Common questions about therapy, my practice, and getting started
Getting started is easy! You can schedule your free 30-minute consultation online using the booking system on the Contact page, or you can email me directly at hello@serenity.therapy. I'll respond within 24 business hours to confirm your appointment.
The first session is completely free, so there's no financial commitment. It's a chance for us to get to know each other and make sure we're a good fit.
No referral is needed to contact me directly or to schedule a consultation. However, some insurance plans do require a referral from your primary care doctor. I can help you navigate this—just let me know when you book.
Just bring yourself! However, it's helpful if you have:
I'll have you complete an intake form with your history and goals.
The length of therapy varies based on your needs and goals. Some people benefit from short-term therapy (8–12 sessions) focused on a specific issue. Others prefer ongoing therapy for deeper personal growth. We'll discuss your goals and check in regularly on progress.
Many people come to therapy for the first time, and that's completely normal. There's no "right way" to be in therapy. In our first session, we'll talk about what to expect, answer any questions, and make sure you feel comfortable. I'll explain my approach and answer all your questions before we dive into deeper work.
Yes, with very limited exceptions. Everything you share is protected by therapist-client privilege. I cannot disclose your information without your permission, except in rare cases where:
I'll always discuss these limits with you upfront.
That's okay—uncertainty is normal. The free consultation is a perfect opportunity to explore this. We can talk about whether therapy might help, and if it's not a good fit right now, I can help you think through options. There's no pressure, and I respect whatever you decide.
I don't prescribe medication—that's the role of a psychiatrist or medical doctor. However, I work well with prescribers. If therapy combined with medication might be helpful, I'll discuss this with you and can provide referrals to psychiatrists or nurse practitioners in our area who specialize in medications for anxiety, depression, and other conditions.
Yes! I offer both in-person and secure online video therapy sessions. Online sessions are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant platform, so your privacy is fully protected. Many people find online therapy convenient and equally effective.
I ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. This allows me to offer the time to another client. If you cancel with less notice, a 50% cancellation fee applies. Of course, emergencies happen—if something comes up, just let me know.
If you miss a session without notice, the full session fee applies. This protects my availability for other clients. However, if something comes up—an emergency, a scheduling conflict—let me know as soon as possible. I'm understanding about unexpected situations.
Individual sessions are typically 50 minutes (allowing 10 minutes for administrative tasks). Couples sessions are usually 60 minutes. This gives us plenty of time to explore what's on your mind.
Most clients start with weekly (once per week) sessions. As you progress, we may adjust frequency based on your needs and goals. Some people move to bi-weekly or monthly maintenance sessions. The ideal frequency is something we'll discuss based on your situation.
Your privacy is paramount. I keep detailed records securely, follow HIPAA regulations strictly, and only share information with your permission or as required by law. All online sessions use encrypted, HIPAA-compliant technology.
I respect your privacy in public. I won't acknowledge you as a client unless you greet me first. This protects your confidentiality and privacy. If you'd like to discuss this further, we can talk about it in session.
I'm available for brief, non-urgent communication via secure email. For emergencies (suicidal thoughts, safety concerns), please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. I check emails daily during business hours and typically respond within 24 hours.
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about harming yourself:
Therapy is valuable for ongoing mental health, but it's not a substitute for emergency care.
Yes, I'm an in-network provider for most major insurance plans. See the full list on the Fees & Insurance page. I can verify your benefits before your first session so you know exactly what to expect cost-wise.
Absolutely! Mental health services are eligible FSA and HSA expenses. I can provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit for reimbursement.
Cost is never a reason to go without help. I offer sliding scale fees based on your financial situation. We can also discuss payment plans, group discounts, or other arrangements. Your wellbeing matters more to me than the payment.
I'm happy to answer any questions before you schedule. Reach out anytime.
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