Frequently Asked Questions

Your first full session is an opportunity for us to explore what brought you to therapy, your goals, and how current challenges impact your life. It's also a chance to ask more questions about my approach and ensure we're a good fit. My priority is creating a safe, pressure-free space for open sharing.

It's completely normal to feel unsure or nervous if you've never tried therapy; many of my clients are first-timers. You don't need to know exactly what to say or how it "works." My role is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space where you can explore thoughts and feelings at your own pace, helping you discover insights and build resilience.

If you're unsure if therapy is right for you, my free 15-minute consultation call is designed for this purpose. It's a no-pressure opportunity to connect briefly, discuss what's on your mind, and ask questions about the process or how I might help, with no obligation to continue.

Scheduling your initial free 15-minute consultation is simple by clicking any "Schedule Now" button located throughout my website. These buttons will lead you directly to my secure online scheduling page, where you can easily book your consultation by providing some basic information.

I believe in a collaborative, client-centered approach. I use evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) to help you develop practical tools, reframe negative thought patterns, and build lasting resilience. My goal is to empower you to find your own path forward.

Clients typically find it most beneficial to begin with weekly sessions to build momentum and ensure steady progress. As you gain tools and experience improvement, we may explore moving to bi-weekly sessions, always discussing and deciding on a schedule that best supports your unique journey.

The length of therapy varies entirely based on your unique goals, challenges, and what you hope to achieve. Some clients find a few months sufficient for specific issues, while others prefer a longer period for deeper insights or complex patterns. This is a collaborative journey, with regular check-ins on progress to equip you with lasting tools for resilience.

My standard individual and couples therapy sessions are 45 minutes long. Your initial free 15-minute consultation call helps us discuss needs and fit. For ongoing therapy, rates are $200 for an individual session and $250 for couples/relationship sessions. Substance abuse evaluations are $250 for the assessment, with fees for court documents based on individual need.

My practice operates on a private pay model, which means I do not directly bill insurance companies. This allows us to focus solely on your therapeutic needs without the constraints often associated with insurance requirements.

This approach offers several benefits that prioritize your care:

Privacy and Confidentiality: When using insurance, a mental health diagnosis must be given, which becomes part of your permanent health record. A private pay model ensures your information remains strictly confidential between us.

Treatment Autonomy: Insurance companies often dictate the number of sessions, type of treatment, or length of therapy. With private pay, we decide on a treatment plan that is a perfect fit for your unique goals, without any third-party involvement.

Simpler Process: Eliminating the administrative burden of insurance allows me to focus my time and energy on our work together, ensuring you receive my undivided attention and best possible care.

While I do not bill insurance, I can provide you with a superbill (detailed receipt) for you to submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

My cancellation policy requires 24 hours' notice for any cancellation or rescheduling of an appointment. If you cancel or miss your session with less than 24 hours' notice, you will be charged the full fee for that session.

No, my current hours are between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.

No, I exclusively offer telehealth sessions through a confidential and secure online platform. This provides convenience and flexibility to access support from anywhere across the entire state of Iowa. For couples, you can even connect from separate devices.

Online therapy is a convenient and flexible way to connect for sessions through a secure and confidential platform. You'll need a reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone (like a computer, tablet, or smartphone). Many clients also find headphones helpful for privacy and sound quality.

While my platform is secure and HIPAA-compliant, your privacy is also in your hands. It's important to find a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted during our session. Using headphones can also help ensure what we discuss stays completely confidential.

My practice is dedicated to adults throughout Iowa who are ready to address problematic relationships with substances or behaviors. I specialize in supporting individuals who may outwardly appear successful but secretly battle internal struggles with overuse or dependence, offering confidential online support for healing.

No, as a licensed therapist, I do not prescribe medication. My role is to provide psychotherapy and counseling. If medication is a beneficial addition, I can collaborate with your primary care physician or help you find a psychiatrist for assessment and prescription.

Yes, absolutely; everything discussed in therapy sessions remains strictly confidential between us. As a licensed professional, I adhere to rigorous ethical guidelines and federal privacy laws (including HIPAA). Exceptions are limited to serious and immediate risk of harm to self/others or suspected child/elder abuse, as mandated by law. Your participation will not be disclosed to employers, agencies, or others without explicit written consent.

My practice is not equipped to handle immediate crises or emergencies. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For mental health crises, you can also connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 anytime in the US and Canada for immediate support and resources.