or in immediate danger, call 911, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.
What resources are available?
- 988: call or text for emotional crisis or thoughts of suicide
- Never Use Alone: 1-800-484-3731
- NH: call 211 to reach The Doorway
- Maine: call 211, or the Maine Crisis Line at 1-888-568-1112
- Perinatal support: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-852-6262
About me and my practice
What are your credentials?
I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maine, and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MLADC) in New Hampshire. I’m certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) and as a Clinical Trauma Professional, with advanced training in EMDR.
Do you offer clinical supervision or business consultation?
Yes. I provide licensure supervision and business consultation for organizations. See my Supervision page and Business Consultation page.
Will your dog be in our sessions?
Probably, at some point. Gerty Mae-hem, my corgi, tends to make herself known, and she’s very supportive.
Still have questions?
Reach out through the contact form, or call (207) 436-4026. Or book a free consultation to talk it through.
If you’re in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988. This page is for general information and isn’t a substitute for professional care.