Start with a brief phone consult to ask questions, confirm fit, and decide next steps.
Book a free 15-minute consult
How do I schedule a consultation call?
FAQS
We clarify what you are looking for, confirm fit, review logistics like location and payment options, and decide next steps. It is brief and focused. You do not need to prepare anything.
What happens in the phone consult?
book a free 15 minute consult
What should I include in the consult request form?
Keep it brief. Logistics and a short description of what you want help with is enough. The form is HIPAA compliant and secure, but sensitive details are not necessary.
How do I prepare for my first session?
Before the first appointment, you will complete pre-intake paperwork, including a brief questionnaire and a few short measures. Please complete paperwork at least 48 hours before your appointment.
What can I expect during my first session?
The first intake is a broad overview of what brings you in and what you are experiencing in the present. The second intake goes deeper into relevant history and context so we can make a clear plan for the work.
How often do we meet?
Many clients start weekly, especially at the beginning. Frequency can change over time based on your goals, stability, and schedule.
What if I need urgent support?
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call 911. If you are not in immediate danger but need support, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. Our contact form is not monitored for emergencies.
I currently offer virtual sessions only. You must be physically located in Illinois or a PSYPACT participating state at the time of your session.
Do you offer virtual or in-person sessions?
No. You can be located in Illinois or a PSYPACT participating state. You must be physically located in an eligible state at the time of each session.
Do I have to live in Illinois to work with you?
Can we meet if I travel for work?
Often, yes. Because I am authorized through PSYPACT, I can meet with you when you are physically located in Illinois or another PSYPACT participating state at the time of the appointment. If you will be outside Illinois or outside PSYPACT states, we will need to reschedule. If you use insurance, coverage for sessions while you are in another state can vary by plan. If you want, confirm your telehealth coverage for your travel location before we meet.
Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
For many concerns, yes. Virtual therapy can be highly effective when you have privacy, a stable connection, and a space where you can focus.
Do you take insurance or offer self-pay?
Yes. I offer self-pay, out-of-network support, and I am in-network with select plans. Details and rates are on the Pricing and Insurance page.
How does out-of-network reimbursement work?
If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you pay me directly and I can provide a superbill you can submit for potential reimbursement. Many clients are surprised by how strong their out-of-network benefits are once they check. Reimbursement varies by plan and is not guaranteed.
Learn more here: Pricing and Insurance
Will I need a diagnosis if I use insurance?
Insurance billing requires a mental health diagnosis for reimbursement. If avoiding diagnosis on an insurance claim is important to you, self-pay may be a better fit.
Sometimes. Coverage rules for telehealth across state lines can vary by plan, even when the provider is authorized through PSYPACT. If you use insurance and travel frequently, it can help to confirm coverage with your insurance provider for your travel location.
Do insurance rules change if I am in another PSYPACT state?
Do you work with couples?
Yes. Couples therapy focuses on understanding the pattern, improving repair after conflict, and rebuilding trust.
Learn more here: Couples Therapy
Do you work with kids and adolescents?
No. I work with adults ages 21 and up.
Can I add EMDR while I keep seeing my current therapist?
Sometimes, yes. With your written permission, I am happy to collaborate with your therapist so care feels coordinated and clear.
Learn more here: EMDR Therapy
How will I know I’m done with therapy?
Many clients consider therapy complete when they feel more steady inside, their patterns feel more flexible, and they trust themselves to handle challenges differently. We check in on progress and goals as we go.
Related Pages
Finding the right therapist is an important step, and this consultation is a chance for us to see if we’d be a good fit. In this brief call, we’ll talk about what you’re looking for in therapy, how I may be able to help, and whether my expertise aligns with your needs. This is also an opportunity for a quick “fit check”—therapy works best when you feel comfortable with your therapist, so we’ll get a sense of how we connect before scheduling an intake session. There’s no pressure or obligation—just a chance to explore whether working together feels right for you.
15-Minute Consultation
Free
We’ll talk about what you’re looking for in therapy, how I may be able to help, and whether my expertise aligns with your needs. It's a no pressure "fit check."