Frequently Asked Questions
+ Do I really need therapy?
Therapy is for everyone! I strongly believe therapy can be beneficial for anyone who is engaged in the process. If you’re interested, please don’t be afraid to give it a try. My doors are open to you, and I'm happy to walk alongside you through every step.
Therapy can be helpful for so many different reasons:
- Non-judgmental support
- Exploring and learning how to tolerate difficult emotions
- Processing trauma and stressful situations
- Learning about yourself
- A safe place to talk to a caring person
- And more!
+ How do I get started?
The best way to get started is to reach out! To schedule your first session and or ask any questions, I am best available by email or message through the contact page of this website. If you prefer, you can also choose to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation to help you decide if we might be a good fit for each other.
- Reach out by email or message through the Contact page of this website
- Complete the necessary paperwork via your personal online Client Portal
- Schedule your first session through the Client Portal!
+ What will the first session be like?
To begin, I will go over the policies, such as cancellation, payment, and confidentiality. Then we will begin by having you share what brought you in to therapy, along with your story and history. You will be welcome to ask me questions anytime. I make a strong effort to provide a relaxed and comfortable environment to help us begin to form a strong, therapeutic relationship.
My hope is for you to leave our first session feeling understood and with a sense of direction.
+ How long is each session and how often will we meet?
For individual and online counseling, sessions are up to 55 minutes each time we meet. Group sessions are 55 - 60 minutes each week. Walk and Talk counseling and Secure Texting sessions are up to 45 minutes. Learn more about each of the different types of sessions on the Services pages.
Consistency is key to success in counseling. Typically, I prefer to start by meeting with my clients weekly or bi-weekly so that we can build a strong relationship, and you can make a commitment to prioritizing this time for yourself.
Frequency may change based on your needs at the time. It is common to reduce frequency once things improve and attend sessions bi-weekly or monthly to maintain progress. When needed, we can discuss this together during session to help find the best fit for you at that time.
+ What are your fees?
I accept most major insurances, ONN (Out of Network insurance), and private pay.
Insurance rates:
- Fees will vary depending on any deductibles, coinsurance, or copays that may apply
- If I am not in-network with your insurance, you may be able to use Out of Network benefits to receive reimbursement
Private pay rates:
- For individual sessions: $175
- For groups and workshops: Will vary; check the Groups and Workshops page for details
I do offer a limited number of reduced fee spots for private pay based on financial need.
Find a list of in-network insurances, questions to ask insurance about your mental health benefits, and more on the Fees and Insurance pages.
+ Do you offer online sessions?
Yes! I am happy to have virtual counseling sessions available through a HIPAA-compliant, secure platform for Wisconsin, Florida, and Utah residents. Learn more here.
+ What are the benefits of online counseling?
It's convenient! It allows you to have therapy sessions at times you might not otherwise be able to, such as in between classes or when you’re feeling sick but still well enough to have a session.
It's comfortable! My office is very welcoming and warm (if I do say so myself), but you may feel especially comfortable when having sessions from your home. You can even do it in your pajamas with your pet sitting right next to you!
It literally meets you where you're at! I am licensed in the states of Wisconsin, Utah, and Vermont and registered as an out of state provider in Florida, so you can meet with me from anywhere in the states of Wisconsin, Utah, Vermont, and Florida. Whether you are at home, work or school, your car (not while driving, please!), or the beach, as long as you have a private space, we can have a productive session from wherever you are.
Less barriers in your way! It allows for extra ease. No travel time. No getting stuck in traffic. No brutal Wisconsin winter weather or Florida hurricanes keeping you trapped inside. Just find a private, comfortable spot with internet, and you are ready to go.
+ Do you meet with people outside of your specialty?
My specialty is helping young women navigate anxiety and self-worth to discover a sense of calm, confidence, and control to help them live the life they deserve.
I work with young adult women (18 - 30s) on an individual and group basis. I also offer occasional workshops throughout the year for both young adult women and teen girls.
The purpose of having a specialty is not to exclude anyone but to allow myself to focus on gaining knowledge and unique skills that will help me work in this specific area that I am passionate about.
If you are not within this specialty, you are welcome to contact me to discuss possible options. I will do my best to offer referrals to other clinicians when appropriate.
+ Is therapy private?
Yes, absolutely! Everything we talk about in individual or group sessions is confidential.
There are a few exceptions to keep you and others safe, such as if you disclose you are going to hurt yourself or someone else.
We will discuss this and other policies further in your first session.
+ What if I’m not ready yet?
That’s okay! Therapy is a process that needs collaboration and commitment from both me and you to be successful.
While you take some time to get ready to start therapy, check out the Specialty pages of this website for other resources.
+ What if I’m experiencing an emergency?
If you are currently facing a crisis:
- Call 911
- Go to your nearest emergency room
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Call 800-950-6264
- 24-hour Suicide Crisis Lines
- Call 800-273-8255
- Text HOME to 741741
- Call 211 for food and shelter needs
Crisis resources in the Milwaukee Area:
- Call 414-257-7222 for Mobile Crisis Team
- Child Protective Services Milwaukee County
- Call 414-220-SAFE (7233)