FAQ

You can give me a call or send me an email, and I’ll get back to you within 24 business hours about scheduling a free 15-minute phone consultation. During the consultation, you can tell me a bit about your challenges and what’s important to you and ask me any questions you may have.

From there, we’ll decide if I’m the right fit for you. If so, we’ll schedule your first appointment and get started!

I am an out-of-network provider with insurance plans and do not participate in managed care plans. Utilizing insurance benefits allows companies to “govern” much of your therapy process – such as how often I can see you, how long your sessions can be, etc.

Insurance companies require therapists to provide clients with a mental health diagnosis after their first session. That diagnosis remains in your medical record, sometimes becoming a “pre-existing condition” that can stay with you for life. This diagnosis can be problematic when applying for life insurance or future employment. In some cases, a diagnosis can be helpful for clinical work, though it is often unnecessary to label human existence in such a sterile, impersonal manner.

Private pay reduces the chances of surprise bills in the mail weeks after receiving services because insurance decided to decline reimbursement (see Good Faith Estimate below). Private pay also makes it easier for you to find a therapist with whom you connect instead of going with the therapist who is in-network and hoping they’ll be a good fit. By paying out of pocket, you control your experience and your personal information.

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities must by law provide individuals with a “Good Faith Estimate” if they will receive charges at the time of scheduling health care items and services. This requirement goes for individuals not enrolled in an insurance plan or a Federal Health Care program and those seeking to file a claim via a superbill or an in-network provider.

A “Good Faith Estimate” explains how much your medical and mental health care will cost over the period you are in treatment. Under this law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or choose not to use their insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

For questions or more information about your right to a “Good Faith Estimate,” visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Teletherapy is a way to work with your therapist without coming into an office. I conduct teletherapy by video or phone through Simple Practice’s secure HIPAA-compliant platform.

Studies have shown that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. In some cases, it provides superior outcomes to in-person therapy. In addition to its effectiveness, online therapy also allows for convenience, including less waiting time, no commute; sessions in an environment where you feel comfortable; access to specialists outside of your geographic location; and reduced risk of transmitting or contracting infectious diseases.

Finding a therapist with whom you can work is a process that is sometimes like dating. Not all therapists will be a good fit for you based on personality, methodology, and/or fee.

Your comfort and growth are the most critical aspects of treatment. If you do not feel comfortable with me, you will not walk away empty-handed. I will provide you with referrals for therapists in your area that will best meet your needs and are interested in accepting new clients.

I have relationships with Indiana’s best addiction psychiatrists, sober living, and residential and outpatient treatment centers. I can help with referrals to these if needed to connect to someone who can best support you in your personal growth.

Absolutely not! I may have all of five followers. But I think it’s a fun way to provide education and awareness for mental health and SUD. Let’s be TikTok friends! You can also find me on Instagram for lots of information, motivation, and awareness (@the_addiction_therapist).