Make an Appointment: 240-489-1108 |   [email protected]

  • FAQs

    I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

    Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason aren’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

    What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

    The difference is between someone who can do something and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

    Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

    Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.

    Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.

    How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

    Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs

    How long will it take?

    Unfortunately, this is not possible to say on a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

    I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

    I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.

    Do you offer Couples counseling?

    No, the practice focuses on individual therapy only.


    Insurance FAQ

    Does my insurance cover therapy?

    Most insurance plans cover therapy for mental and behavioral health conditions. However, each plan is different.

    How much your particular plan covers depends on several factors, like high deductible, and whether the service is in-network or out-of-network.  You need to contact your insurance company directly.

    How much does therapy cost with my health insurance plan?

    The insurance companies and the provider have a contracted rate, that is the amount the provider will be reimbursed, regardless of the amount the client pays.

    The client’s portion of the payment depends on a couple of factors

    A)  The coverage of the specific plan

    There are two key two terms that determine your payment amount per therapy session.

    • Deductible — The sum total of medical costs you need to pay each year before your insurance coverage begins. (All your medical costs contribute to this, not just therapy costs.)
    • Copay — The set fee you pay at every therapy session after your deductible is met. This typically ranges from $10 to $50 per session. Some policies may not even have a copayment.

    B) In-network vs. out-of-network

    In-network: If your therapist is in-network, you will have to pay a copay and/or deductible (see section A). The final cost depends on your specific plan.

    • Find out how much each session will cost by looking at your summary of benefits or contacting your health insurance provider directly.

    Out-of-network: If you are seeing a therapist out-of-network, then you will have to pay the whole fee the therapist charges upfront.

    You may be able to get reimbursed a portion of out-of-network costs by using out-of-network benefits. The therapist can provide documentation to submit your claim.

    What types of therapy does the Insurance plan cover?

    Insurance companies mostly cover modalities of treatment that are evidence-based. For example, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Play Therapy for children.

    A therapist may use different types of therapy approaches in your sessions.

    What kinds of therapy does the insurance plan not cover?

    Most insurance companies do not cover the following:

    • Couples counseling
    • Life Coaching
    • Career Coaching
    • Parenting Coordination

    What conditions does the insurance plan cover?

    Mental health conditions insurance plan covers may all the conditions that have a medical diagnosis. For example:

    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Trauma
    • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    • Eating disorders
    • Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder
    • Substance use disorder

    Note that therapists are required to assign you a diagnosis for the above conditions, as well as share the diagnosis with your health insurance if you are using benefits to pay for therapy.

    If you don’t want your insurance company (or family members, if you have a shared plan) to have access to this information about your mental health, consider out-of-network options instead.

    Does my insurance plan cover online therapy?

    Most insurance plans cover online therapy. This benefit depends on the specific policy.


    [email protected] | 240-489-1108 | Germantown, MD 20874-2640