Questions people ask

We talk. I explain how privacy works and answer your questions about fees, then you tell me as much or as little about your loss as you want. Nothing is required of you. At the end we decide together whether to meet again.

If you are asking, you may be ready. Counseling can be a steady place to talk whether the loss was last week or years ago. It does not replace care from your doctor, and if you are in crisis, call or text 988.

Your fee is given to you in writing before you start. The How fees work page explains insurance, paying yourself and the written estimate.

I am an out-of-network counselor and do not bill insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. I can give you a monthly itemized receipt, called a superbill, to send to your plan if you want to ask for reimbursement. Your plan decides whether it pays.

A superbill is an itemized receipt you can send to your insurance plan if you want to ask for reimbursement for out-of-network care. I give you one at the end of each month. It lists a diagnosis code, which your plan will see. Whether your plan pays is its decision.

If you pay without insurance, you have the right to receive an estimate of what care will cost before you start. I give you one in writing before your first session. It is an estimate and not a contract, and you can dispute a bill that comes in $400 or more above it.

Many health savings and flexible spending cards can be used for sessions. Your plan can tell you what it accepts.

Many people start with weekly sessions and meet less often over time. Your pace sets the rhythm, and we can change it whenever it stops fitting.

Yes, for clients who are in Oregon during the session, where I am licensed. If you live elsewhere, I am glad to help you look for a counselor licensed where you live.

This office is not monitored around the clock. If you are thinking of ending your life or are in crisis, call or text 988, any time. In an emergency, call 911.

What you say stays between us, with a few limits the law sets: a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, abuse of a child or of an older or dependent adult, and a court order. I explain these in the first session. I keep your records private and share them only as the law allows.

Please give 24 hours' notice to cancel or move a session. A later cancellation may be charged, up to the fee for the session.