How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy is something that can benefit all of us. It is so rare that we get a chance to set time aside and allow ourselves to focus on ourselves. The demands of our life keep us in a reactive pattern where we default to old patterns and behaviors. If you keep feeling like it’s just too hard to change your thoughts or behaiviors, a deeper approach is needed. Building a trusting relationship with a therapist allows you to notice how your body and brain responds based on old wiring and patterns. You can then learn new knowledge and skills to live your life in a new way and try out new, small actions with support.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
This is a really important question! We know from research that your relationship with your therapist is as important as any specific method that is used. This is why a free consultation is so important! 15 minutes is just a start to ask specific questions, and get a general idea if you feel comfortable enough to move forward. As you take part in therapy, you will have plateaus, but you should always feel comfortable expressing your concerns and questions. Processing your experiences and feelings matter, AND you should begin feeling confident to take small action steps.
Insurance and Fees
I do not currently accept insurance, but I can provide you with a superbill. If you want to submit a superbill to your insurance, or use HSA funds, keep in mind that I do need to provide a mental health diagnostic code. During intake, you will have access to a Good Faith Estimate (GFE). You may also be able to access out of network benefits, but this is highly dependent on your specific health insurance benefits and your deductible. I am not an insurance expert, so please always verify with your insurance company. Please visit the Insurance and Fees page for more details.
What is the difference between a traditional session and an intensive approach?
Traditional sessions are usually scheduled once a week. Due to scheduling or financial concerns, some people will attend two sessions a month. Many people find it helpful to have regular and scheduled support. This model works well if you are going to submit a superbill to your insurance. I also offer a variation of traditional sessions where you do a 45-minute weekly session that includes a 15-minute telehealth check-in between sessions.
Intensive programs allow you to go deeper, without the starts and stops of weekly sessions. It can be really helpful when you are very motivated to heal or change, but it has been hard to carve out time for yourself.
Do you diagnose? Are there mental health issues you do not treat?
LCSW’s are licensed to provide many mental health diagnoses but cannot prescribe medications. There are exceptions to this, as well as best care guidelines. For an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, insurance companies, medication providers, and school systems typically want a thorough series of extensive psychological testing completed. As a LCSW, I can’t administer or interpret psychological testing. As a mental health therapist, my focus is always on helping you identify the traits that are impacting you, not necessarily a specific diagnosis. During intake, we can explore this further through screening tools. Sometimes, I will be part of a larger team that is supporting you. You may see a psychologist for a full evaluation, or you might see a psychiatrist or nurse practioner for your medication needs.
Depending on your presenting issues, there will be times when I will help you find other professional resources to aid you in that process if we feel like that is in your best interest. For example, if you are in need of a trauma therapist, or are experiencing severe mood or thought disorders, I will try and help you find more focused care.
Telehealth? In - Person?
I am a licensed clinical social worker which allows me to provide telehealth and in-person therapy to people living in Tennessee. Telehealth has been shown to be as effective as in-person therapy, and offers greater flexibility and less of a time commitment. Some people prefer in-person. If you are in the Nashville/Brentwood/Franklin/Spring Hill area, you could do either or a hybrid approach. **All free consultations are done through my confidential portal when possible, scheduled through the consult buttons.
How long does therapy last?
That depends on you! The action plan we develop together depends on:
your readiness and confidence to change
the amount of awareness and knowledge you already have about yourself and what you want to heal and change
how comfortable you feel to explore and try new actions
what is going on in your life right now (schedule/capacity/other stressors)
The GOAL is to use therapy as the support and bridge you need to start making change that you will be able to continue on your own!