Welcome
FAQs
What can I expect at my first session?
When we schedule your first appointment you will be sent forms to complete and bring with you to your session. These forms provide me with some information about you and they also give you information about the counseling process with me. When you arrive, please have a seat on one of the nearby benches and you will be greeted at your appointment time. Here you will be invited to share your story and we will identify goals and general areas of focus. Depending on how you wish to use the therapy, you may leave our first appointment with homework or an information gathering assignment. At the end of our time together we will discuss a treatment plan and decide how often we choose to meet.
How long will the therapy last?
The duration of the therapy relationship and the frequency of sessions depends on the client's unique needs and expectations. We will work together to create an individualized plan to accomplish your goals. Some clients decide their goals are met after just a few sessions, while others decide to continue weekly or biweekly therapy indefinitely. Often, individuals will begin meeting weekly until they have made significant progress toward their goals, then move to every other week or monthly check ins. While it is tempting to wish for therapy as a quick fix, it is important to remember that therapy is a process and building the trusting relationship is at the core of it.
I encourage everyone, not only those in my practice, to meet with a therapist at least once per quarter in an effort to keep the therapy relationship strong for when a crisis or life change occurs. We see the doctor for a physical once a year, the dentist twice a year, and the therapist at least 4 times a year to keep our health in check.
Why use therapy? Can't I just talk to my friends or family?
Friends and family can be very helpful for support during difficult times. They may listen intently and give advice (though sometimes unsolicited). The client-therapist relationship is used to process and reflect in a safe and non-judgmental space. With the exception of specific situations, a therapist should avoid giving advice because what is desired for one person may be wrong for another. We will explore what is right for you.
In addition, therapy can be much more than simply having a space to think and speak freely. While it feels very nice to be deeply heard and understood for a period of time, the evidence-based therapy that I provide often involves sharing information about and practicing researched-backed strategies that lead to long lasting change for many years to come.
What is the cost of a session?
In an effort to keep therapy accessible to a wide range of people, I contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO of MI. In person visits and virtual visits are generally covered the same, but always check with your insurance provider beforehand for confirmation.
With this exception, my practice is fee-for-service and the session rate is $240 for an initial visit (75-90 minutes) and $170 per standard therapy hour (50 minutes) for return visits and $100 per 30 minute session. For session fees and copays I accept cash, checks, all major credit/debit cards and HSA/FSA accounts for no additional fee. Also, my services are covered by most out-of-network health plans by requesting partial or full reimbursement directly through your insurance provider for an "out-of-network mental health/behavioral health office visit." Please call the number on the back of your insurance card to verify this before our first appointment and I will provide you with a ledger to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement *upon request.
Again, I strongly believe in making therapy financially accessible, which is why I reserve a few sliding scale appointments per week. If you use your best judgment after utilizing your out of network healthcare coverage and feel you cannot afford my services, let's talk and we can work something out to meet your needs.
Where is the office located?
The second story office suite is located in downtown Ann Arbor on Main Street between Liberty and William. Parking options include meters on the street and in the adjacent Palio lot, along with a surface lot on William Street between Main and Ashley, and a parking garage at Fourth and William.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you find you cannot make your scheduled appointment I ask that you give me at least 24 hours notice so that someone else has the opportunity to be seen during that time. In addition, it's not uncommon to feel stress or avoidance urges leading up to therapy appointments, so leaning into potential discomfort is part of the process.
Sessions which are no-showed or cancelled/rescheduled with less than 24 hours notice will, unfortunately, incur a $75 fee.
Sessions are considered a no-show at 7 minutes late (and no contact from the patient). Sometimes we can rally from this point but it's not a sure thing, so please remain in contact if you're running late and we can figure out your options.
In an effort to preserve the integrity of our therapeutic relationship, there will be no exceptions to this policy other than with a doctor's note or with a truly remarkable story. Use your judgment and don't drive in inclement weather.
We can always pivot to a virtual appointment or phone call, as needed.
Can we do virtual therapy?
Yes. I am licensed to practice in Michigan, so anyone who is physically present in the state of Michigan is able to receive virtual services. We use a secure HIPAA compliant end-to-end encrypted audio/visual telehealth service called Doxy.me. When we schedule I will send you a link where you can join the virtual confidential waiting room.
Virtual mental health visits are typically covered by healthcare insurance the same as in-person visits, thanks to laws on mental health parity. Often, but not always, mental health office visits (whether virtual or in-person) are not subject to a deductible. Always contact your insurance provider for confirmation in advance.
How do I set up an appointment?
Established patients* can request and cancel appointments online using the patient portal. If you do not have access yet, please let me know at your next appointment.
There are several ways to schedule an initial appointment so you can choose which works best for you:
The first option is to use the below "Click To Schedule" button. You're also welcome to email me at thecenterforintentionalliving@gmail.com, or submit a request on the "Contact" page and we can set up a time to chat for 10-15 minutes about what you're looking for and establish if we might be a good fit for each other before scheduling. Please note that my office hours are Mondays - Thursdays from 11:00am - 6:30pm and the expected turnaround time for an email or text message is up to 48 business hours.
I encourage people to use therapy as little or as often as makes sense for them in each chapter of life, and I recognize and honor the importance of continuity of care in re-establishing therapeutic services. Patients who haven't been seen in 12+ months may have to be on a waitlist for an "initial" visit but I do my best to accommodate as best I can.
I look forward to working together.