Frequently asked questions

Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills and better coping strategies for depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress, body image and creative blocks. Benefits include a better understanding of yourself and your values, healthier relationships, new ways to cope with stress and anxiety, managing anger, grief and depression, better communication, changing old patterns, and greater self-esteem and confidence. What you get from therapy depends on how actively you use the process and put what you learn into practice.

Everyone goes through challenging situations, and while you've navigated other difficulties, there's nothing wrong with seeking extra support. Therapy is for people with enough self-awareness to realize they could use a helping hand, and that's something to be admired. It gives you tools to avoid triggers, redirect damaging patterns and overcome whatever challenges you face.

Some people are going through a major life transition such as unemployment, divorce or a new job, or aren't handling stress well. Others want help with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts or creative blocks. Others are ready to learn more about themselves or be more effective with their goals. In short, people seeking therapy are ready to meet their challenges and make changes.

Every person's therapy is different. In general, we'll discuss what's happening in your life, relevant history, and progress or insights since the last session. Therapy can be short-term for a specific issue or longer-term for deeper patterns. You'll get more from it by participating actively, and I may suggest things to do between sessions, like reading, journaling, noticing particular behaviors or taking action on your goals.

Medication alone usually isn't the long-term answer to emotional pain. Therapy addresses the causes of distress and the patterns that curb progress. For many people, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course, and pairing them can help you feel better faster. Because I'm a prescriber and a therapist, we can decide together what's best for you.

Call your insurance carrier and ask: What are my mental health benefits? What is the coverage amount per session? How many sessions does my plan cover? How much does my plan pay for an out-of-network provider? Is approval required from my primary care physician? If you book through Headway or Alma, they also check your coverage and show an estimate.

Yes. Confidentiality is one of the most important parts of treatment, and information isn't shared without your written permission, for example with your physician. By law, exceptions include suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults or elders, and situations where someone is in serious danger of harming themselves or has threatened to harm another person.