True North Counseling and Consulting
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FAQs

What can I expect during the first session?
Meeting with a new therapist can be uncomfortable for many people, so my first priority is to put you at ease. During the initial consultation session, we will get to know each other, review your Client Intake Questionnaire, discuss the reason(s) you’re seeking counseling, and discuss what you hope to gain from the experience. You will have a chance to ask any questions you may have about me, my practice, the counseling process, and our time together. We will also determine how frequently we will meet and other logistics.

Is there any paperwork I need to complete?
Yes, there are three forms I ask my clients to complete before our initial session.

Do you accept health insurance?
I do not accept insurance. I strongly believe that it is important for mental health counseling to remain as confidential as possible and for me do everything I can to protect the private and intimate information you share in my office. When you file a medical claim through your insurance, your confidential records may be partially exposed to your insurance company and the people who work there. However, if you would like to file with your insurance company, I am happy to provide you with a receipt that you may submit for out-of-network reimbursement. I also accept Health Savings/Flexible Spending Account debit cards. Please see the Investment section of my website for more information.

How much does each sessions cost?
The 90-minute initial intake session costs $150. 50-minute follow-up session rates vary, however, the average rate is $100. We will discuss your payment rate during your phone consultation.

Do you offer a sliding scale or discounts for someone who can’t afford the session fees?
Yes, I offer a discount on the 50-minute follow-up sessions for clients who are 65 and older, active or veteran military personnel, and active or veteran first responders. I am also a registered therapist with Open Path, a non-profit organization that helps people find low-cost mental health care. Please visit www.openpathcollective.org for more information.

What are your office hours?
I prefer to maintain flexible hours in order to cater to my clients’ needs. I offer day, evening, and weekend appointments. Please note: I am currently only working in the office on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.


Do you offer flexibility with the time length of sessions?
Yes. While most sessions are 50 minutes in length, I will provide 90-minute sessions on an as-needed basis. The cost of a 90-minute session will be adjusted accordingly.


Do you offer online/virtual sessions?
Yes, I do offer virtual therapy sessions. However, whenever possible, I strongly encourage in-person sessions. I believe that in-person therapy is most effective, as it allows me to learn and read your individual non-verbal cues that online sessions don’t always allow. I strive to maintain a personal, energy-driven connection with each of my clients and eliminate any external barriers to that connection.

What happens if I have to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
I understand that sickness and emergencies arise, therefore I offer a very lenient, 4-hour cancellation policy. However, if you cancel your appointment within 4 hours of your appointment or do not show up without notice, you will be charged a “No-Show/Late Cancellation Fee.”

How do you integrate yoga into therapy? 
Yoga is used in therapy as a coping mechanism to regulate the body's response to stress. It is used in conjuction with Polyvagal Theory (for more information on Polyvagal Theory, click here). Yoga poses are tailored to each individual's needs. They are used to target different parts of the nervous system to combat the effects of stressors. There is no integration of any religious practice with yoga therapy. Instead, it focuses on the neuroscience of the poses to create a state of safety and balance. Yoga poses are matched to clients' skill levels and are only a part of the therapeutic process; you will not be asked to partcipate in a full yoga practice during your therapy session.

Do you work with other therapists?
My office is located in a suite that houses myself and three other mental health therapists, where we share office expenses such as rent and utilities. However, we each have our own individual practices and work independently from one another. I also have an extensive professional network, should you need a referral.

Why did you choose to work independently and not for an agency?
I prefer to be involved in all aspects of the counseling process in order to provide each of my clients with customized, personal care and maintain the most confidential environment possible. At larger agencies, there are often administrative assistants who handle reception, scheduling, billing, etc. with whom you may need to speak about your case. I want my clients to feel confident in knowing that they will not have to speak to anyone but me about their care, and their private information will never be shared with anyone else.
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