Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions – Click a topic below to expand.

Care & Philosophy

Short answer: I don’t write prescriptions — but I can help you find a trusted provider if medication needs to be part of your path.

No, I don’t write prescriptions. As a mental health counselor, my role is to help you build the skills, habits, and mindset to support both mental and physical well-being. Medication can absolutely be helpful — sometimes even essential — for stabilizing mood, easing anxiety, or managing depression. I’ve seen it change lives. But I’ve also seen how easily people can turn to medication as a quick fix to mask symptoms instead of addressing the root of the issue. Healing goes deeper than symptom relief. It involves improving sleep, nutrition, movement, faith, and learning to manage thoughts and emotions effectively. And if medication needs to be part of your path, I’ll help you find a provider who sees you as a whole person — not just a prescription.

Short answer: My approach is practical, honest, and focused on helping you get unstuck — combining evidenced and alternative-based therapies with real-world tools that create lasting change.

My counseling approach is guided in faith, grounded in healing, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I don’t believe in overcomplicating the process — it’s about identifying what’s holding you back, understanding how your thoughts and behaviors are connected, and building the tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.

I integrate cognitive and behavioral strategies with trauma-informed techniques to help you regulate emotions, reframe unhelpful patterns, and strengthen your sense of control. Whether we’re working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, the goal is always the same — to help you gain awareness, make changes that matter, and create a life that feels stable, purposeful, and aligned with your values.

I don’t do “cookie-cutter” therapy. Every session is tailored to where you are and what you need most in that moment.

Short answer: Yes — faith can be part of the process if it’s important to you, but it’s never forced or assumed.

Faith plays a big role in how many people find meaning, purpose, and healing — and for some, it’s central to the counseling process. I’m a Christian counselor, but that doesn’t mean every session is faith-based. My approach is always tailored to you. If your faith is part of your life, we’ll include it in ways that support your growth and align with your beliefs. If it’s not something you want to focus on, that’s perfectly fine too. Counseling is about meeting you where you are, not fitting you into a box. My goal is to help you heal, grow, and strengthen what matters most to you — whether that includes faith, values, or simply a desire to live with more peace and purpose.

Short answer: I offer Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for clients who may benefit from a deeper, medically supervised healing process.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy is a therapeutic approach that combines guided psychotherapy with the intentional, medically supervised use of psychedelic medicine to help individuals access deeper insight, release emotional barriers, and heal from persistent patterns of depression, anxiety, or trauma.

Currently, ketamine is the only psychedelic medication approved for therapeutic use in all 50 states. Ketamine-Assisted Therapy combines a prescribed dose of ketamine with guided psychotherapy to help people break free from cycles of depression, anxiety, or trauma that haven’t responded to traditional treatment. Ketamine works differently than antidepressants — it helps the brain form new connections and quiets the mental “loop” of negative thoughts that keeps people stuck. It’s not about escaping reality — it’s about creating space in the mind to see things differently, process emotions more deeply, and begin healing in a way that talk therapy alone sometimes can’t reach.

More detailed information about the process, benefits, safety, pricing, and eligibility for Ketamine-Assisted Therapy can be discussed in person, where we can review whether this approach aligns with your goals and current treatment needs.

Who I See & What to Expect

Short answer: Yes — I work with both couples and families to help improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen connection.

Yes, I offer counseling for both couples and families. Relationships are often where our deepest struggles — and our greatest growth — take place. Whether you’re navigating conflict, rebuilding trust, or simply trying to communicate better, I help create a space where everyone can be heard and understood. My role isn’t to take sides, but to guide you toward healthier patterns, clearer communication, and stronger relationships built on respect and accountability. For couples, that might mean learning to reconnect and repair. For families, it often means restoring unity and understanding across generations. Either way, the goal is the same — building connection that lasts.

Session Details:Couples and family sessions are 75 minutes at $225.

Short answer: That’s okay — most people haven’t. I’ll walk you through it step by step so you know what to expect.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous or unsure before starting counseling. Most people don’t know what to expect — and that’s okay. You don’t need to have the right words or a perfect explanation for what’s going on. My job is to help you figure that out. In your first session, we’ll focus on getting to know you, understanding where you are, where you want to go, and seeing if we’re a good fit to work together. This is a judgment-free space where you can be honest, even if you’re not sure where to start. The only thing you need to bring is yourself — we’ll take it from there together.

Short answer: That’s completely normal — we’ll move at your pace and build trust along the way.

Many people feel nervous or guarded in the beginning — it’s part of the process. You never have to share anything before you’re ready. My job is to create a space where you feel safe enough to open up at your own pace. Counseling works best when trust grows naturally, and that’s something we’ll build together over time.

Short answer: Your first 30-minute consultation is free — it’s about connection, comfort, and seeing if we’re a good fit.

Your first session is 30 minutes and free of charge. The goal is simple — to get to know you, understand where you are, where you want to go, and determine whether we’re a good fit to work together. I’ll ask questions about your background, family, work, and interests to get a feel for who you are beyond the symptoms or stressors bringing you in. No two sessions are ever the same — I tailor each one to your needs. My focus is on creating an environment where you feel comfortable, safe, and heard. If we decide to continue, our next session will focus on setting clear goals and mapping out a plan for lasting change.

Short answer: It depends — but most clients start with six weekly sessions, then adjust as needed.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because healing moves at its own pace. In general, I recommend committing to six consecutive weekly sessions. That’s about the average for working through most common concerns people bring to therapy. Some issues resolve more quickly, while others take longer. After the initial six sessions, we’ll reevaluate your progress and decide together whether to continue weekly, move to bi-weekly, or transition to monthly sessions depending on your goals and growth.

Privacy, Safety & Boundaries

Short answer: Yes — everything stays private unless safety laws require otherwise.

Confidentiality is one of the most important parts of therapy. It builds the trust needed to talk openly about sensitive or personal topics. What we discuss in session stays between us. The only exceptions — as required by law — involve suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult, or if there’s a serious threat of harm to yourself or someone else. If you ever need information shared with another professional or individual, I can release it only with your written consent through a signed Release of Information (ROI), which you can limit or revoke at any time.

Short answer: I don’t provide emergency or crisis services. If you’re in danger or need immediate help, please call 911 or 988.

I don’t provide crisis or emergency services. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or need urgent mental health support, please call 911 or 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or go to your nearest emergency department. If you’re an established client and need to leave a message about a non-urgent concern, please do so through the client portal or email listed on the website. I’ll respond within 24 business hours.

Short answer: To protect your privacy, I won’t initiate contact in public — you can choose whether to acknowledge me.

To protect your confidentiality, I won’t initiate contact if we cross paths in public. You’re welcome to say hello if you choose, but I’ll always follow your lead. This helps ensure your privacy and comfort come first — both inside and outside the counseling office.

Logistics & Scheduling

Short answer: Yes — telehealth is available for established clients who may need flexibility with scheduling or travel.

I currently offer telehealth sessions only for established clients. Once we’ve met in person and developed a working relationship, online sessions can be a convenient option when life gets busy or you’re unable to make it into the office. The same level of confidentiality, professionalism, and care applies — the only difference is the screen between us. Telehealth can be a great way to maintain consistency in your progress while allowing for flexibility when needed.

Short answer: I’m not currently taking new clients in Alaska, but former clients can reach out directly to discuss options.

At this time, I’m not accepting new Alaska-based counseling clients. However, if you’ve worked with me previously while I was  practicing in Alaska, you’re welcome to contact me directly to discuss your options or transitional care. I still maintain a strong connection to the Alaska community and hope to offer remote workshops, group sessions, and training opportunities for Alaska residents in the future.

Short answer: All appointments — including new clients, regular sessions, and cancellations — are handled through the secure client portal. For questions at any time, email me or use the Contact button on the website.

Scheduling is simple. All appointments — including new client consultations, regular sessions, reschedules, or cancellations — are managed through the secure client portal. This keeps everything confidential, organized, and available 24/7 for your convenience. If you have any questions at any time, you can reach me directly at the email listed on the website or by using the Contact Me button. I do my best to respond within 24 business hours.

Short answer: Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel. Late cancellations or missed sessions may result in a fee. Sessions begin and end on time.

Cancellations and Missed Appointments

  • At least 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellations.

  • Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged 33% ($58) of the regular session fee.

  • Failure to attend a session without notice (“no-show”) will be charged the full session fee, unless both client and counselor agree that the absence was due to uncontrollable circumstances.

  • Clients will not be held financially responsible for missed appointments caused by severe inclement weather, natural disasters, or other emergencies outside of their control.

Late Arrivals

  • Sessions will begin and end at the scheduled time.

  • Late arrivals will not extend the session beyond the originally scheduled end time.

Short answer: Individual sessions are $175 for 60 minutes. Couples and family sessions are $225 for 75 minutes. Consultations are free.

My standard rate is $175 for a one-hour individual session and $225 for a 75-minute couples or family session. In cases of genuine financial hardship, a discounted rate may be available. My goal is to make counseling accessible while maintaining the time, focus, and quality each client deserves.

Short answer: I don’t bill insurance directly — but I can provide a Superbill for possible reimbursement through your plan.

I don’t bill insurance directly. Here’s why — not everyone needs or wants a mental health diagnosis attached to their record, and insurance companies often require that to approve treatment. In my experience, therapy works best when it stays between you and your counselor — not filtered through what an insurance company will or won’t cover. That privacy gives you the freedom to focus on growth, not paperwork. Some clients are able to get reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits, and I’m happy to provide a Superbill to help with that process, though I can’t guarantee reimbursement. If you plan to use insurance, I always recommend checking with your provider first to see what’s covered.

  • Individual Sessions: $175 per 60 minutes

  • Couples/Family Sessions: $225 per 75 minutes

  • First Consultation: Free (30 minutes)

  • Late Cancellations: $58 (33% of session fee)

  • No Show: $175 (100% of session fee)

Didn’t see your question here?

If the information you were looking for wasn’t covered in our FAQ, please reach out — I’d be happy to answer it directly and may even add it to this page to help others in the future.