Frequently Asked Questions

1. What issues do you help teens and young adults with?

I work with clients experiencing a range of concerns, including self-harm, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, school stress, social challenges, ADHD, identity development, perfectionism, family conflict, and life transitions. Some teens also come simply wanting support, guidance, or a space to talk.

2. How do I know if therapy is right for my teen or young adult?

Therapy may be helpful if you notice changes in mood, motivation, sleep, social behavior, academic performance, or general stress levels. If your child feels overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to cope, therapy can provide tools, perspective, and support. I am happy to provide a complimentary 15 minute meet and greet call to answer any initial questions you may have.

3. What happens in the first session?

For children and teen clients, the first session is held with parents or caregivers so I can gather important background information, understand your concerns, and learn about your teen’s history, strengths, and current challenges. This meeting also gives parents a chance to ask questions about the therapy process and share insights that may help guide treatment. The second session is typically with the teen alone, allowing them to begin building a comfortable, trusting relationship with me in a private space where they can speak openly and begin working on their goals.

4. Do parents participate in therapy sessions?

For teen clients, I encourage collaborative communication with parents when appropriate, but sessions are primarily one-on-one. Parent check-ins may be scheduled as needed. Young adults (18+) attend independently unless they request otherwise.

5. Is what my teen says in therapy confidential?

Yes. Privacy is essential for building trust. I provide a safe space where teens can speak openly.
Exceptions: I must break confidentiality if there is a safety concern—such as risk of harm to self or others—or when legally required.

6. How long does therapy last?

Each session is typically 45 minutes. The length of treatment varies by individual. Some clients come for short-term support (8–12 sessions), while others benefit from longer-term therapy depending on their goals.

7. What therapeutic approaches do you use?

My work is informed by evidence-based methods such as:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills

• Strengths-based and relational approaches

• Mindfulness and coping strategies
  I tailor the approach to the unique needs of each client.

8. Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes. I am a PSYPACT-licensed psychologist, which allows me to provide telepsychology services to clients who reside in any PSYPACT-participating state. This expands access for teens and young adults who may live outside my immediate area but still want consistent, high-quality care. PSYPACT is an interjurisdictional agreement that authorizes licensed psychologists to practice across state lines through a streamlined system. You can view the full list of participating states here: https://psypact.org/page/psypactmap. If you’re unsure whether your state is included, feel free to reach out and I’ll be happy to help.

9. How do I schedule an appointment?

You can request an appointment through the contact form on the website or by phone/email. I also offer a brief consultation call to answer questions and determine if we’re a good fit.

10. Why are you out of network, and what are the benefits of this?

I choose to remain out of network with insurance companies so I can provide the highest quality, individualized care without the limitations that often come with insurance-based treatment. Insurance plans typically require a formal mental health diagnosis, session-by-session documentation, and restrictions on the type or length of therapy provided. By staying out of network, I’m able to offer flexible, personalized treatment plans and devote session time to what is clinically most important rather than what meets insurance criteria. This approach also helps protect your family’s privacy by keeping sensitive information out of insurance records.

Many clients are still able to receive partial reimbursement for therapy through their out-of-network benefits. I provide a detailed superbill that you can submit directly to your insurance company. To make this process easier, families often use Reimbursify (https://reimbursify.com/), a simple tool that helps you file and track out-of-network claims with just a few clicks.

11. What should my child bring to their first assessment appointment?

Your child doesn’t need to bring much—just themselves. It’s helpful for them to arrive well-rested, so we recommend a good night’s sleep the evening before the appointment. They are welcome to bring a water bottle or a small snack if that helps them feel comfortable; however, we also provide water and snacks in the office. If your child has glasses, hearing aids, or any assistive devices they use regularly, please make sure they bring those as well.

12. How can parents support their teen during therapy?

Parents can help by:

• Encouraging consistency with appointments

• Being patient with the process

• Keeping communication open

• Validating their teen’s feelings

• Avoiding pressure to “fix” things right away
  Therapy works best when caregivers and therapists work as a supportive team.

13. What if my teen doesn’t want therapy?

This is common. I encourage a low-pressure introduction—sometimes a single consultation helps them see that therapy is a supportive, nonjudgmental space. Teens often become more comfortable once they meet the therapist and understand the process.

14. When will I see progress?

Every individual progresses differently, but many clients begin feeling some relief or increased clarity within a few sessions. Complex issues may take more time. Therapy is a process—we move at the pace that feels right for the client.