Frequently Asked Questions

What is therapy?

Therapy provides a safe, confidential space for you to discuss thoughts, emotions, and situations that are causing you distress or concern. Therapy allows you to articulate the goals you wish to achieve. It allows you to process what stands between your current life and those goals. It supports you as you determine what steps you will take to make changes in your life. It provides you with tools and guidance as you take those steps.

How long is a therapy session and how often do I need to go?

A therapy session lasts 53-60 minutes. This includes payment as well as scheduling a future session. The frequency of therapy sessions is based upon the concerns for which you sought to engage in therapy. Many people attend therapy weekly. Other people feel that bi-weekly or monthly sessions are sufficient to meet their needs.

How long will I be in therapy?

There is no timeframe for how long you will be in therapy. Some people engage in therapy for a few sessions. Other people choose to be in therapy for many years.

Is what I tell you confidential?

Information that you share with me in a therapy session is confidential except in the following circumstances:

~ As a mandated reporter, I am obligated to intervene and make a report to the proper authorities in the following instances:

If you express the intent to inflict harm on yourself or another person.
If I become aware that a person under the age of 18, or over the age of 60, or with a disability is being abused, neglected, or exploited.

~ Minimal information may need to be shared with your health insurance company for billing purposes.

~ If I am required to do so by federal, state, or local law (e.g., subpoena).

Will you keep my information private?

I am required by law to maintain the privacy of your personal health information. All medical records are kept in compliance with HIPAA to protect your privacy.

If you decide to communicate with me via text or email, you should be aware that these methods of communication are not guaranteed to be secure. You should not include any information in such forms of communication that you would not want someone else to read or access. I will make every effort to respond to communication from you within 48-hours. Because of the potential time delay in my response, do not use this method of communication if you are in crisis.

More details regarding privacy can be found in the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices that you will complete prior to beginning therapy.

How much does therapy cost?

Each 55 minute session is $130 and is paid at the end of each session. I am credentialed with Medicare and Highmark. If either is your insurance provider, I can bill them directly. Otherwise, you are responsible for the payment. You can make payment using cash, credit card, or personal check. If you have private insurance other than Medicare and Highmark, you are encouraged to contact your insurance company to inquire if you have mental health benefits as part of your plan. If so, I can provide you with a bill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement of their covered cost.

If you need to cancel a therapy session, I request that you provide me with 24-hours notice. If you fail to do so, you will be charged $65 for the missed session. This charge will be waived if your inability to attend was due to an unforeseen event outside of your control.

Do I need to take medication?

Many people find medication to be beneficial to use in conjunction with therapy. I am not a doctor and therefore cannot prescribe or recommend medication for you. You should speak with your primary care provider if you wish to supplement therapy with medication. They will either prescribe it for you or refer you to a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication for you.

What should I do if I see you in the community?

It is possible that we could run into each other in the community outside of a therapy session. If this occurs, due to confidentiality, I will not acknowledge that I know you. You may make a choice to interact with me if you wish to do so. However, our interaction will be brief. Please do not share anything of a confidential nature in such a situation.

To protect your confidentiality, I will not engage with you on any form of social media.

What do I do if I am in crisis?

If you are having a mental health emergency, call 911, Lebanon Crisis Intervention at 717-274-3363, or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. You can also seek mental health crisis treatment at your local hospital emergency room.