FAQs
How do I get started?
The best first step is scheduling a free 30 minute phone consultation. This is a chance to connect, answer any questions, and get a sense of whether working together feels right. No obligation, no pressure.
What can I expect in the first session?
All sessions are via secure telehealth. You will receive a video link within an hour or two before your session time, delivered by email or text based on your preference. I ask that you join by video when you can since it helps me stay attuned to how you are doing. Please make sure you are in a private space where you feel comfortable talking freely. Sessions cannot happen while driving or during anything that could put you at risk. If that comes up we will need to reschedule.
What is your cancellation policy?
You will get a reminder and confirmation the day before your session. You have until 2 hours before your appointment to cancel or reschedule by text, call, or email. After that it will be marked as a late cancel or no show. If we hit 3 consecutive no shows we will need to check in about whether the timing is right to continue.
We will put together a personalized crisis plan early in our work together so you have clear steps and resources if things get hard between sessions. I am available by text or call during normal business hours if you need to reach out between sessions. Crisis resources will also be included in all email exchanges and available directly on this website so you always have access when you need them. If you are in immediate danger please call 988 or 911.
Can I text you?
What is your availability?
Mostly just getting to know each other. We will talk about what brought you in, go over some background, and start exploring what you are hoping to get out of therapy. You do not need to have it all figured out before we start.
How long does therapy last?
What if I am in crisis between sessions?
Do you accept insurance?
What ages do you work with?
Do you have experience working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community?
There is no set limit on sessions. How long we work together depends on you and your goals. Some people come in with something specific to work through over a few months. Others are looking for longer term depth work. We figure it out as we go.
What modalities do you use?
Do you provide letters for emotional support animals, court, or disability?
Do you provide diagnoses?
What is mandatory reporting?
At this time I only accept insurance and private pay. Insurance is accepted through Waking Wellness LLC. Currently accepted plans include Aetna, BlueCross and BlueShield, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna and Evernorth, Yamhill CCO and Moda. Coverage and benefits vary by plan so it is worth checking your benefits before your first session. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Yes, texting is available and welcomed for scheduling, general questions, and crisis contact. Text is not a substitute for session and extended conversations outside of those areas are not something I am able to engage in, unless we have previously discussed and planned to use text as part of our work together. I will do my best to respond during normal business hours
I work with teens 16 and up through adulthood with no upper age limit. If you are unsure whether I am the right fit for your age or situation feel free to reach out and we can figure it out together.
I am currently available Tuesday through Friday and Sunday. Appointment times start at 12pm and the last appointment of the day is at 8pm. Specific scheduling can be discussed during your free consultation or when booking your first session.
How do you handle confidentiality and privacy?
My approach is depth oriented and trauma informed. I draw from emotion focused therapy, attachment based therapy, DBT, mindfulness, and narrative approaches. That said every person is different and the work gets shaped around what actually fits you.
How does telehealth work?
Everything shared in session is confidential. There are a few legal exceptions to this including if there is risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, or if records are subpoenaed by a court. You will receive paperwork covering confidentiality in full before your first session and I am happy to answer any questions you have. All telehealth sessions are conducted via a secure HIPAA compliant platform to protect your privacy.
Yes. This is an explicitly LGBTQIA2S+ and gender affirming practice welcoming of all identities, orientations, and relationship configurations. As a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community myself I bring both personal and professional understanding to this work. You do not need to explain or justify who you are here, and at the same time I genuinely want to understand the full depth and nuance of your experience. No two people are the same and I approach your story with curiosity and without assumption.
This is something I am able to support in certain situations. ESA letters, court documentation, and disability related letters are handled on a case by case basis depending on the circumstances and our existing therapeutic relationship. Please reach out to discuss your specific situation and we can figure out together whether this is something I am able to provide.
Yes. A formal diagnosis is often required by insurance to establish medical necessity for services and is part of the assessment process. For more complex neurodevelopmental evaluations such as autism or ADHD I refer out to neuropsychological or psychiatric assessment to ensure you receive the most thorough and accurate evaluation possible.
As a licensed mental health professional I am a mandated reporter, which means there are certain situations where I am legally required to report information to the appropriate authorities regardless of confidentiality. This includes suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, and situations where someone is at serious risk of harm to themselves or others. Mandatory reporting is not about getting anyone in trouble. It exists to keep people safe. If a situation arises where I am required to report I will always try to discuss it with you first whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so. Any questions about mandatory reporting are always welcome.