Frequently Asked Questions

What are your session fees?

You can learn more about my fees here.

Are you accepting new clients? Yes — I'm currently accepting new clients for both individual therapy and couples work. The best first step is scheduling a free 15-minute consultation so we can see if it feels like a good fit.

Do you offer a free consultation? Yes. I offer a 15-minute phone consultation so we can get a sense of each other and see if working together feels like a good fit.

What issues do you specialize in? I work with adults navigating complex trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and identity questions. I have specialized training in EMDR and bring over 30 years of clinical experience to my work, including extensive experience with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. If you're not sure whether your concerns fit, the consultation is a good place to start.

What is EMDR, and what therapeutic approaches do you use? EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy originally developed for trauma, and now widely used for anxiety, grief, phobias, and more. Rather than talking through difficult experiences in detail, EMDR uses guided bilateral stimulation to help the brain process stuck memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge. In addition to EMDR, I draw on relational, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed approaches, tailoring my work to what fits each person best.

Do you work with couples? Yes. I work with couples navigating communication breakdowns, trust repair, major life transitions, intimacy concerns, and relationship patterns that feel stuck. Couples work is collaborative — my role is to help you both feel heard while creating space for real change.

Are you LGBTQ+ affirming? Yes, fully. I have worked with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples throughout my career and am committed to providing a space that is genuinely affirming — not just tolerant. You won't need to explain or justify your identity here. We can focus on what actually brought you to therapy.

Are you sex-positive and kink-aware? Yes. While I am not a licensed sex therapist, I am comfortable and nonjudgmental working with people in the kink community and those in consensual non-monogamous relationships, including open relationships, polyamory, and other relationship structures. You won't need to explain or justify your relationship structure or sexuality here — we can focus on what actually brought you to therapy.

Do you take insurance? I am an in-network provider for some insurance plans. For clients whose plans I don't participate in, I can bill your insurance directly as an out-of-network provider — no paperwork on your end. I'm happy to talk through your specific coverage during our consultation.

What is out-of-network coverage, and how does it work? Many insurance plans include out-of-network benefits that cover a portion of therapy costs — even with providers who aren't in their network. I bill out-of-network insurance directly on your behalf, so you don't have to manage claims yourself. If you prefer, I'm also happy to provide a superbill — a detailed receipt with the codes your insurer needs — that you can submit on your own. Reimbursement rates vary by plan, so it's worth calling your insurance company before we begin to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits. I'm happy to tell you exactly what to ask.

Do you offer a sliding scale? My sliding scale spots are currently full. If this changes, I'll update this page. In the meantime, billing your insurance directly as an out-of-network provider can meaningfully reduce your out-of-pocket cost depending on your plan.

Do you offer in-person or virtual services? I offer in-person therapy in Syracuse, NY, and virtual therapy throughout New York State and Washington, DC. I have a variety of options for virtual sessions and am happy to discuss what works best for you during our initial consultation.

How often will we meet? Most clients begin with weekly sessions. Over time, we may adjust the frequency depending on your needs and goals.

How long will therapy take? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people come for a few months to work through a specific issue, while others stay longer for deeper, ongoing work. We'll check in regularly about how things are going and what feels most helpful.

What if I've never done therapy before — or I'm not sure I really need it? That's okay. You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. If something isn't working in your life or relationships, or if you're simply feeling stuck, we can start there.

How do I know if you're the right therapist for me? There are many therapy approaches, and not every therapist is the right fit for every person. What matters most is how it feels to be in the room together. If you ever feel unsure about continuing, I'll encourage you to bring that into a session — not to talk you out of leaving, but because it can be a powerful opportunity to practice speaking up, being direct, and ending something with clarity and care. You're always free to make the choice that feels right for you.

Will our sessions be confidential? Yes. Everything we discuss in therapy is confidential, with a few legal exceptions involving safety — such as imminent risk of harm to yourself or others. We'll go over this in detail during your first session so you know exactly what to expect.

What is your cancellation policy? I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a full session fee, though I understand that emergencies happen and will always take circumstances into account.

How should I prepare for my first session? Before we meet, I'll send you some paperwork — consent forms and a brief patient history questionnaire. Take your time with it and fill out what you can. There's no need to have everything figured out before we begin. Our first session is simply a chance to start getting to know each other and explore what you're hoping for in therapy.