Getting started is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Schedule a free, 25-minute consultation with me. During the consultation, I want to make sure that counseling is right for you and I want to answer any questions you may have about me or my practice.

2. Schedule an intake interview. During this first session, I really want to get to know you, what you're wanting to work on in counseling, and some of the things going on in your life that may be impacting your quality of life.

3. Begin your counseling journey. Counseling can sometimes be a short process or sometimes it can take a bit longer than you expected (see "How long will I be in counseling?" on this page), but it will always take commitment and an investment. I'm ready to stick with you through this process and collaborate on what your journey should look like. Together, we will decide how often you need to meet, what your goals are, and whether we need to make changes as we go along.

In a lot of ways, it's really up to you! Everyone's journey in counseling looks different based on their level of commitment, the issues they're dealing with, and how invested they are in counseling. As a general guideline, people typically spend less time in counseling the less severe their issues are, the more motivated they are, and the more invested they are.

Counseling, except in certain circumstances, is completely voluntary, so you are the guide for your journey. This means you get to decide how long you're willing to stick with the process, but it also means you're responsible for what you put into the process.

Part of the beginning phase of counseling is setting goals with a specific timeline in mind to help you gauge your progress. So, rest assured my goal is not to keep you in counseling forever (or at all, if you don't want to be in counseling). I want you to reach your goals in a timely manner, so this is something we'll talk about early on.

If you want to see me via telehealth, we'll need to simulate a therapeutic environment in each of our locations.

For you, this means that you will need a device (like a phone, laptop, or tablet) with a stable internet connection that is video and audio capable for us to meet online. You'll also need a safe, quiet, and distraction-free (or at least low-distraction) environment for you to be in while we have our sessions.

It's important that you reserve a place for yourself that has these qualities, so that you're able to talk openly about whatever's on your mind and you're able to dedicate an hour of your time really working towards your goals. The idea is to minimize interruptions and make sure you're able to say things you need to say without others around.

Let's be clear though, pets, a soothing candle, or any other supports you like to use are always welcome. Also, feel free to wear whatever makes you feel comfy!

My rate for an individual 50-minute session is $100 and my rate for a 90-minute couples' session is $135.

I realize first responder families may not have the same financial resources as other families which is why I offer a reduced rate of $50 for 50-minute sessions and $75 for 90-minute couple and family sessions.

I prefer not to work with insurance companies because they often require a diagnosis, rigid treatment plans, and specific types of evidence that you are improving to decide whether they will pay for your sessions. While we will set up a treatment plan for you to help measure your progress, insurance companies often have strict limitations for how they expect you to progress in counseling.

I understand that counseling is not a linear process, and I recognize that every client's progress looks different. Consequently, it can sometimes be hard to "prove" to insurance companies how and when clients are getting better.

It's also important to me not to over-diagnose or over-emphasize problems for clients who are dealing with issues that are quite common to the human experience. In general, I prefer to provide you with an individualized treatment approach that matches your unique qualities and journey rather than making your growth fit into the approved insurance process.

Additionally, when using insurance to pay for services, more people will have access to your information such as your diagnosis, how often you attend counseling, and other personal information included in your counseling record. Some clients may prefer not to have this information shared for privacy and employment purposes.

Although I do not file with insurance companies, you may be able to coordinate with your insurance provider to receive reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses. If you would like to do so, I'm happy to provide you with the necessary documentation. However, it will be your responsibility to clear this process with your insurance provider before beginning counseling.

I understand that finances can be difficult to talk about and can sometimes be a barrier to receiving services. If we are a good match for one another but my services are outside of your budget, I'm happy to discuss a time-limited reduced rate fee. Please feel free to bring this up in our consultation call.

I accept a limited number of reduced rate clients, so this may not always be an option. If we are unable to reach a workable financial agreement, I will provide you with alternative low cost options to help you get counseling you can afford.

Let's be honest - nobody likes surprises about money unless it means we're receiving money. Under the No Surprises Act, a Good Faith Estimate ensures that you don't experience any surprise medical bills when paying out-of-pocket for services.

A Good Faith Estimate is not a bill, but it's like an itemized receipt meant to help you prepare to pay for a health service like counseling before actually utilizing the service. I'm all about transparency, so if you would like to receive a Good Faith Estimate I'm happy to provide one for you after our consultation call.

However, please keep in mind a Good Faith Estimate is simply that - an estimate. It is not a contract for services and your actual cost for counseling may be higher or lower depending on whether you stay in counseling longer or shorter than originally planned.

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana and I have a National Counselor Certification (NCC).

For more information about these titles, see the next two FAQs.

In terms of education, I received my Bachelor of Science and Arts in Neuroscience with a Minor in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2016. I earned my Master of Education in Professional Counseling from the University of Houston in 2019. Lastly, I completed my Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2022.

In Indiana, Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) are licensed counselors who are legally allowed to provide counseling services without any supervisory restrictions as long as they are following legal and ethical requirements. In order to become an LMHC, individuals must complete a master's degree in counseling and pass the National Counselor Examination to earn their Associate license. Then, Associates must complete 3000 hours of counseling experience under supervision and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. I completed these requirements and received my LMHC in 2023.

NCC stands for National Certified Counselor. Counselors are not required to get the NCC credential in order to provide services in most states. However, some counselors choose to get an NCC to demonstrate that they have completed rigorous training and continue to show a professional commitment to the field of counseling. The National Board for Certified Counselors sets the standards for NCCs to maintain their credential that help ensure NCCs are staying up-to-date on trends and issues in the counseling field.

Realistically, what this means for you is that I have completed counseling training that goes above the minimum requirements for licensure in the state of Indiana. Additionally, I regularly attend trainings about different topics and issues in counseling to make sure that I’m using counseling techniques and approaches that are supported by research and up-to-date.

It's important to me that I stay informed about best counseling practices, so that I'm using techniques that are actually going to help you in real life.