What is a free consultation?

A free consultation is meant to be a short conversation between a potential client and therapist to determine whether they are a good fit. The client will briefly share the issues he or she is dealing with, ask questions about the therapist and the therapeutic process, and get a general sense of what it would be like to work with the therapist. The therapist asks questions to determine if the client would be best served by her or someone else and may offer referrals to a different therapist if needed.

How much does therapy cost?

My rates are $140 per 50-minute session for individual therapy, $150 per 50-minute session for pre-marital counseling, and $160 per 50-minute session for couples counseling. Clients can book longer session times at the same rate.

How many sessions does therapy take?

The process is different for everyone and is based on the individual and his or her goals. People heal and change at different paces. When a client prefers solution-focused methods for addressing issues, therapy could take as little as 6-8 sessions to achieve goals. If a client is seeking to heal the root of the issue in order to experience long-term change or has a more complex issue, therapy will likely take longer.

Do you take insurance?

I do accept HSA and FSA cards as payment for sessions, and Poiema Counseling, LLC is considered an out-of-network provider. This means your insurance company may reimburse a portion of your costs if you file a claim yourself. If you are interested in self-submitting out-of-network claims, I am happy to provide a superbill for services rendered.

I do not accept insurance. Most insurance companies tend to focus on medical outcomes, requiring a diagnosis that permanently labels individuals. A diagnosis may not be appropriate for you. Private pay prevents insurance companies and employers from accessing your mental health history. Paying directly allows you to maintain complete control and confidentiality of your sessions.

What does the first session look like?

During the first session, the therapist ensures that the client understands the therapeutic relationship, policies, confidentiality, and how to proceed with treatment. The therapist listens to the client’s story and asks questions to better understand and attune to the client. The client and therapist collaborate on a treatment plan to address the client’s goals for therapy to begin the process.