MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Counseling holds intentional space for your thoughts, your feelings, your goals, your dreams, your experiences, and your life transformation. If you're motivated to work through barriers, create balance, develop peace, and claim your life, I would love the opportunity to walk alongside you. It's important for you to be heard in a supportive environment that fosters meaningful change and improvement to the quality of your life. I value the opportunity to collaborate, advocate for you, and build relationships. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and National Board Certified Counselor, I provide evidence- based individual telehealth or online counseling for adults. I've worked in the mental health field for 21 years, and at heart, I'm a helper. I'm interested in learning your story.
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Having worked in various inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, residential, and educational programs, I've provided clinical services for an array of mental health and dual diagnosis issues. I work with adults experiencing grief and various types of loss, difficult life transitions, trauma, anxiety, parenting, relationship issues, and caregiver/ care provider concerns. My approach includes Cognitive Behavioral, Mindfulness, Person Centered Supportive, Multicultural, and Solution- focused Brief therapeutic strategies to build wellness.
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My style is warm, practical, and collaborative, focused on supporting informed decision making as well as gains in insight and functioning. I am passionate about community engagement and remain active in various programs that strengthen the individual and our responsibilities to uplift and care for each other.
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Credentials
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), National Board Certified Counselor (NCC)
Certified Advanced Grief Specialist (CAGS)
M.A. in Community Counseling -St. Joseph College/ Child Welfare Specialization
B.A. in Psychology, with Mental Health Specialization- Southern CT State University
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Questions and Answers
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Can you tell me more about telehealth counseling?
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Absolutely! Telehealth counseling is an evidence based treatment option that allows you to receive emotional wellness services in the privacy of your own home, or wherever you are able to safely utilize your cellphone, tablet, or laptop computer with WIFI. Services are timely and include the use of a secure platform for video sessions to safeguard your confidentiality, as much as is possible with any electronic transmission. There may be instances in which phone counseling may also be utilized. Telehealth counseling supports access to services and removes the need to travel to receive counseling which may not be available locally. As a Licensed for North Carolina, telehealth allows me to "virtually" meet you where you are throughout the state.
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I don't have a lot of time, is counseling a long commitment?
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Great question! Counseling is based on your individual needs and the investment you desire to make in your wellness. While some people may participate in counseling for more than a year, others may benefit from counseling for a period of months, and in some cases, weeks. Many people even notice improved functioning after a few consistent sessions.
What's the process of counseling?
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Counseling or talk therapy helps to identify and address the issues that are causing you difficulty or distress, and is also useful when there would be a benefit from psychoeducation. When you express your interest in outpatient counseling, we begin with an assessment to gather information and determine appropriateness. We then work together to create a plan and goals, developing tools to manage your response, improve your awareness and wellbeing, and support goal accomplishment.
Sessions with a licensed counselor involves utilizing the skills of a professional with the training necessary to identify and support your needs for care and personal growth. I also teach a proactive versus reactive approach to self care that encourages you to utilize tools that work well for you.
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Do I have to be in "rough shape" to benefit from counseling?
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Not at all! Counseling is about building wellness from wherever you are and continuing to strengthen skills that will benefit you throughout life. While some people first participate in counseling services when experiencing a point of crisis in their lives, many also ideally benefit from counseling simply when there is recognition they can make improvements, gain new tools, professional perspective, and emotional support. This can be in areas such as enhancing self awareness, preparing for and managing life transitions, positive communication, learning about setting boundaries, and healthy relationships.
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What is the cost and length of counseling sessions?
Do you accept insurance? Sliding fee scale?
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Counseling sessions are $130 for a 60 minute individual session, and $150 for a couples session dedicated to identifying and processing your needs, also creating healthy solutions for you. I am an out of network provider and do not accept insurance. If you are seeking to use your insurance benefits, you may contact your insurance company directly and request provider referrals based on your plan.
Some insurance companies do also offer reimbursement for out of network counseling services, such as those available through my practice and this can verified. As a private pay therapist, all sessions are provided based on your self payment in advance using your health services account (HSA) card or major credit cards- American Express, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.
There are various reasons that I utilize private pay for counseling services, including:
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1) Self payment allows you to fully make the decision to start and discontinue services as you choose, and therefore receive the services you want and need
2) Private pay services allow more privacy and do not require that your treatment information become a permanent part of your medical record.
3) Private pay services do not always require the recording of a diagnosis. It is important that services best represent your needs at any given time.
A sliding fee scale may be available on a case by case basis and can be asked about directly.
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What is your policy for cancellations?
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Thanks for asking! All sessions are scheduled in advance to reserve dedicated time for you. If you are not able to attend an appointment, please provide 24 hours notice. Without this notice, you will maintain the cost for the full session.
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How do I know if counseling will be right for me?
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Great point! I offer a FREE 20 minute initial consultation call to talk with you about the treatment process, determine what you would like to gain from counseling, and answer questions you may have. This provides an opportunity to determine if working together would be a good fit. The decision to participate in counseling is always your choice. I approach counseling services with you as the expert of your life, whereas I am a professional guide and support along the way.
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