We’ll chat for about 20 minutes. The goal will be for me to get to know a little about you and what’s causing you to consider therapy.
We’ll talk in broad strokes mostly, but I will ask some follow up questions to get a really clear sense of how these issues are affecting you and what might be causing them as well as what might relieve them.
I’ll also share some things about myself and answer any questions you have about my qualifications and competencies. By the end, we’ll probably have a pretty good sense if we’ll work well together - if you aren’t feeling the right vibe with your therapist nothing else will matter. And I’ll let you know if I have the right skill set to help with your struggles. I promise that if I know that someone else will do a better job, I will do my best to help you get connected with the right person.
If we determine we would be a good fit for one another, I'll schedule your first appointment during your consultation.
During your first session, we're still trying each other out. If, during this time, one of us determines another therapist can serve you better, I'll do my best to help you find that person.
If you feel good about moving forward at the end of your first session, we can figure out the best day and time to meet for regular sessions.
I use Simple Practice to provide private, secure, HIPAA-compliant therapy services. Access to video sessions are designed to be, well, simple. You only need a computer or mobile device and a reliable internet or cellular connection. If you choose to use a mobile device, you'll first download the SimplePractice app, available for iOS and Android in the App Store.
Do you see clients in person?
Currently, we only offer a limited number of in-person therapy sessions at our downtown Birmingham location. Most therapy sessions are provided online. However, we always prioritize our clients' needs and comfort. If you do not have any current openings for in-person sessions we recommend trying out the online format; many find it just as, if not more, effective and convenient than traditional settings. Numerous studies support the effectiveness of virtual therapy, often finding it as beneficial as in-person sessions for a wide range of issues.
How does online therapy work?
Online therapy operates similarly to in-person therapy, except over a secure video conferencing platform. Once you schedule an appointment, you'll receive a link to join the session at the designated time. All you need is a quiet space, a good internet or cellular connection, and a phone, iPad, or computer.
Is online therapy secure and confidential?
No worries! Our virtual therapy platform is user-friendly. Plus, we provide clear instructions and support to ensure you can easily access your sessions. And remember, we're just a call away if you need assistance.
Most insurance providers now cover online therapy, but checking directly with your insurer is always recommended. Please note we only accept BCBS, which does cover online therapy. For other insurance providers, we are happy to provide a Superbill so that you can seek to have a portion of our sessions reimbursed. However, we cannot guarantee they will be covered.
Why might I not want to use insurance for therapy?
If given a diagnosis, it becomes part of your medical record. While that might not be such a big deal right now, it may become one later on if you want to: get life insurance, work in the financial sector managing other's assets, regularly handle firearms, or seek employment in any sector in which your decision-making might be called into question due to your emotional state.
Insurance providers operate on a medical model, which means they require a diagnosis to establish you have "a medical necessity" to seek services in order to pay providers. A medical diagnosis might not fit what you are going through. Most insurance companies don't consider self-improvement, life transitions, personal development, trauma, or existential issues as "medical necessity" because there are no diagnoses for these in the DSM-V.
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