Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during my first visit?
The first visit is an intake and evaluation. Although you may be anxious and seeking immediate relief, the real work of therapy does not necessarily begin during this first session. The intake is an important part of your therapeutic process, but it is mainly for completing and going over paperwork and ensuring we are a good match to work together.
How long does each therapy session take?
A typical session will be 50-55 minutes. There are some exceptions with couples and family sessions if we schedule (in advance) a session that may last 60-90 minutes.
Do you offer sliding scale rates?
We do offer a select number of sliding scale slots. These are determined by gross annual income and individual circumstances. This is left to the discretion of the therapist and are subject to change and approval . We also partner with Open Path and Therapy Aid.
What therapeutic techniques or theories do you use?
I practice humanistic and integrative therapies; I use a combination of therapeutic practices that best fit each client. I pull from modalities such as mindfulness based cognitive behavioral, experiential, positive psychotherapy, and more.
Make sure that all of your initial paperwork is completed and any requested information is brought with you. If applicable, please bring your DFCS paperwork, custody/court paperwork, insurance card, and identification cards. Make sure to have your payment; all payments are due at the time of session (unless otherwise discussed with your therapist).
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If you are doing sessions online, you will simply need to click the link provided and check in when it is your session time.
What do I need to for my first session?
What are the risks and benefits of therapy?
Due to the nature of therapy, there are inherent risks, but there are also benefits. Talk therapy requires vulnerability and can leave client's feeling exposed and raw after discussing certain topics. You may be triggered by something we talk about and can experience negatively perceived emotions such as anger, sadness, shame, anxiety, etc. Benefits can include improved mood, increased satisfaction, improved interpersonal relationships, and more.
Can you prescribe me medication?
No, but we can discuss seeing a psychiatrist or your primary care provider if you would like to add the option of medication to therapy. A psychiatrist is an MD who specializes in mental health diagnosis and treatments. Please be aware that any recommendations or paperwork required for emotional support animals or FMLA/short term disability completed outside of sessions are subject to a documentation fee.
Can I utilize telemental health services if I live out of state?
You can only see a provider that is licensed in the state that you live in, even though getting connected online would be easy no matter where you live. This also applies to current clients who temporarily travel outside of the state. Please discuss any vacations or trips prior to leaving. This may change with Counseling Compact that is in progress. For more information, please visit the website: https://counselingcompact.org/
Can we be friends on social media?
No. Because of confidentiality and the type of relationship therapy consists of, it is unethical for a therapist to befriend clients on social media and/or in person. We can certainly discuss social skills and strengthening relationships!
How do I access my teletherapy sessions?
Our practice currently utilizes the EHR Jane App for sessions. You can access you session using the link sent in your reminder email or text, or on the client portal. A back up option is doxy.me for video sessions or phone. If for some reason there are issues with the primary site, you and. your provider can agree to use a back up option.
Do you accept insurance?
At this time, Charlotte does accept some insurances through third party billing site called Headway and other platforms such as SonderMind and Grow Therapy. We value insurance and appreciate some client's desire to utilize it. However, what many have found, is that insurance companies dictate number of sessions and what kind of treatment they think we should provide. That can make our work difficult and prevent us from getting to the in-depth work some clients need and deserve. If we don't accept your insurance or would like to opt out, self-pay is an option. Some insurances will allow you to file for out-of-network benefits. You are responsible for filing and knowing what your benefits are. Our office is more than happy to provide you with statements or superbill. For a list of accepted insurances, please see the Find Support tab.
How do I know if I have out-of-network benefits?
We've partnered with Mentaya, a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits.Mentaya is perfect if you:Have out-of-network benefitsFeel overwhelmed by superbills and insuranceHave submitted superbills but failed to get any reimbursementSimply want to skip the hassle of paperwork!Here's how it works:Sign up for Mentaya: https://mentaya.co/inviteclient/WyoBYbTY1hXcNf4gxBerOur practice will enter your sessions into the platform.Mentaya submits the claim and handles any insurance follow-up.You get reimbursed by insurance! Mentaya charges a 5% fee per claim, which includes handling any paperwork required, dealing with denials, and calling insurance companies. It's risk-free: They guarantee claims are successfully submitted, or a full refund of their fees.
Are you an ally?
What is the difference between a support group and therapy group?
Yes! I have worked with many members of the LGBTQIA+ and kink community. I enjoy this work, but I would not claim to be an expert. I strive to always be welcoming and inviting for all clients. I also encourage you to let me know if something needs to be changed to make you feel more welcomed. This applies to all clients in any type of therapy setting.
In a support group, the facilitator is usually a peer that guides the process and intervenes when needed. Participants support each other, give feedback or suggestions when asked. These groups are usually open at all times to new members.
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In a therapy group, the facilitator is a professional healthcare or mental health provider. This type of group focuses more on group dynamics and therapeutic process for each participant. They are typically closed groups and set for specific time period (i.e. has a start and end date).
Do you allow service or emotional support animals?
Yes! Of course, all service and emotional support animals are allowed. Please no pets and be sure to notify your clinician if you have a service animal that you would like to bring with you to sessions.
Can I bring my kids?
Is your office baby friendly?
Yes! Infants who are non-mobile are welcome in the office anytime. Sometimes it can be easier, especially if you are breast(chest)feeding, to bring your baby with you. The office has baby gear for your little one to enjoy. If we recognize it may be too distracting for you, we will discuss different options at that time. This also serves as a trigger warning for anyone who has experienced a recent loss. If seeing baby items is difficult for you, this is a great thing to bring up to your clinician!
Where do the Walk-and-Talk sessions take place?
Due to the nature of therapy and topics that may be discussed, I would strongly recommend finding a babysitter or getting a family member to watch your kids when you have an appointment. This is to allow you to focus on what you are working on and to feel relaxed. That being said, sometimes things fall through, so please discuss this with your clinician prior to bringing your kid(s) with you.
Locations can vary depending on your specific needs. We can walk the area around the office, or if you need a flat and paved trail, a great place for most clients is at Eagles Beak Park located at 8420 Old Federal Road Ball Ground, GA 30107.
Do you have parking?
Yes! There is plenty of parking in the office park. There is a handicap spot right in front of the office entrance and a ramp for stollers.
Do you have a restroom in the office?
Yes, we do have a restroom within the office. It has a changing table and commonly needed items for baby.