Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering about starting therapy? Below are answers to common questions people ask when considering individual therapy in Leesburg, 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.

  • Therapy can be a helpful space when you want to better understand yourself, work through challenges, or make sense of what’s been weighing on you. Many people come to therapy not because they’re in crisis, but because they want clarity, support, or a different way of relating to stress, relationships, or life transitions.

    Therapy offers a structured, confidential, and non-judgmental space to explore what’s going on—whether that includes anxiety, grief, burnout, relationship challenges, or changes within your family or sense of identity.

    I offer in-person therapy in Leesburg, VA, and online sessions across Virginia, Maryland, and DC.

  • Many people begin therapy feeling unsure about whether it’s the “right” time. Readiness doesn’t mean having everything figured out—it often starts with noticing that something feels off, overwhelming, or no longer sustainable.

    You may be ready if you’re open to reflection, curious about yourself, or wanting support—even if you’re not sure what you want to work on yet. Therapy can be a place to explore those questions, rather than needing answers upfront.

    I offer a free 20-minute consultation to help you think through whether starting therapy feels like the right next step.

  • Finding the right therapist is often less about credentials alone and more about how you feel in the relationship. Feeling heard, respected, and understood can make a meaningful difference in the therapy process.

    As you explore options, it can help to pay attention to how you feel during early conversations. You might ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable opening up? Does this therapist’s approach feel aligned with what I’m looking for right now?

    A consultation can offer space to get a sense of fit before committing. Therapy tends to be most effective when the relationship feels supportive and grounded.

  • 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 life transitions—and clarify goals we’ll work toward together.

    Some sessions may focus on processing emotions or past experiences, while others center on learning coping tools, setting boundaries, or reconnecting with yourself. My approach is warm, practical, and attuned to your pace.

    Therapy can offer space to reflect, build insight, and move forward with greater clarity and support.

  • 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 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 key policies so you know what to expect moving forward. Before we wrap up, we’ll talk about next steps and scheduling.

  • 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 situations arise, I’ll always try to discuss them with you first.

    If you choose to submit a superbill to your insurance, certain information—such as a diagnosis and session dates—may be shared with your provider. Otherwise, our work remains private.

    We’ll review confidentiality and informed consent during your first session, and you’re always welcome to ask questions.

  • I offer individual therapy in three flexible formats:

    • In-person therapy in Leesburg, VA
    • Online therapy (telehealth) for adults located in DC, Maryland, and Virginia
    • Walk-and-talk therapy, when clinically appropriate, for those who prefer movement and the outdoors

    These options are designed to support a range of needs, including anxiety, life transitions, parenting stress, and relationship challenges.

  • I specialize in supporting women in their 20s through 50s who are navigating life transitions, relationship changes, anxiety, burnout, grief, or loneliness. Many of my clients are balancing careers, caregiving, and relationships while feeling emotionally stuck or disconnected—even when things look “fine” on the outside.

    Whether you’re adjusting to motherhood, questioning a relationship, coping with loss, or wanting to feel more like yourself again, therapy can help you build clarity, self-trust, and a deeper sense of connection.

  • Walk-and-talk therapy takes place outdoors rather than in a traditional office setting. Instead of sitting face-to-face, we walk side by side in a calm environment while engaging in therapeutic conversation. This approach can support emotional processing, reduce anxiety, and help you feel more grounded.

    New clients begin with an office or online session to explore goals, determine fit, and review privacy and safety considerations.

  • Yes—I offer online therapy (also called teletherapy) for adults located in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Virtual sessions allow us to meet from the comfort and privacy of your home or office, making therapy more accessible and flexible.

    Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for concerns such as anxiety, life transitions, grief, burnout, and relationship stress. Many clients find it easier to open up when they’re in a familiar environment.

    As long as you’re located in VA, MD, or DC and have a private space with a reliable internet connection, meaningful work is absolutely possible.

  • I’m a private-pay therapist, which means I don’t bill insurance directly. A 45-minute session is $185, and a 60-minute session is $210.

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

    Coverage varies by plan. Some require you to meet a deductible first, while others reimburse a percentage of the session fee. If you’d like help understanding how superbills work or what to ask your insurance company, I’m happy to guide you.

  • To check whether your insurance plan offers out-of-network mental health benefits, call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. You can ask questions such as:

    • Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health therapy?
    • What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much has been met?
    • What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed after the deductible?
    • Is there a co-insurance amount I’m responsible for?
    • How many sessions are covered per 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. I’m happy to provide documentation or answer questions as you navigate the process.

  • Yes—I provide a Good Faith Estimate to all self-pay clients.

    A Good Faith Estimate outlines the expected cost of your mental health care before you begin treatment. You’ll receive this written estimate at least one business day before your first session as part of your intake paperwork, so you know what to expect financially.

    If you ever receive a bill that is $400 or more above your estimate, you have the right to dispute the charges. You can learn more at cms.gov/nosurprises or by calling 800-985-3059.

  • Therapy sessions are typically 45 minutes and often begin on a weekly basis to help build momentum and support 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 shorter period to work through a specific concern, while others continue longer for ongoing support or deeper exploration. We’ll work together to find a rhythm and duration that feels right for you.

  • I ask that you cancel or reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance. This allows me to offer the time to another client and keeps the schedule running smoothly.

    You can make changes through the secure client portal or by email. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, as well as missed sessions, are billed at the full session rate.

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

    Completing these forms ahead of time helps us make the most of our first session together. And if questions come up, I’m always happy to help.

  • I offer a free 20-minute consultation for new clients—a low-pressure way to see if we’re a good fit and ask any questions you may have about starting therapy.

    You can request a consultation or schedule a session through my secure client portal or contact form. I’ll follow up personally to support you in taking the next step.

If you’re feeling curious about starting therapy or want to talk things through, a free 20-minute consultation is a low-pressure place to begin.

Let’s talk about what’s on your mind.

Schedule your Free 20-minute Consult