FAQS

How does Telehealth work?
1. Just like in person services, you will make an appointment with me, and we'll talk over video, phone, or text using my private platform. You will be billed after session is completed. If you’re not ready for a video chat or phone call, we can set up a messaging package in which you can write to me on your own time and receive at least one reply from me per day Monday through Thursday.
Do you offer in person services?
1. Yes, I have some in person openings at my Fredericksburg, VA office.
What is ACT?
1. Acceptance and commitment therapy/training (ACT) is a “behavioral talk therapy” that is focused on honoring your values in addition to finding actionable steps for behavior change. Think of your issue as holding onto a rope that is constantly getting pulled back as you put all your effort into fighting. Clearly, that’s not working, so what’s the next best thing? Drop the rope! ACT follows a similar thought process; we’ll find what isn’t working and find behaviors that do.
How does your messaging service work?
1. We will message back and forth using Signal or Simple Practice’s messaging service Monday through Thursday. You’ll have the chance to craft your message to me and I will then respond with suggestions for you to implement. I will typically take 45 mins to an hour to respond, so you’ll get the same level of attention as you would if we were meeting via phone or video.
I want to try messaging you, but will I be stuck with messaging if I want to try phone or video?
1. Of course not! For many people, messaging can help to ease anxiety around working with a mental health professional. I’m more than happy to change modalities as you see fit.
My last therapist used FaceTime. Why don’t you?
1. As much as I love FaceTime, it is not HIPAA compliant.
Are your Telehealth services legal, secure, and HIPAA compliant?
1. Yes. I use Simple Practice for all Telehealth, billing, and paperwork management. Simple Practice is fully HIPAA complaint, so all interactions will be and remain private. Note that if you are d/Deaf, hard of hearing (HOH), or have auditory processing disorder (APD), I am more than happy to use Zoom or Google Meet so that you can have access to closed captioning (CC). If this will be a need for you, just let the front desk or me know.
What happens if there are technical issues?
1. Unfortunately, tech issues do arise from time to time. I will do everything possible to help you resolve any issues that may arise, but the Simple Practice IT team is just a message away on both the iOS app and desktop platforms. If the technical issue cannot be resolved, we will pivot to a phone call.
What is yoga therapy?
1. Yoga therapy is the application of yogic principles (movement, meditation, breathwork, and a healthy lifestyle) to address physical, psychological, and spiritual concerns. Depending on your concerns, I may suggest poses to strengthen certain muscles or we may look at lifestyle factors that are influencing you.
Do you accept insurance?
1. No, the only funding sources that I accept are the DD Waiver and private pay. There are numerous reasons for this, but the gist is that when a provider takes insurance, they become beholden to an immense amount of "red tape" that makes implementing proper patient care extremely difficult. For example, the insurance company can determine the number of sessions that you receive along with the modalities that I am permitted to use. This interferes with my ability to offer optimal care. In early 2026 when I receive my full LCSW I will begin to offer out of network (OON) benefits for individuals that wish to use their insurance.
I’ve never seen a mental health professional before. Will Telehealth work for me?
1. That’s perfectly ok! Telehealth is an excellent way to start working with a mental health professional in a way that can feel much safer than going to a physical office and allows you more flexibility in how we meet and work together.
Do you work with LGBT+ individuals?
1. Yes, I am more than happy to work with LGBTQ+ children, teenagers, and adults.
Can I quit services at any time?
1. Yes.
When and where are you available for sessions?
1. I am available Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and for psychological evaluations Monday through Thursday via Telehealth with in person openings Tuesdays and Wednesdays with some in person openings on Mondays for evaluations.
Can I remain anonymous while working with you?
1. As a healthcare provider, I can’t work with anyone anonymously. However, I am required to adhere to HIPAA at all times and keep all interactions and correspondence secure. I may only break confidentiality if you give explicit permission to do so or I feel that you are a danger to yourself or others.
Can I have session from anywhere?
1. Yes and no. Telehealth is an amazing tool for accessing therapy; however. due to patient privacy regulations, both of us are required to be in a private space and you must be located in Virginia or Florida as I am currently only licensed in those states.
What kind of technology will I need to work with you?
1. For video sessions, you will need a computer, smart phone, or tablet with a camera capable of transmitting video. If you just want services via messaging, any device with an internet connection and browser application will suffice.
Can you prescribe medication?
1. No, I am unable prescribe medication. However, I can provide psychoeducation on medication. If I feel that you may benefit from medication or this is something that you would like to try, I will give you a referral list of psychiatrists to choose from.
Can you prescribe assistive technology (AT)?
1. Yes, I am able to write a letter of medical necessity (LMN) for most forms of AT. Due to Virginia law, I am unable to write LMNs for speech generating devices (e.g. augmentative and alternative communication [AAC} devices). If I feel that you or your loved one would benefit from AAC, a referral to a speech language pathologist (SLP) will be provided. Additionally, I am unable to prescribe wheelchairs or mobility assistance devices of any kind and will refer out to occupational therapy (OT) or physical therapy (PT) if needed.
That all sounds great! How do I get started?
1. Navigate to “Book Now” and book a free 30-minute consultation. This will be an opportunity for you to get to know me and address any questions or concerns. If we choose to move forward together, I will get you set up in Simple Practice and send you all the necessary paperwork.