Client FAQ

Please view this page for possible answers to any questions you have regarding engaging in teletherapy services. If you do not see your question below, feel free to use the contact form on the front page, or we can discuss your query at your next session.

How do I login to sessions?

Services are provided via the HIPAA-compliant Zoom video conferencing platform with end-to-end encryption. A link will be provided to you in your session reminder email. You may login via computer, or using the Zoom app on your smartphone.

What do I do if I get disconnected from the telehealth room?

Your link will remain active until the end of your scheduled session. Simply click the link to login again.

What if I am having persistent connectivity issues?

If you are having issues with repeated disconnections, lagging, power or wifi outage, you may text me an update via my office mobile. We may continue our session by phone once we have moved beyond the intake/assessment phase of therapy services.

Using Zoom

Contact Outside of Sessions

How can I contact you outside of appointment times?

You will be provided with my phone number and email at our initial session. Please be aware that I do keep office hours, thus your message may not be received outside of open office hours. I will return contact as quickly as I am able.

What information can I leave by voicemail?

My voicemail is private, so any information you wish to include is entirely up to you.

What information can I send by email?

I utilize ProtonMail, which is a high security, HIPAA-compliant email platform. Any items I send via email which qualify as Protected Health Information (PHI) will be encrypted and password protected. Emails sent to my inbox are stored on a zero-access secure server.

Please note, however, that transmitting sensitive information via email to me from a non-encrypted email service such as Gmail, Hotmail, etc, does carry a risk of interception. At the very least, it is best practice to password protect any documents with PHI prior to sending. Use your best judgement and do what feels most comfortable for you.

If you would like end-to-end encryption without all the fuss, you may also sign up for ProtonMail - they do have a free version!

What information can I send by text message?

While you may text message my office number (provided at initial session) at any time, please be aware that text messaging is NOT a HIPAA/HITECH compliant platform for communication. Therefore, any sensitive information should NOT be transmitted via text message. Text messaging is primarily for:

Appointment cancellations/rescheduling
General questions
Funny memes/TikToks (sometimes they express feelings more than words ever could!)

Eligibility for Services

Who can attend services with you?

I am licensed to provide services within the state of Florida. Individuals outside of Florida would need to seek a provider within their state. You may search for providers using resources such as the Psychology Today, Mental Health Match, and GoodTherapy provider databases.

I am from Florida but I am currently in another state - can we still meet?

I am only able to engage in services with individuals who are residents of AND physically located in Florida. If you are a permanent resident of Florida but are currently in another state for business, travel or education, please contact your insurance company's Customer Service line for advisement.

Are there other clients you are unable to work with?

I do have experience and comfort working with a wide variety of needs and populations, however teletherapy services have certain limitations. Individuals experiencing significant suicidal ideation with planning, access and intent; have a recent history of suicide attempt(s); or chronic patterns of engaging in high-risk behaviors are much safer with face-to-face services with an in-office provider. I am not saying this because you are a bother or you are "unhelpable" - I'm saying this because you deserve safety and support which aligns with ethical treatment standards.

If we are currently engaged in services and you feel you are at significant risk of harm to self (or others), please let me know as quickly as possible so I can link you with a care coordinatior to refer you to a provider with a physical office in your area. If you are experiencing a crisis and I am not available, do not hesitate to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK).

If you are experiencing vague, transient or intrusive thoughts of suicide, but you do not feel you are at risk of significant harm, you may still be a good candidate for teletherapy service. Individuals who struggle with self-injuring behaviors which do not require medical intervention are also candidates for teletherapy. We will revisit these topics periodically to assess for safety throughout our therapeutic relationship and address treatment plans for increased risk if it occurs.

What if I need medication to help with my symptoms?

If you are not already established with a psychiatric provider (someone who prescribes medications), but you are interested in exploring if medication management of your symptoms may be of benefit, please feel free to ask! We can work together to connect you with a provider.

Can I see you and another therapist at the same time?

If you are currently working with a licensed therapist (LMFT, LMHC, or LCSW), you would need to discontinue services with that provider in order to establish services with me. This is because insurance companies will not cover "duplication of services" (having two providers for the same illness), and also because it can get confusing for everyone involved. If you see one provider through insurance, and the other out-of-pocket, this is less of an issue, however it is still not generally advised.

If you have already engaged in services with me prior to termination with your current provider, please let me know so we can schedule a 15 minute consult to explore your thoughts, feelings and options for ongoing care.

Billing

How much are sessions with you?

Clients paying for services without insurance will be charged a session rate of $125 for a one hour session (53+ minutes). Sliding scale fee available based on income. Clients utilizing health insurance are responsible for payment of co-pay as determined by their insurance provider. You can check your eligibility and copay responsibility here: https://secure.helloalma.com/check-my-insurance-coverage/

Do you offer sliding-scale for non-insured clients?

Yes! I am able to offer sliding-scale fees as low as $80 per session based on qualifying household income. We can discuss this further during our consultation.

I was billed twice for my session - how can I dispute the charge?

Individuals with private insurance are billed for their copay. Sometimes, but not commonly, your insurance provider may send notice to the billing team that they will not cover some of the remaining portion of the fee for service. This is usually due to issues with your insurance plan's deductible. I am not directly involved in the billing process, so I am unable to assist in resolving such issues, but I am happy to provide you with the contact information to my billing specialist team for advisement.

I was charged for a session I did not attend - how can I dispute this charge?

No show/late cancellations will be charged a cancellation fee of 50% of your session rate. This policy is indicated in the Consent for Treatment form, which is provided for your review and signature prior to initiation of ongoing services.

"Late cancellation" refers to any cancellation of an appointment by the client less than 24 hours prior to appointment time. "No Show" refers to any scheduled appointment which is not attended by the client without prior notification. This fee may generally be waived if an appointment is rescheduled within the same week of the cancelled/missed appointment. Other requests for fee waiver are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

I am having some financial difficulty - can I make a payment later?

That is totally okay! Please let me know if you are having financial difficulty so we can adjust our appointments to better support your needs. As a general rule, copays are due within 45 days of service date; after 60 days, we may pause further sessions until you are able to catch up on payments. While I do not discharge clients for non-payment of services, you may be transitioned from my active caseload to my waitlist.

Letters of Support and Other Documentation

Do you provide Gender Affirming Care for Children and Adolescents?

As we are all very aware, access to Gender Affirming Care for Trans and Nonbinary individuals in the state of Florida is under severe threat. As a licensed therapist in the state of Florida, I am subject to the laws and regulations set forth by the state legislature. Due to this, I am unable to provide any services related to Gender Identity for individuals under the age of 18. However, I am also subject to the NASW Code of Ethics as a professional social worker, therefore I have a duty to provide culturally competent care to my clients, which includes LGBTQ+ clients. This means that I will continue provide care to anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+, and that all clients will be treated with dignity, kindness and respect, regardless of age or diagnostic status.

Do you offer letters for HRT/GAHT?

I am happy to provide letters of support for transgender clients who are 18 years of age or older. I try to make this process as quick as possible, however, I do prefer to spend some time exploring your safety, stability of identity, and stability of life circumstances prior to issuing these letters. The process may take anywhere from 3 to 6 sessions. If you would prefer immediate access to HRT/GAHT, please consider seeking out your nearest Planned Parenthood, as they may offer this service on an informed-consent basis. Regardless, I do highly recommend following up with a therapist during the early stages of hormone therapy, as transitioning can be an immensely wonderful but very difficult adjustment all at the same time.

Do you offer letters for Gender Affirming Surgery?

I do offer letters of support for gender affirming surgery to established clients who are of adult age, however I do not offer this service directly to new clients. I do not offer letters of support for surgical procedures for anyone under the age of 18.

Do you provide ESA letters?

I am happy to provide letters for Emotional Support Animals after exploring how this accommodation may be helpful for you, as well as your ability to appropriately attend to the needs of your new pal. This process should also take 3 to 6 sessions.

Do you provide absence notes for work/school?

I will provide letters to account for absences from school/work for appointments by request. Please remind me each time you will require this documentation so I can email it to you as quickly as possible.

If you require extended time away from school to attend to your emotional wellbeing, I am able to provide some information for Hospital Homebound paperwork, however a medical provider is generally required to co-sign for medical necessity. Please consult your school guidance counselor for more guidance on your school board's requirements.

If you require extended time away from your place of employment, I am able to provide letters of support for FMLA if it is clinically sound to do so. Please be aware that some employers will attempt to reject a letter that is not signed by a medical provider; this is not necessary by law, but it is always a good idea to collaborate with a psychiatrist or your primary care physician for additional support.

Can you provide documentation for educational accommodations (504/IEP)?

I am happy to provide a case summary with your diagnosis to assist in the development of educational accommodations with your school. Please let me know so we can explore where you feel you are struggling, and what you feel you need from your school in order to be successful, so I can include these observations in your summary.

Do you provide letters of support for disability?

Not at this time. I do not feel particularly experienced in this area, so I would not want to inadvertently do you a disservice in any way - I feel it is best for individuals seeking letters for disability to collaborate with providers who are more seasoned in this area. If you need assistance with this, please let me know so I can link you with a care coordinator to match you with a provider who can meet your needs.

Do you provide services for custody and other court-related issues?

Not at this time - these services are best provided by in-office therapists who can better observe family dynamics in real-time.

How can I get a copy of my medical records?

For clients participating through the Alma platform, you may request your medical records directly through me. We will discuss which records you wish to release, to whom, and by what method.

For clients participating through Path, all medical records are managed by Path Mental Health. I will happily put you in contact with their records management team in order to discuss which records you wish to release, to whom, and by what method.