Culturally Sensitive Counseling

Perhaps you have been through many therapy websites and wave through quite a few profiles. Searching for a therapist can be a complicated process. I honor and understand the frustration, hope, and worry in starting your therapy work. Therefore, I offer a free 15 mins phone consultation to help discuss your needs and answer any questions you may have. My hope is by the end of the call, you will have a better sense of the service I provide and make a more informed decision. 

Based on how the current insurance system is set up, in order to use your in-network insurance benefits, the insurance company requires me to give you a mental illness diagnosis. This diagnosis becomes part of your permanent medical record and may negatively impact your future life choices ( adoption, life insurance, employment, etc.). In addition, therapy under an in-network insurance panel is not confidential. Insurance companies and managed care panels essentially become another person in your treatment, as they require reports about our meetings to authorize sessions. They also have the power to decide how many sessions you will receive. I believe that those crucial decisions should be made between you and your therapist, not a stranger from the insurance office.

For these concerns on in-network insurances benefits, I choose to accept only out-of-network benefits for insurances purposes. If you would like to use your insurance, I will assist by providing you with a "superbill" (An itemized receipt) for you to take advantage of any out-of-network benefits that your plan offers. Depending on your plan, your insurance company may reimburse your session cost up to a percentage. Please note that a diagnosis is still required, but we will have confidentiality and control over your course of treatment.

The timeline largely depends on the fluctuation of your therapist's schedule. Usually, sessions are available to be scheduled as soon as 5-7 days from the initial contact. If you are ready now, click here to skip the wait and request a session.  

If this is your first time going to therapy, I imagine it may be both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. I know what that feeling feels like, and congratulations on taking this crucial first step. To help you better prepare, I found this article provides some helpful information about what will happen during our first session. 

Before arriving for your first appointment, it could also be helpful to take a moment and think about what you would like to accomplish through therapy. How have you been feeling lately? How would you like to feel? You do not have to feel obligated to tell your therapist "everything" during your first session. Instead, it is simply an opportunity to share enough and check-in with yourself on how you feel sitting with your therapist. It may also be helpful to think about what questions you might have for your therapist during your first session. You will know that a therapist is a good fit for you when you feel at ease, heard, and confident in their ability to help you during your first session.