(443) 840-9185

FAQ

Where are you located?

My office is located in downtown Catonsville, Maryland – a short drive from Ellicott City, Columbia, or Baltimore. Here is the address:

9 Newburg Avenue

Catonsville, MD 21228

I also work remotely with people throughout Maryland and South Carolina. All you’ll need for online therapy is a device and a secure Internet connection.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not bill insurance directly, so I am considered an “out-of-network provider.”

There are many reasons for this, including my commitment to your privacy, freedom from having to declare a diagnosis, and being able to create a treatment plan that is dictated by you rather than an insurance panel.

If you wish, I can provide you with a special receipt of services called a “Superbill” to claim out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance company. Reimbursement varies across insurance plans, so you should call to confirm.

Here are some helpful questions you can ask when you contact your insurance company:

  • Do I have out-of-network mental health or behavioral health benefits for outpatient settings (specify telehealth if you’re doing teletherapy)?
  • What percentage of my bill will be reimbursed for services from an out-of-network provider?
  • What is my deductible? Has it been met?
  • How do I obtain reimbursement for an out-of-network mental health provider?
What is your license?

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of MD. (LCSW-C)
I graduated from the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 2008.

What are your fees?

I charge $185 for a clinical hour, and can provide receipts for insurance reimbursement.

I accept all major credit cards, Health Savings Account (HSA) cards, or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards.

How do I set up an appointment?

Simply send me an email or give me a call, and I’ll get back to you about scheduling your free 20-minute consultation.

During the consultation, you will tell me a bit about what you’re going through, what you’re looking for, and ask me any questions you might have. From there, we’ll decide if we’re a good fit. If so, we’ll schedule your first appointment right there on the phone.

What’s your cancellation policy?

I am dedicated to helping you make meaningful and lasting changes in your life. To do this, I set aside time, especially for you.

If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment for any reason, you must give me at least 24 hours’ notice so that you are not billed.

Can you provide me with an estimate of my total costs?
Under the federal “No Surprises Act,” health care providers need to give patients who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency services, and you will be provided with a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your first appointment. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
How often will I have sessions?

It depends on your individual goals and needs.

Typically, people begin with weekly appointments and then move to every other week as they notice symptoms improving.

Regardless of your frequency, I’ll schedule you a “set” appointment slot to have the same appointment day and time each week.

How long is each therapy session?
Sessions last approximately 50 minutes.
Do you offer evening or Saturday appointments?
My evening and Saturday slots are in high demand, and I do not currently have any openings during these times. This is one reason that virtual therapy is so helpful for some – you can sign on from your home or office in the middle of the workweek without having to take PTO.
¿Hablas español?
Si, hablo español! Nací en EEUU, pero he vivido en países latinoamericanos por ocho años. Mi esposo es latino y hablamos español en casa con nuestros hijos. ¡Me da gusto hacer la terapia en español!
Are you LGBTQIA+ friendly?
Yes! I welcome people of any gender identity and sexual orientation, and I have specific training in the unique struggles of trans youth.
Do you work with people from culturally diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions?
Absolutely! My family is multicultural, and social justice and inclusivity are very important parts of my value system – that is why I am a social worker! I also have specific and ongoing training in multicultural competency.
With what age ranges do you work?

From age 8 to 102.

But I will not see your child or teen (or parent or spouse) if they do not want to be in therapy.

Do you work virtually or in person?

All the modalities I practice can be done either online or in person, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

It’s just a matter of your personal preference. Some love the convenience of virtual sessions; others prefer the in-person experience.

Do you assign homework?
I sure do. We seem to understand that it takes practice to get better at a sport, instrument, or career, and the same is true for your mental health! How will you get better at addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting, etc., if you only talk about it one hour a week? Practice, practice, practice!
Who is your ideal client?
Anyone who is ready to show up and open and willing to do the work. Bonus points to those who practice the homework! 😉
Am I going to cry?

Yes, I hope so. Crying is a very helpful emotional release! No apologizing for crying! 🙂

Do you take notes?
I do have a notepad at my side that I might scribble some things on to help me remember questions I might want to ask, but at any time, you are allowed to ask me what I wrote, and we’ll see if either of us can actually decipher it!
If you weren’t a therapist, what would you do?
I LOVE being a therapist. There are only two other professions that I think I might like as much: being a carpenter or a traveling musician.
Is that a dog I hear in the background?
Yes, occasionally, you’ll hear my dog, Wally, asking to come into my office or leave. But I have headphones in, so he won’t be able to hear anything you say.