FAQ
Where are you located?
My office is in the Lake Elmo Bank Building, off of 94 and Inwood Ave, in Oakdale, Minnesota.
600 Inwood Avenue North
Suite 155
Oakdale, MN 55128
What are your hours?
My hours are Tuesday through Friday, during the day. I can let you know my current availability during your phone consultation call.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are 55 minutes. Intensive 85-minute processing sessions are helpful for some and are scheduled upon request.
Do you provide telehealth sessions?
Sessions are in-person. Occasional online sessions are scheduled on a case-to-case basis, for Minnesota residents.
Do you take insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider with all insurance plans and do not work directly with insurance companies.
If you like, I can provide you with a Superbill receipt to submit for some amount of out-of-network fee reimbursement, depending on your plan benefits.
In many cases, clients can receive up to 50-80% reimbursement once their out-of-network deductible has been met. PPO plans generally have the highest reimbursement rates for out-of-network providers.
Questions you might ask your insurance regarding your out-of-network benefits for individual psychotherapy sessions with your plan:
- Do I have an out-of-network (OON) deductible and if so, how much is it?
- How much of my OON deductible has been met this calendar year?
- After my deductible is met, what percentage of session fees will I be reimbursed?
- Is there a session limit for reimbursement?
- How do I submit Superbill receipts?
What are the benefits of private pay (not going through insurance)?
There are several reasons you might choose to see an out-of-network provider:
Privacy: A diagnosis and records are not shared with your insurance company (unless you choose to submit receipts for reimbursement). Records would also not be requested by your insurance.
No label: Having a diagnosis can feel limiting and stigmatizing. You do not need a diagnosis to address your goals or experience growth.
High deductible plan: If this is the case, you would be paying out of pocket for sessions anyway.
No breaks with sessions: Your therapy will not be interrupted due to a lapse or change in insurance coverage or due to a limit in the number of sessions allowed per calendar year.
Individualized services: An out-of-network provider has more freedom to utilize services and interventions without insurance constraints or need for authorization.
Specialties: You’re interested in the specific services and specialties an out-of-network provider offers.
Experience: It’s important to you to see a seasoned therapist with more training and experience providing individualized care.
Good match: Research shows that a good fit is the number one factor for successful therapy.
What are your fees and how do I pay for sessions?
Sessions are $200. The intake appointment is $250.
All major credit cards are accepted, including Health Savings Account (HSA) cards.
Do you offer a sliding fee?
I don’t offer a sliding scale fee. Having standard rates allows me to hold a neutral and consistent therapeutic stance for everyone.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, I require 24 hours’ notice. The full session fee is charged for missed appointments or late cancellations.
In the case of emergency, severe weather, or illness, I will make an attempt to reschedule your appointment the same week or add an additional appointment the following week, when possible. Telehealth sessions are also an option.
How do I begin working with you?
The best way to reach me is by filling out my contact form or sending me an email. From there, we can set up a free 15-minute phone consultation to decide if we would work well together.
If we both decide to move forward, we’ll set up your first appointment. If not, I can help you connect with someone who might be a better fit.
The number one predictor of successful therapy outcomes is a good relationship with the therapist, so it’s important to find the right match!
What should I expect during my first appointment?
I’ll send you a link to set up an account on my Client Portal where you’ll fill out all the forms needed before we meet.
In your first appointment, I’ll ask some questions to get to know you and your history with your concerns. We’ll discuss your goals for therapy, develop a plan together, and I’ll answer any questions you may have.
With whom do you work?
Adults, 20+ with chronic anxiety and trauma histories.
I work well with people who are motivated for change and who haven’t had much success with traditional talk therapy.
Therapists, other healthcare providers, and first responders are great fits.
Will you prescribe me medication?
Psychologists can’t prescribe medication. If needed, I can provide referrals for a prescriber.
Do you assign homework between sessions?
I do, but not the homework you might imagine. I may invite you to identify an intention for the week based on a theme or insight that arose in session or develop a plan to practice a particular strategy to integrate into daily life.
How long does therapy take?
This is very individual and is influenced by a number of factors (e.g., motivation, your goals, complexity of past experiences, and how often you are able to meet).
How often and how long we meet is fluid and is ultimately led by you.
If you are considering neurofeedback, a minimum of 20 weekly sessions is recommended for effectiveness and sustained progress, before tapering frequency of sessions.
Is therapy confidential?
What is your professional training and experience?
I received my Masters (M.A.) in 2001 and Doctorate (PsyD) in 2006, both in Clinical Psychology, from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology.
Specialty trainings:
- Brainspotting – Phases 1, 2, and 3, Certified Therapist
- AIR Network Model – Levels 1 and 2, Certified Therapist
- EMDR – Levels 1 and 2
- Neurofeedback – Othmer Method at EEG Info:
- Practicum 1: Assessment and Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) Neurofeedback
- Practicum 2: Synchrony and Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy – Levels 1 and 2
How do you take your coffee?
I take my morning oat milk with a splash of coffee and a dollop of the daily Wordle. I’m hooked!