Frequently Asked Questions

  • I work with individuals ages 12 and up, couples, and families. My specialty is helping people who struggle with people-pleasing, fawning patterns, and losing themselves in relationships — though I welcome clients navigating a wide range of life challenges including anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, life transitions, and family conflict. If you're not sure whether I'm the right fit, feel free to reach out and we can talk it through.

  • Yes, for individual therapy. I'm in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Optum/United Healthcare directly, and with Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Carelon, Ascension (SmartHealth), and Quest Behavioral Health through my billing partner, Headway.

    I do not bill insurance for couples or family therapy, regardless of plan — these sessions are self-pay. This is a clinical choice, not a coverage gap; see "What is the difference between using insurance and self-pay?" below for why.

  • When you use insurance, I'm required to assign a mental health diagnosis, which becomes part of your permanent medical record — this is a standard requirement of insurance-based care, not specific to my practice. Self-pay doesn't require a diagnosis and keeps your records fully private.

    For couples and family therapy specifically, insurance also requires naming one partner as the "identified patient" carrying that diagnosis, even though the work is relational rather than about one person. That structure doesn't reflect how couples/family therapy actually works, which is why these sessions are self-pay only in my practice — regardless of what insurance you have.

    Self-pay rates are $105 for individuals and $125 for couples/families, with a limited number of sliding-scale spots available at $85/session (up to 12 sessions, no income documentation required).

  • Self-Pay fees for 50-55 minute session:

    Individual $105

    Couples or Families $125

    If you are using insurance for individual session only, your cost will depend on your specific plan, copay, and deductible.

  • A credit card is kept securely on file through SimplePractice, my client portal. Self-pay clients are charged automatically after each session. If you are using insurance, I will file your claims with your insurance directly or through a billing partner, Headway. Any copay or extra charges will be charged to your card on file.

  • Under the No Surprises Act, self-pay and uninsured clients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate — a written summary of the expected cost of services before beginning therapy. This estimate is provided to all self-pay clients and outlines anticipated session fees so you can plan accordingly. It is not a contract, a bill, or a guarantee of exact costs, but it ensures you have a clear picture of what to expect. If you have questions about your Good Faith Estimate, please don't hesitate to ask.

  • I have a 24 hours notice for cancellation. If you cancel less than 24 hours notice or miss the session without communication, your session will incur a $50 fee for the first occurrence and the full session fee on the second or subsequent cancellations. This policy exists out of respect for your time, my time, and the clients on my waitlist who may need that appointment slot. Life happens — if something comes up, please reach out as soon as possible and we'll do our best to work it out.

  • SimplePractice is my secure, HIPAA-compliant client portal where your full client file is maintained. Through SimplePractice you can complete intake paperwork, schedule and manage appointments, send secure messages, and access telehealth sessions. All new clients — whether using insurance or self-pay — are required to complete their intake paperwork through SimplePractice before their first session. You will receive a link to register after we connect.

  • IIndividual, couples, and family sessions are 50-55 minutes. This is a standard clinical hour that allows time between sessions for me to complete notes and prepare for the next client. If you have questions about session length or frequency, we can discuss what makes the most sense for your needs and goals during our first session.tem description

  • It's completely natural to feel nervous before your first therapy session—many people do. You might wonder what you'll talk about, whether you'll say the "right" things, or if therapy is really for you. Please know that there's no wrong way to show up.

    Your first session is primarily about getting to know each other. We'll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you're hoping to work on, and what you'd like to be different in your life. I'll ask some questions to understand your background and current situation, but you're always in control of what you share and at what pace.

    This is also your opportunity to get a feel for whether we're a good fit. Therapy works best when there's a genuine connection, so I encourage you to notice how comfortable you feel and whether my approach resonates with you. You can ask me anything—about my experience, my therapeutic style, or how we might work together.

    Some people come in ready to talk; others need a little time to warm up. Both are perfectly okay. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be yourself. We'll go at your pace, and together we'll develop a plan that feels right for you.

    Remember: reaching out is often the hardest part, and you've already done that. I'm here to walk alongside you as you reclaim your story and transform your life.Item description

  • Telehealth allows you to attend therapy sessions from the comfort and privacy of your own space — no commute required. Sessions are conducted via secure video through SimplePractice and are available to clients located anywhere in Texas. All you need is a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. Telehealth sessions are the same length and cost as in-person sessions and are covered by most insurance plans.

  • Not at all. While I'm a person of faith, my practice welcomes clients of all backgrounds, beliefs, and spiritual orientations. My approach is centered on you—your values, your worldview, and what feels meaningful in your life. Some clients appreciate integrating faith or spirituality into our work together, while others prefer to focus solely on evidence-based therapeutic techniques without any spiritual component. Both paths are equally valid, and I'm here to support you in whichever direction feels right for you. What matters most is creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore, heal, and grow on your own terms.