Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Counseling in North Carolina and Colorado

You’ve taken a big step just searching for a therapist, to start counseling, and I know you have questions! Let me help you by answering some of the basics about counseling, and then we can go into more detail during a FREE 15-minute consultation. Just click the Contact button below to get connected.

How long do counseling sessions typically last? 

Counseling sessions are typically 55 minutes long.  This gives me just a couple of minutes to prepare for my next session after you.  If you would benefit from longer sessions or greater frequency, that is something we can discuss when planning your care.

What happens during the first counseling session? 

Prior to your first counseling session, you will have completed some intake questionnaires to give me a little bit of an idea of what you want to work on.  During the first session, we will get to know one another.  I will ask you questions about yourself, and there will be time for you to address your concerns.  Often, I will lay the groundwork to begin thinking about things for next session. 

How do I know if I really need counseling? 

This is a great question about counseling and everyone is a little different.  Most clients who seek me have recently experienced some sort of life event or transition, and they are noticing old vulnerabilities resurfacing.  This can make them feel “stuck” in fear and anxiety, and they identify that they need some help sorting things out.   

How often will I need to come to counseling? 

I typically recommend that we work together on a weekly basis for the best outcomes.  However, frequency of counseling sessions is based on your needs and what is working for you, so this is something that we will plan collaboratively.

How long will I need to come to counseling? 

This is hard to answer because everyone is different in how long counseling takes for them to have the outcomes they are seeking.  I have clients who feel they get the support and tools they need within a few months, and others whose processing and healing may take months or years.  The important thing is that this is your journey, and we work together to determine what you need in the moment.   

What is the investment for counseling with you?

Private pay 55-minute sessions cost $120/hour, and $145/hour for 85-minute sessions.

Are counseling sessions covered by my insurance?

Possibly.  I am credentialed with several insurances through Headway in the state of North Carolina, and SonderMind in Colorado.  If you want to use your insurance for therapy, I can help you get set up for billing through the appropriate organization.  They will require you to have a credit card on file for copays and deductibles per your insurance plan.  It is important that you stay informed of what your insurance does and does not cover, and I encourage you to find out what your out of pocket costs will be for therapy before starting.     

How do I seek reimbursement from my insurance company? 

If I am an out of network provider for your PPO, I can provide you a Superbill on a monthly basis that includes dates of service and the amount paid.  Please note that a diagnosis must be included on the Superbill.  You can submit this form to your insurance company for reimbursement at their rate. For example, you may pay me $120 for a session, but you may only be reimbursed $75 depending on your plan. 

Where do counseling sessions take place? 

I am a LCSW and provide therapy in both North Carolina and Colorado.  For this reason, I am 100% virtual to meet the needs of those regions.  Doing virtual therapy may seem awkward or impersonal at first, but I have found that by the second session, the relationship between client and therapist grows and most clients do not even give it a second thought.  You will receive electronic reminders before session that will include the HIPPA compliant platform link for us to have our session with just a click of a button. 

To do virtual therapy, you are required to have a personal computer or tablet with strong internet service, and you must be knowledgeable about how your camera and microphone work. It is strongly advised that you have a space set up for privacy and comfort where you will not be interrupted.  I also highly recommend ear buds of some sort to reduce echoing. 

Who do you work with in your counseling practice? 

I work individually with adults of all ages, gender, and diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.  The commonality is that we as humans all struggle with emotions, memories, distressing thoughts, and anxiety about the future.  The difference is our individual and collective experiences, and how they contribute to our resilience as individuals or as a group.  I specialize in working with high functioning individuals with anxiety, life transitions, complex trauma, and grief and loss. 

What if counseling isn't working? 

Most of what works in counseling is whether you feel seen, heard, and understood by your therapist.  What changes for you and in your life is largely up to you and how you decide to implement the tools and insights learned in therapy.  With that said, not every therapy relationship is a good fit.  This can be due to personality, availability, cost, or an assortment of other reasons. Other times it may be that you would be better served by a therapist who practices different modalities such as CBT, DBT, or other solution focused practices.  We will discuss these needs and make a plan together to get you referred to someone else.  The important thing is that you get your needs met.

I know it can feel like a big step to call a counselor, but I’ll make it easy. We’ll spend 15-minutes on the phone and I’ll let you know how or if I can help. If I am not the right person, I’ll do my best to get you pointed in the right direction. You can call me at (303) 506-7063 or click below to contact me.