Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I've read through the site, and I think I'd like to move forward with therapy with you. What should I do next? 

A. Contact me to schedule an appointment or your complementary 20-minute phone consultation.  You can complete the contact form (found in the Contact tab in the upper right corner of this page).  I will reach out to you to set-up a time that works for you.

*I am not able to return calls from potential new clients at this time. If you are interested in starting therapy, please complete the contact box or send me an email. *

 

Q. How should I prepare for our intake session together? 

A. I will email you a link to a patient portal where you can complete all your intake documents. By completing these documents ahead of time, we can spend that first appointment getting to know each other and answering any questions you may have.  

 

Q. When are you available? Do you offer evening or weekend appointments? 

A. I currently am available primarily Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with occasional other evening appointments. I do not currently offer weekend appointments.

Beginning in the September 2023, I will be available Mondays through Thursdays for daytime appointments.

 

Q. Will the things I disclose to you in therapy remain private? 

A.  All information disclosed in our sessions will remain completely confidential.  No one else will have access to your records, personal information, or session notes.  I am the only person that has access to phone/ e-mail communications.  There are three situations that permit me to break our confidentiality; they are determined by the code of ethics as well as state law: in the event that you pose an imminent threat to yourself or others, if I learn that a child, elderly person, or person with a disability is being abused, or if I receive a court order to provide necessary information.  Breaking of confidentiality is extremely rare.

 

Q. How many sessions of therapy will I need? 

A.  At the end of the intake session, we will determine the frequency and duration of subsequent sessions based on your specific treatment needs.  Often, I meet with clients weekly in the beginning of treatment, and as progress is made toward your goals, sessions occur every other week or monthly. 

 

Q. Do you accept insurance? 

A. Yes, I am currently in-network with PacificSource, Regence Blue Cross and Shield, Aetna, and First Choice Health.

If you have an alternative insurance provider, it is possible that your insurance provider offers coverage for "out of network" providers, and I will be happy to work with you on accessing these benefits.  Many health insurance plans do reimburse for psychotherapy services as a “non-participating” out of network provider.  If you are interested in exploring “out of network” provider options, I recommend that you contact your insurer directly. Your out of network coverage depends on your policy.  

If you are planning to use in network or out of network benefits, it is recommended that you call your insurer and consider asking the following questions:

  • Does my health insurance policy have a mental health or behavioral health benefit?

  • Does my policy cover a non-participating (out of network) Licensed Psychologist? If so, what percentage is covered?

  • What is my annual deductible? Has it been met for this calendar year?

  • Are my medical and mental health/behavioral health deductibles separate?

  • During the calendar year, how many sessions does my policy cover?

  • Are there any diagnostic restrictions for coverage? Are some diagnoses covered and others are not?

  • Does my policy cover couple’s therapy?

  • What paperwork or forms do I need to submit for sessions to be covered?

  • Is approval or pre-authorization required before my sessions will be covered?

In addition, if your employer offers HSA (Health Savings Accounts) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) benefits, my services may qualify for these benefits.

 

Q.  Do you provide medication? 

A. I do not provide medication.

 

Q. Where is your office located?

A. In N Portland in the Gotham building, near the corner of N Interstate and N Albina (2256 N Albina Ave). The building and office are both ADA accessible.

 

Q. What if I am unable to make it to our scheduled appointment? How should I let you know? 

A. When we schedule an appointment, I reserve that time just for you. If you need to cancel, please do so by phone or email a minimum of 24 hours in advance in order to avoid incurring the full session fee.

 

Q. What if I have an emergency and need help right away? 

A.  I check voicemail regularly and typically return phone calls within 24 hours. However, if you feel that your safety is at risk, especially if you are feeling suicidal or homicidal, please go directly to the closest emergency room or call 911.

 

Emergency rooms in POrtland:

Providence ER  / 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213 / (503) 215-1111

Legacy Emmanuael ER / 2801 N Gantenbein Ave, Portland, OR 97227 / (503) 413-2200

Oregon Health and Science University / 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239 / (503) 494-8311

Legacy Good Samaritan / 1015 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210 / (503) 413-7711

 

crisis hotlines

Portland and Multnomah County (503) 988-4888

National Suicide Hotline (800) 273-8255