FAQS

I'm based in Pittsburgh, PA, and work with most clients virtually, so you can get support from your own couch, no driving or parking involved. I find starting virtually lets us build trust before deciding if in-person feels right for you. Once we've built that relationship, in-person sessions are available at my home office, and it's something we'd talk through together, not a default option from day one.

It's simpler than people expect. We meet through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, so all you need is a private space and a device with a camera. You get the same support and connection, just from wherever you're most comfortable, whether that's your couch, your car during a lunch break, or your dorm room. A private space doesn't have to mean a whole quiet apartment. Headphones, a closed door, or even your car can work, and we can problem-solve this together if it's tricky to find. I'll send you a link before each session, and we go from there.

Yes, but not right away. I start all client relationships virtually, and once we've built some trust together, we can talk about whether in-person sessions make sense for you. Those sessions take place at my home office in Pittsburgh, where Milly is usually around too, if that's something you'd look forward to.

My session rate is $150. I'm paneled with Highmark, UPMC, Cigna, and Aetna, so if you have one of those plans, I'd recommend calling the number on the back of your card to confirm your coverage and any copay. If I'm not in-network with your insurance, I'm happy to provide a superbill each month so you can seek out-of-network reimbursement. I don't want financial barriers to get in the way of you getting care, so if cost is a concern, let's talk about it.

Yes! ESA evaluations are $300, and you don't need to already be an established client, you can come to me just for the evaluation. If you'd like to keep working together afterward, I'm also happy to support you in an ongoing way, including how your pet fits into your coping toolkit as a partner in that process.

An ESA letter is written documentation from a licensed mental health therapist stating that your pet provides emotional support that's clinically necessary for you. It's important to know this likely gives you housing accommodations (protecting your right to live with your pet even in no-pet housing), not public access rights like a service animal has.

During your evaluation, we'll talk through your needs and determine whether an ESA is clinically valid and medically necessary for you. If it is, I'll provide your letter, and that cost is included in your evaluation fee. Your letter is valid for one year, after which you'll need a re-evaluation to renew it.

No pressure, I promise. Our first session is really just about getting to know each other. I'll ask about what's bringing you in, a little about your history, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy, and you'll get a feel for how I work and whether it feels like a good fit. There's no script you need to follow, so if you're not sure what to say, that's okay too. We'll figure it out together from there.

Yes. What you share with me stays between us, with a few legal exceptions (like if there's a safety concern for you or someone else). You'll find the full details in my informed consent, and I'm always happy to answer any questions about it before we get started.

That's totally normal, and honestly one of the most common things people tell me. You don't need to show up with an agenda. We'll figure it out together, and a lot of the time just talking through your week is exactly where the good stuff starts to surface.

There's no set timeline, and honestly, it's different for everyone. Some people come in with something specific to work through and feel ready to wrap up in a few months. Others want more ongoing support as they keep becoming who they want to be. We'll check in regularly about how things are going, and you're always the one who decides what feels right for you.

It's a federal requirement that lets you know, in writing, what to expect to pay for therapy if you're not using insurance to cover it. Before we start working together, I'll provide you with an estimate of the cost based on your expected number of sessions, so there are no surprises down the line. If you're ever billed significantly more than that estimate, you have the right to dispute the charge.