Get answers about telehealth therapy from Cultivating Capacity, including availability, payment options, insurance, scheduling, and cancellation policies. My approach prioritizes collaboration and informed consent, which starts with making sure you have all the practical information you need upfront. Browse the questions below to learn more about how we might work together.
My practice is entirely virtual. Telehealth (also known as telemedicine and telemental health) enables you and your family to attend psychotherapy sessions from your computer, tablet, or smartphone from California, the District of Columbia, Idaho, Iowa, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Telehealth services are not appropriate for all clients and all situations. During the Diagnostic Evaluation, I will determine whether telehealth psychotherapy services are appropriate and provide you with referrals if in-person services may better support your situation.
Currently, I only see clients on Mondays, though I occasionally offer weeknight or weekend appointments to established clients.
Visit my contact page to submit an inquiry or request a complimentary 15-minute consultation. If we both feel we’re compatible during your consultation, we’ll schedule your first appointment.
When my schedule permits. I partner with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for those who cannot afford current market rates, lack adequate health insurance, or who have historically experienced barriers to mental healthcare:
I also offer reduced fee agreements for clients who cannot afford the established rate, don’t qualify for any therapy funds, and who are open to a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach. Scholarships are also available to graduate students in training to become a mental health professional if the training program, state, or licensing body requires personal counseling as a condition of licensure.
Appointments canceled or rescheduled with more than 24 hours in advance will not incur any fees. Appointments canceled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur a missed appointment fee (50% of the original fee). If no notice is given, a no-show fee (100% of the original fee) applies.
Electronic payments via credit or debit cards, or Flexible/Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA) funds.
I accept only self-payment (or "self-pay”) for services, which offers several benefits that insurance cannot provide:
If you have a PPO or POS plan, you most likely have Out-Of-Network (OON) benefits. This means your insurance may reimburse you a percentage of any out-of-pocket costs as determined by your plan's coverage. I recommend calling your insurance provider directly to determine what your plan offers. If you choose to use your OON benefits, I can provide you with invoices or superbills directly to you to submit to your insurance company. I do not communicate with insurance companies or panels directly.
An estimate of the cost of services, as required by the No Surprises Act, which is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, is designed to protect clients from receiving unexpected medical bills. The Good Faith Estimate provision of the No Surprises Act is designed to give clients an estimate of how much they’ll be charged for the healthcare services they’ll be receiving, prior to their appointment. Under the No Surprises Act, healthcare providers (including psychotherapists like myself) must give clients who don't have or use insurance a Good Faith Estimate of the bill medical items and services, including psychotherapy. A Good Faith Estimate of expected charges is available upon scheduling or upon your request.
Intake paperwork must be completed 48 hours before your initial appointment. During your Diagnostic Evaluation, we’ll review the paperwork together, including legally binding contract information. You will never be asked to sign something I have not explained to you or given you time to review.
My Client Portal provides a secure, HIPAA-compliant method for viewing upcoming appointments, requesting new appointments, completing paperwork, paying your psychotherapy bills, messaging me, and accessing your telehealth sessions. The SimplePractice Client Portal is accessible via your preferred web browser, and the mobile app is available on the App Store and Google Play Store.
The U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires companies that work with protected health information (PHI) to implement and follow physical, network, and process security measures. HIPAA laws protect health information relating to an individual's past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, treatment for the condition, and payment for treatment.
Benefits include increased privacy, reduced stigma, and greater convenience. Telehealth also improves access to both care in general and to providers with certain specializations and expertise. Potential risks can include technical problems, data breaches, slower response to crises, and interruptions by the people, pets, and events in your home. While these lists are not exhaustive, they are important to consider when choosing between in-person and virtual mental healthcare.