FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Hours
Please call for availability.
How long is a session?
Evaluation sessions are 50 minutes each for a total of 4 to 6 sessions to determine the best recommendation for issues and resources, both emotionally, logistically and financially. Therapy sessions are either 45 minutes or 90 minutes depending on need.
How much do you charge?
Evaluation sessions are each $290.00. During the evaluation phase, one area discussed will be the issue of finances. For some people, this is a harder topic to explore or discuss than sex, but to know your unique situation I must be told what your financial picture is like.
Once I get an understanding of your emotional needs through our discussions, I can professionally make a solid recommendation as to the best way to proceed based on your strengths, insights, etc. In many cases, I end up working with a sliding-fee scale based on the number of sessions per week and ability to pay.
Payment is electronically on the day of service either by PayPal or Venmo.
Do you take insurance?
The answer is NO. Have you ever tried working with your insurance company? I am a solo clinician without a secretary. To be placed on hold takes away from my primary focus in life.
The American Psychoanalytic Association is fighting every day in Congress with the health parity laws, and I can give you the rights and laws as a consumer for you to discuss with your insurance company should you need this information.
I expect to be paid each session during the evaluation phase. Once your financial record is secure, I will bill at the end of the month with the expectation to be paid by the 10th of the following month. I will give you directions on how to work with your insurance company and a “super bill” with the proper diagnostic codes for you to submit.
What is your cancellation policy?
No one likes my cancellation policy; however, in a paradoxical way, everyone appreciates over time the meaning of my cancellation policy once they live it.
Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (2-5 times a week) which is agreed upon by the end of the evaluation due to the level of trauma, pain, goals or symptoms which are brought to the table – you will be charged for all missed appointments. If we can reschedule within the week (2/3 times patients), I will work with this as much as I can otherwise.
There is no charge when I am away. Typically, I take all Federal holidays off and average 4-6 weeks off during the year for professional and personal reasons. I post my absences at the end of each month to eliminate surprises.
How does payment work?
Invoices are sent electronically at the end of the month. Payment is expected by the 10th of the following month. If payment is later than 60 to 90 days and no payment arrangement has been made after several attempts to be paid, IC Collection Agency will be notified. The relationship will be terminated. This is my very last resort if a suitable agreement cannot be resolved. I have only had to use this service three times in my 30 years of practice.
What ages do you counsel?
I have worked with ages 18 to 94 years of age from 2 to 5 times a week, both men and women from all walks of life. For couples, I work with ages 30 to 60.
Do you make assignments?
Exercise, eat well, and sleep while you are in treatment with me.
What is your professional training and experience?
I have been in private practice since 1986 full time. I attended the Washington/Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis which is an approved training program for the American Psychoanalytic Association. I am the Chairperson of an ongoing Discussion Group at the American Psychoanalytic Association called The Psychodynamics of Religion and Spirituality. I am also a frequent presenter at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies yearly conferences.
To become a psychoanalyst, I was required to enter my own treatment for many years, so I truly know how this feels. I went into treatment not because this was a fun thing to do with my time or money, but felt pushed by the complexities of being a ‘good enough’ mother, wife, and professional. This commitment to self-understanding and my own emotional well-being contributed to the health and well-being of my now grown family. I’ve been married for 38 years and continue my lifelong interest in the integration of mind, body, and spirit as seen through psychoanalytic and spiritual perspectives.
What do you do for fun?
I renew myself everyday through love, work and play. I love the great outdoors, riding my bike frequently, swimming, horseback riding, dogs and tending to my butterfly garden when not with extended family. I meditate daily and work out on a Pilates reformer to counter sitting all day.
