Frequently Asked Questions
How long are therapy sessions?
A typical therapy session is 53 minutes in length. An initial intake is 57 minutes.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
Together we will assess the duration of treatment. This can be an evolving template as certain issues resolve, doors can open to tackle new challenges
Will I receive a Good Faith Estimate for Services?
Effective January 1, 2022, a ruling went into effect called the “No Surprises Act,” which requires mental health practitioners to provide a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) about out-of-network care to any patient who is uninsured or who is insured but does not plan to use their insurance benefits to pay for health care services.
The Good Faith Estimate works to show the cost of services that are reasonably expected for your mental health care needs. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created. The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment.
You are entitled to receive this “Good Faith Estimate” of what the charges could be for psychotherapy services provided to you. It is not possible for a psychologist to know, in advance, how many psychotherapy sessions may be necessary or appropriate for a given person upon the initiation of psychotherapy.
Your total cost of services will depend upon the number of psychotherapy sessions you attend and the type and amount of services that are provided to you. This estimate is not a contract and does not obligate you to obtain any services from the provider(s) listed, nor does it include any services rendered to you that are not identified.
As a general rule, you can estimate the costs by multiplying the cost of services by the amount of sessions scheduled. The intake session code used is CPT 90791 and the typical session code used is CPT 90837.
Where are you located?
I am located in Greenville, SC. I have an office where therapy can be assessed in the room. I also provide sessions virtually if needed.
Can you work with me remotely, if I live far away?
I am able to work remotely with patients who are residents of South Carolina and Georgia. I can also provide therapeutic coaching with clients in other states.
What can I expect from therapy?
Therapy can be an emotionally hard experience. Most people report initially feeling exhausted after the initial intake. People come in to talk about personal narratives. This can lead to anger and shame as well as relief. Typically, it takes 2 - 4 sessions to glean a well rounded assessment. After this initial phase of therapy, expectations can be further elucidated. Most people tend to initiate psychotherapy due to a life event. This is explored as we work on alleviating symptoms and increasing interpersonal life satisfaction.
Can you prescribe medication?
As a Licensed Psychologist, I can provide clinical assessment and psychotherapy. If you are in need of medication, I work collaboratively with psychiatrists in a team approach. I will also work in concert with your PCP. I would require a Release of Information Form for any professional collaboration.
What age groups do you work with?
I work with a wide breadth of age groups. I have successfully worked with people in their late teens to older adults. A subspecialty is working with Adults in Life Transition. I also work with couples.
What sort of payments do you accept?
I accept all forms of credit cards and personal checks. For your convenience, I will submit Out of Network claims to your insurance company. I also accept direct payment from Medicare and most supplemental insurances, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Multiplan and Cigna insurances.
Will this be a safe space for me to disclose my concerns?
Upstate Psychotherapy is culturally sensitive, supportive, nondiscriminatory, and a safe place for minority cultures. Fairness, equality and compassion are the basic tenets of practice.
How will confidentiality be handled?
The confidentiality of all communications between a patient and a psychologist is protected by law. As the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires, we only release information about our work with you with your written permission. In the case of a child, the legal custodians hold the privilege to request information or release it to a third party. There are exceptions to confidentiality that center around danger to oneself or others. These exceptions are detailed in the Consent for Treatment which must be signed prior to commencing treatment.
Where did you earn your credentials?
I received my undergraduate degree from Emory University in Atlanta. My doctoral degree was awarded by The Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA. I completed my APA accredited internship at the University of South Florida Counseling Center in Tampa. My doctoral research focused on early childhood trauma, shame and dissociation in the context of revictimization. Since then, I have trained in many different realms including grief and loss, aging, mood disorders and body image issues.