No, I do not offer free consultations, but I am happy to answer any questions you may have to help determine if we are a good initial fit.
There are several reasons I work three days a week, but the primary one is to maintain a healthy balance between my personal and professional life. This allows me to be refreshed and fully present for you during our sessions. By prioritizing my own well-being, I can better serve you and help you achieve your goals.
Great! Feel free to email me your questions at
If you need to cancel your appointment, please notify me directly. Providing at least 48 hours’ notice is ideal, but I understand that unexpected situations can arise, and I may need to cancel at times as well. To foster mutual respect, my policy is that as long as you inform me of the cancellation, no fee will be charged. However, a no-show fee will apply if I am not notified in advance. If cancellations occur three times, we will discuss whether there are underlying challenges that need to be addressed.
Yes, I am in-network with most major insurance companies. It’s always a good idea to double-check with your provider to confirm coverage since you will ultimately be responsible for payment.
I am NOT in-network with Tricare, Medicare (the 65+ version), Allina Health Plans, or EAPs at this time.
Here’s a rundown of the appointment request process:
The first appointment is a diagnostic intake session, which typically lasts about an hour. During this time, I will get to know you, your background, and the challenges that have brought you to therapy. We'll discuss your personal history, current concerns, and what you hope to achieve through therapy.
This session is an opportunity for you to share your story and for me to gather important information to better understand your needs, strengths, and goals. We’ll explore areas such as your relationships, work or school life, past experiences, and any physical or emotional symptoms you're experiencing. I may also ask about your support system and any previous therapeutic experiences.
The intake session helps us create a roadmap for your therapy journey. It’s a collaborative process, allowing us to identify a plan that aligns with your goals and sets the stage for future sessions. Most importantly, it’s a time for you to ask any questions you have and begin feeling comfortable in the therapeutic space.
Each person’s therapeutic journey is unique. For some, simply making that first phone call brings a sense of relief. Others may find they need a few sessions to process their thoughts, while some benefit from a longer-term commitment to explore deeper issues. Therapy can range from a few sessions to several years, depending on your individual needs and goals.
Disability Evaluations and Therapy Services: Important Information
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), I want to be transparent about the scope and limitations of my clinical role. I do not provide disability evaluations for mental health conditions. This includes formal opinions or assessments intended to support applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), short- or long-term disability claims, or academic/workplace accommodations that require formal determination of disability.
However, I can provide documentation that falls within the scope of my role as a treating therapist. This may include releasing copies of your medical records, providing treatment summaries, or responding to specific questions from evaluators. In other words, any request that is clearly outlined in a signed release of information. Please note that these materials are descriptive in nature and reflect the strengths-based, insight-oriented focus of our work together.
Understanding the Disability Filing Process
When someone applies for disability due to mental health concerns, the process typically involves a comprehensive review of their functioning over time. This includes submitting medical and mental health records, often spanning the full period specified in the application. Claims reviewers may scrutinize therapy notes for patterns of impairment, consistency of symptoms, and the clinical language used to describe your condition.
Why My Therapy Approach May Not Be the Right Fit for Disability Support Needs
If your goal in therapy is to establish mental health impairment in order to support a disability claim, I may not be the best provider for your needs. Here’s why:
I practice insight-oriented therapy in an outpatient setting, where we focus on understanding the roots of emotional patterns, building awareness, and developing tools for personal growth.
I view clients as capable, resilient individuals who may be facing discouragement, but not brokenness or dysfunction.
As such, my clinical notes reflect a strengths-based, capacity-focused lens. They are not written with the intent of demonstrating impairment or long-term incapacity, which could impact how your records are interpreted in a disability review.
A Note on Exceptions and Transparency
Of course, every individual and situation is unique. Some clients who are experiencing significant challenges may still find value in this type of therapeutic work. My goal is not to discourage anyone from seeking help, but rather, to ensure clarity and mutual understanding from the start. I want to avoid mismatched expectations or any misunderstanding about how I document care and conceptualize clinical progress.
If you're unsure whether my approach is right for you, I invite you to reach out. I’d be happy to help you clarify your goals and, if needed, refer you to another provider whose services may be better aligned with your needs.
Fill out the appointment request form by clicking the link below.
Where can I find your policies on ...
You can find them here: https://www.encouragingresults.com/category/policies/
