Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about starting therapy? Below are answers to the most common questions clients ask when looking for individual therapy in Leesburg/Lansdowne, VA, or online across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Whether you’re considering walk-and-talk therapy, seeking support for anxiety or life transitions, or exploring out-of-network benefits, this FAQ page can help you feel informed and empowered.


  • Finding the right therapist is one of the most important steps in starting therapy. A strong therapeutic relationship—the trust and connection you feel with your therapist—is one of the best predictors of positive outcomes in therapy.

    It’s also helpful to consider a therapist’s experience, specialties, and approach. You might ask: Do I feel heard and supported? Does this therapist understand what I’m going through?

    I offer a free 20-minute consultation to help you decide if we’re a good fit. Therapy works best when you feel safe, seen, and supported.

  • If you’re feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or going through a major life change, talking to a therapist can help you find clarity, emotional relief, and a renewed sense of direction. You don’t have to be in crisis—many people begin therapy because they want to feel more grounded, supported, or in control of their lives.

    It’s a safe, non-judgmental space to explore what’s weighing on you—whether that’s stress, grief, relationship challenges, burnout, or family-related transitions.

    I offer in-person therapy in Leesburg/Lansdowne, VA, and online sessions across Virginia, Maryland, and DC. If you’re curious, I invite you to reach out for a free 20-minute consultation.

  • If you’re asking this question, you may already be ready. Whether you’re feeling burned out, seeking emotional support, or simply curious about personal growth, therapy can help you gain clarity and confidence at any stage. You don’t need to have everything figured out—just a willingness to explore.

    I offer a free 20-minute consultation to help you decide if now is the right time to begin.

  • Your first therapy session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, the concerns you’re facing, and what goals you’d like to work toward. It’s a supportive, judgment-free space where you can ask questions and share whatever feels important.

    We’ll also review informed consent, confidentiality, and other key policies so you know what to expect moving forward. Before we wrap up, we’ll discuss scheduling and choose a regular time to meet.

  • Therapy is a collaborative and evolving process. After your first session, we’ll continue exploring the concerns you brought in—whether that’s stress, anxiety, grief, relationship patterns, or major life transitions. We’ll clarify your goals and work together toward meaningful, lasting change.

    Some sessions may focus on processing emotions or past experiences; others might center on learning coping tools, setting boundaries, or reconnecting with yourself. My approach is warm, practical, and attuned to your pace—helping you feel more grounded, supported, and empowered.

    Whether you’re navigating a tough season or seeking personal growth, therapy can offer space, insight, and momentum forward.

  • Yes—therapy is a confidential space where you can speak openly and feel safe. Everything you share is protected by law and professional ethics.

    There are a few legal exceptions to confidentiality, such as concerns about serious harm to yourself or others, or suspected abuse of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult. If any of these arise, I’ll always try to discuss them with you first.

    If you choose to submit a superbill to your insurance, your diagnosis and session dates may be shared with your insurance provider. Otherwise, our work stays entirely between us.

    We’ll go over confidentiality and informed consent at your first session, and you’re always welcome to ask questions.

  • I offer individual therapy in three flexible formats:

    • In-person therapy in Lansdowne, VA

    • Online therapy (telehealth) for individuals located throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia

    • Walk-and-talk therapy, when clinically appropriate, for those who prefer movement and the outdoors

    These options make it easier to fit therapy into your life—whether you’re navigating anxiety, life transitions, parenting stress, or relationship challenges.

    Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to explore what works best for you.

  • I specialize in supporting women in their 20s through 50s who are navigating life transitions, relationship shifts, anxiety, burnout, grief, or loneliness—especially those who feel stuck between who they’ve been and who they’re becoming. Many of my clients are juggling careers, caregiving, and connection, while quietly wondering, “Is this it?” or feeling emotionally alone, even when life looks “fine” on the outside.

    Whether you’re adjusting to motherhood, questioning a relationship, coping with loss, or longing to feel more like yourself again, therapy can help. Together, we’ll create space for clarity, self-trust, and meaningful change—so you can feel more grounded and connected in your life and relationships.

  • Absolutely! I offer online therapy (also called teletherapy) for adults located in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Meeting virtually allows us to connect from the comfort and privacy of your home or office—no commute, no parking, and more flexibility to fit therapy into your life.

    Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for many people, especially when addressing concerns like anxiety, life transitions, grief, burnout, and relationship stress. Many clients find that being in a familiar environment actually makes it easier to open up and stay consistent with sessions.

    As long as you’re in VA, MD, or DC and have a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection, we can do meaningful work together—wherever you are.

    If you’re curious whether telehealth is a good fit for you, I’m happy to talk it through during a free 20-minute consultation.

  • Walk-and-talk therapy takes our sessions outside the traditional office and into nature. Instead of sitting face-to-face, we walk side by side in a calming outdoor setting—blending gentle movement with therapeutic conversation. This approach can ease anxiety, support emotional processing, and help you feel more grounded and clear.

    New clients begin with an office or online session to explore your goals, ensure this format is a good fit, and review privacy, comfort, and safety considerations.

  • I’m a private-pay therapist which means I do not bill insurance directly. A 45-minute therapy session is $175, and a 60-minute session is $200.

    If your health insurance includes out-of-network mental health benefits, I can provide a superbill—a specialized receipt you can submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.

    Every insurance plan is different. Some require you to meet a deductible before reimbursement kicks in, and others may cover only a portion of the session fee. To understand your benefits clearly, it’s best to call your insurance company and ask about your out-of-network coverage for individual psychotherapy (CPT code 90834 for a 45-minute session).

    I’m happy to answer questions about superbills or guide you through the process.

  • To find out if your insurance plan offers out-of-network coverage for mental health services, call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. Ask the representative the following questions:

    • Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health therapy?

    • What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much of it has been met?

    • What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed after I meet the deductible?

    • Is there a co-insurance amount I’m responsible for?

    • How many sessions are covered per calendar year?

    • What is the allowable rate for CPT code 90834 (45-minute session)?

    Understanding these details ahead of time can help you plan for the financial side of therapy and make the most of your benefits. I’m happy to provide the documentation you need to request reimbursement from your insurance company.

  • Yes—I provide a Good Faith Estimate to all clients who are not using insurance for therapy.

    As a self-pay client, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of your mental health care. This written estimate outlines the total anticipated cost of services, such as individual therapy sessions, before you begin treatment.

    You’ll receive your estimate at least 1 business day before your first appointment. It’s part of the intake paperwork you complete before we meet, so you know what to expect financially with no surprises.

    If you ever receive a bill that’s $400 or more than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the charges. For more details about this law, visit cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.

  • Therapy sessions are typically 45 minutes and start on a weekly basis to help you build momentum and see meaningful progress. As your needs evolve, we may shift to biweekly or monthly sessions—whatever best supports your goals.

    There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some clients come for a few sessions and feel ready to move forward, while others continue longer to explore multiple areas of growth or ongoing support. We’ll work together to find a rhythm and duration that feels right for you.

  • To avoid being charged the full session fee, please cancel or reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance.

    You can make changes through the secure client portal or by email. Missed appointments or late cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are billed at the full session rate.

  • I offer a free 20-minute consultation for new clients—it’s a low-pressure way to see if we’re a good fit and to ask any questions you may have about starting therapy. You can request a consultation or schedule a session directly through my secure client portal or by reaching out via my contact form. I’ll follow up personally to help you take the next step.

  • After we schedule your first appointment, you’ll receive a secure link to complete your intake paperwork online. It includes practice policies, consent forms, and a short questionnaire about what’s bringing you to therapy right now.

    Completing these forms ahead of time helps us make the most of our first session together, so we can focus on what matters most to you. If you have any questions along the way, I’m just an email away and happy to walk you through it.

Additional questions? Please feel free to contact me.

Let’s talk about what’s on your mind.