How much do sessions cost, and how long do they last?

Couples counseling sessions are 55 minutes for $225.

Individual counseling sessions are 50 minutes for $200.

Are counseling sessions covered by my insurance?

This depends on your insurance plan and the type of service that you are seeking. At this time, I am an out-of-network provider with many PPO insurance plans. This means you would pay me for sessions directly on the day of service. Then, I can provide you with a receipt for services (called a “superbill”) that you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

There is an app, Reimbursify, that I recommend to clients with PPO insurance plans to assist them with filing claims, for a small fee per claim. I am more than happy to discuss this solution with you during our consultation call.

If you want to use your insurance, please call your insurance company to verify your benefits before we begin working together. I want you to feel comfortable with the financial aspect of your counseling. Here are some useful questions to ask:

• What is the name of my plan? Is it an HMO or PPO?

• Does my plan include out-of-network mental health benefits?

• Is pre-approval required before obtaining out-of-network services in order to be reimbursed?

• Are services rendered by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist covered? [My license numbers are 00201 in Rhode Island and 27.001997 in Connecticut.]

• If I submit a claim, will I be reimbursed the full amount I paid or a portion?

• What is my deductible? How much of my deductible have I met this year?

How frequently do we meet for counseling?

Research is clear that weekly sessions lead to better outcomes. Clients benefit from weekly sessions for a number of reasons, such as stronger alliance with the therapist, spending more time in session on underlying dynamics rather than “catching up,” and more focused attention on learning and practicing skills outside of therapy. For these reasons, we will meet at least weekly until you’ve met your initial goals.

If we decide together that you would benefit from more frequent therapy, then we can schedule sessions more often.

Couples typically space their sessions out to biweekly once they have seen marked progress.

What is your cancellation policy?

Because regularity of treatment is key to good outcomes, I created a policy to encourage rescheduling rather than canceling. I ask clients to notify me in advance if they must miss an appointment, and we attempt to reschedule it during the week before, during, or after that missed appointment. For unforeseen cancellations, fees are waived for two cancellations per year. All other canceled appointments must be rescheduled during that three-week time frame or the full session fee is charged. 

How long will we be in counseling?

Every client is different. It’s a common thing for clients to feel significant relief after only a few sessions, usually because the act of starting counseling gives a boost in hopefulness. However, I have found that problems that have developed and grown over the course of many years cannot be solved within a few weeks. Part of my process is to regularly ask you what your goals are and how you’re progressing toward them. You get to decide how long you come to counseling, and our conversations about your progress will help you decide.

What is your availability?

I see clients on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 9am and 5pm. Rescheduled sessions can occasionally be held on Mondays or Fridays.

What is the free 15-minute consultation like?

I will ask you to describe your reasons for seeking couples counseling and what you hope to accomplish through couples counseling. I will ask questions about your relationship and describe how I can design a plan to help you. You are very welcome to ask me any questions you may have. If we both feel like it’s a good fit, then I can schedule you for your first session in your designated weekly time slot. If either of us feels like it’s not a good fit, then I can offer you referrals to other providers that you might want to look into.

I will also need to have a consultation call with your partner so I can get their perspective on the situation. You both can have your consultation at the same time, or separately.

I wrote a blog post to go further into what a consultation call is like. Check it out here.

What will our first counseling session be like?

I use the first session to conduct a thorough assessment of your relationship history and future goals. I will ask a lot of questions about your concerns, your life and family/social history, and your strengths and resources. I’m the kind of therapist that believes everything is connected. Together we will make a roadmap for the course of treatment.

On your end, you can continue to ask me any questions that you may have about the therapeutic process. And if you don’t feel like answering some of my questions, I hope you’ll let me know. I want to balance the usefulness of the assessment with the absolute importance of you feeling comfortable and respected.

What are subsequent sessions like?

For couples, I plan to see you primarily as a couple but do have planned individual sessions with each partner. These individual sessions occur during the first month of treatment, and then on an as-needed basis.

I practice Emotionally Focused Therapy. This means I focus on process and patterns across conflicts. I ask a lot of questions so I can thoroughly understand what keeps going wrong, and what makes things go right. I will help you understand your own role in relationship problems, your partner’s role, and how you two are playing off of each other. I will help you recognize if any of your go-to strategies for handling conflict are actually getting you stuck in a cycle of disconnection. Then, I will actively coach you on new ways to process and communicate your emotions and thoughts, and new ways to hear your partner’s side of things. I ask couples to communicate directly with one another, through words, looks, and touch. I want to be your guide as you and your partner learn a new way to relate to each other.

Who do you work with?

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Rhode Island (License #00201) and Connecticut (License #27.001997). I conduct online therapy with couples (married or not) who want to create meaningful connection in their relationship. I value social justice and strive to provide inclusive and culturally-attuned care. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and celebratory.

Is there anyone you don’t work with?

I do not conduct couples counseling where there is a pattern of intimate partner violence because research has shown that working with the couple can exacerbate the problem. Individual therapy is more appropriate for both parties. Please view http://www.ricadv.org/en/ for resources.

I also don’t conduct therapy with couples in which active addiction is present. Again, individual therapy is recommended for both parties.

Lastly, I do not see couples in which one or both parties are actively conducting an affair. In order for the type of therapy I do to be effective, the affair must stop prior to our work beginning.

I’m ready to invest in couples counseling! What do I do next?

Hooray! Please go here to book a free consultation with me!

I look forward to speaking with you!