Frequently Asked Questions

Key Info

Click on any question to view the answer.

  • I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts. Since all appointments are provided by video (telehealth), I can work with clients located throughout the state. I am not licensed to work with clients located in other states.

  • I offer individual therapy to teenagers, adults, and older adults. I have experience working with clients seeking support around a wide variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, isolation, substance use, LGBTQ+ identity, bereavement, traumatic experiences, and a variety of life stressors and transitions.

    You can check out the About and Specialties pages for further information on my overall approach and my approach to particular treatment topics.

  • Yes! I provide a free 15-minute video consultation with each potential client. This way, we can meet each other and make sure it seems like a fit as far as what you’re looking for and what I offer. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have. The initial consultation is also an opportunity to touch base on a couple of logistical details.

    You can self-schedule the consultation, or you can set it up by sending me a message, or by calling me at 857-353-6133. If you call and don’t reach me, please be sure to leave a voicemail.

  • Before we wrap up the initial consultation, we’ll talk about possible next steps. If I think my approach and experience could be a good fit based on our conversation and what you’ve shared, I’ll let you know that, and then it’s up to you if you’d like to move forward. And if I think someone else with a different approach or area of expertise would be more in-line with what you’re looking for, I’ll be honest about that, too.

    After the consultation, I can send you a link to a secure online portal so that you can independently complete the intake paperwork there before we meet for our first appointment. If you have any questions as you do this, you can always reach out.

Appointment Info

  • Sessions are 50-55 minutes long.

    Longer sessions may be possible upon request. Please let me know if you would like to discuss this option and corresponding rates.

  • I typically meet with clients weekly when we are newer to working together. This helps our conversations and work carry smoothly from one meeting to the next. In my experience, clients benefit the most from starting out weekly, and most clients prefer it so that they have consistent support as they navigate their presenting concerns and work toward their goals. Meeting more or less often than weekly are both options that I’m happy to discuss at any point.

  • I see clients Monday through Thursday in the morning and afternoon. I do not have evening appointments.

    If you have questions about scheduling or availability, please feel free to send me a message through my website or call me at 857-353-6133. If you call and don’t reach me, please be sure to leave a voicemail.

Financial Info

  • • Some health insurance plans

    • Massachusetts Victim Compensation

    • Out of pocket payment via: Credit card, Health Savings Account (HSA) card, or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) card

    The FAQs below have further information on each of these options.

  • The initial video consultation (around 15 minutes) is free!

    If using insurance directly, the amount you owe for each appointment will depend on your health insurance policy. You can ask about your copay/coinsurance and deductible (if any) from your insurance company directly; I can also check your benefits for you. Any costs that your insurance does not cover will be billed to you.

    If not using insurance directly for appointments, the rate for individual therapy is $200 per session. If I am not an in-network provider with your insurance and you have out-of-network benefits you wish to use, you can request reimbursement from your insurance plan toward costs paid by submitting monthly receipts (called superbills) that I provide.

    If using Massachusetts Victim Compensation for payment, there is no cost to you per appointment, and Victim Compensation will be billed $200 per session. Any costs (such as cancellation fees) that Victim Compensation does not cover will be billed to you.

  • I am in-network with the following insurance companies, except for their Medicare and Medicaid (MassHealth) plans. Being in-network means that I can accept direct payment from these insurers:

    • Aetna
    • All Savers (UHC)
    • Allied Benefit Systems
    • Christian Brothers Services
    • GEHA (Government Employees Health Association)
    • Health Plans Inc.
    • Health Scope
    • Mass. General Brigham (formerly AllWays Health Partners)
    • Meritain Health
    • Nippon
    • Optum
    • Oscar
    • Oxford
    • Surest (formerly Bind)
    • Trustmark
    • UMR
    • United Healthcare (UHC)

    I am also in-network with the following student health insurance plans:

    • Boston College Student Plan

    • Boston University Student Plan

    • Gordon College Student Plan

    • Tufts University Student Plan

    • Worcester Polytechnic Institute Student Plan

    • Wentworth Institute of Technology Student Plan

  • If your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits, you have the option to see providers who are not contracted with your insurance company (i.e. in-network) and then seek reimbursement afterward from your insurance company toward costs that you have paid.

    I am an out-of-network (OON) provider with all insurance companies that are not listed in the previous FAQ response. If I am not in-network with your insurance company and you have out-of-network benefits you wish to use (from any insurer), you can request insurance reimbursement toward costs you’ve paid by submitting monthly receipts (called superbills) that I provide to you.

    Not all insurance plan types offer out-of-network benefits, but PPO plans generally do. Insurance policies vary, so it is important for you to know how your policy works. For plans that offer out-of-network benefits, reimbursement rates of up to 80% of the session fee are most common. Some policies may base the reimbursement amount on what they consider to be a “usual and customary rate” (UCR) or another metric. Reimbursement may depend on your deductible being met, along with other factors. Please note that insurance reimbursement is not a guarantee.

    In Massachusetts, according to a law passed in 2021, insurance reimbursement for mental health services via telehealth (including video) is required to on par with reimbursement for mental health services received in-person, in perpetuity.

  • Some health insurance plans (generally PPO plans) have out-of-network (OON) benefits that you can utilize to seek reimbursement toward your previous payments to me.

    To find out more about your benefits, you can call your insurance plan.

    The following questions may be helpful:

    1. What are my out-of-network mental health benefits?

    2. What is my co-insurance or copay for out-of-network mental health services? Is there a maximum reimbursement amount or percentage per session?

    3. Do I have a deductible to meet before I'm able to receive reimbursement for outpatient mental health appointments? When does the deductible re-set?

    4. Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year can be covered?

    5. For therapy sessions, will my plan reimburse for both CPT code 90834 (“45-minute sessions” lasting 38-52 minutes) and CPT code 90837 (“60-minute sessions” lasting 53 minutes or more) – or only for 90834?

    6. Do I need a referral or a preauthorization to receive reimbursement for seeing an out-of-network therapist?

    7. Do I have an out-of-pocket maximum (the amount I pay per year before my plan starts paying 100% of costs)?

    8. How do I submit forms for reimbursement?

    9. Is there anything else I should know?

  • Yes! If you have been approved for Victims of Violent Crime Assistance through the Massachusetts Victim Compensation program, I can bill the program directly. Victim Compensation can be used for payment as long as (1) therapy relates to the crime and (2) I either do not accept your insurance or using your insurance is not possible for safety or other reasons.

  • Yes! If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare expenses, you can use either card to pay for therapy appointments.

    If you are using insurance directly for therapy, you can still choose to use your HSA or FSA card for copayments/coinsurance and/or toward your deductible.

    Please note that HSA and FSA cards are not able to be used for cancellation and missed appointment fees.

Telehealth

  • I utilize a HIPAA-compliant platform for meeting with clients by video. If you have a working camera and microphone on your device, along with a stable internet connection, we can meet this way.

    For sighted clients, I strongly encourage you to utilize a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet for our meetings. These larger devices, as opposed to smartphones, help sessions feel more “face-to-face” for you, including making it easier for you to see my facial expressions and body language. (That said, a smartphone can be a useful back-up in case of technology challenges on a particular day.)

    For clients with visual impairments or who are blind, we can discuss options of meeting by video versus by phone.

  • I only offer appointments via telehealth (video). For many people, this is a great fit! That said, each person is different and may have unique preferences and situations. Some relevant considerations are below.

    Video sessions can offer meaningful connections and therapeutic growth opportunities just as in-person sessions can. Research on the effectiveness of telemental health is abundant, and at this point, many therapists and clients have been utilizing it successfully for a number of years (including pre-pandemic).

    Potential benefits of telehealth include:

    • The convenience and flexibility of not needing to travel to an office for appointments

    • The comfort of being able to meet for therapy from where you live

    • The ability to meet even if the roads are dangerous or you are feeling a bit under the weather

    • The ability to work with a therapist who may not be local to you

    • There is no Covid-19 risk

    Telehealth appointments are generally not a fit if:

    • You do not have reliable internet access

    • You do not have a private space to utilize for meeting, and conversations might be overheard

    • There are safety concerns that could be amplified if someone at home overhears conversations

    • For any reason, you would you prefer in-person appointments

  • Being able to talk freely with your therapist is really important! Even if your partner(s) and/or family are supportive of you seeking therapy, and perhaps familiar with some of what led you to therapy, it is essential that you have a private space where you won’t be overheard. Having a space to meet and a plan to maximize your confidentiality will help you feel as present and comfortable as possible during our sessions.

    Clients usually meet with me from a private room in their home. If others are home, I ask clients to be sure that anyone else is in a separate area. Asking others to wear headphones can be helpful, too. Occasionally, people meet with me while sitting in their car (but not driving), which provides its own privacy bubble. Other spaces and creative set-ups may come to mind for you as well. I’m happy to talk further if you have questions on this.

    As noted in the prior FAQ, if you don’t have a private space you can reliably utilize for meeting, or there are safety concerns that could be amplified if someone who would be at home overhears you (or me), telehealth is not advisable and I recommend finding an therapist you can see in-person.

Additional Questions

  • Yes! Please visit the Specialties page for details.

  • Yes! I am not leading any groups currently though.

  • No, I do not offer either of these.

    That said, as part of individual work, we can certainly talk about ways that your partner(s) and/or family may be able to support you and our work together. It won’t be couple- or family-focused work though as far as who is regularly participating in therapy. That said, if you feel it might be helpful, we can discuss whether having a family member and/or partner connect with me or join for part of a session could be appropriate. With teenagers, and in unique situations, more frequent parent/caregiver and/or family communication is common.

  • Feel free to reach out! You can send me a message through my site, call me at 857-353-6133, or set up a free 15-minute video consultation. I look forward to hearing from you!

Reach Out

Please reach out to me if you have any questions or to schedule your free 15-minute video consultation.