Ferequently Asked Questions

Our telehealth services allow you to utilize your time efficiently and reduce the stress of trying to fit therapy into your already hectic schedule.

We utilize a HIPAA-compliant platform that allows us to see you “face-to-face.” Even if you are not the most tech-savvy person, our system is extremely user-friendly, and sessions can begin with the click of a link! All you need is your computer, phone, or tablet.

When utilizing telehealth, you must be in an area where you are safe and feel comfortable talking.

Ideally, a place where no one else can hear you or will interrupt you.
Some tips for preparing for your session:

• Ensure your computer/tablet/phone has a camera and the ability to speak and hear when someone else is speaking- you may also want to use headphones.
• Find a place where others will not interrupt you- you can always ask those in your area to give you privacy during your scheduled session.
• Find a place where others cannot hear you- if this is challenging to do, set up a white noise machine near the door of the room you are in.
• Make sure you are in a comfortable spot- pick a comfy chair, sofa, bed, or anywhere else you feel cozy.
• Grab yourself some water, tea, or coffee.
• If you are in your car, make sure you are parked and in a safe area.

We highly recommend taking advantage of our free 15-minute consultation call. This will allow you to speak directly with Stephanie and ask any questions you would like. It will also ensure that you both feel she can meet your needs.

You can sign up for a free consultation call or a session here:

Reduced Ability to Choose: Most healthcare plans today (insurance, PPO, HMO, etc.) offer little coverage or reimbursement for mental health services. Most HMOs and PPOs require “preauthorization” before you can receive services. This means you must call the company and justify why you are seeking therapeutic services for you to receive reimbursement. The insurance representative, who may or may not be a mental health professional, will decide whether services will be allowed. You are often restricted to seeing the providers on the insurance company’s list if authorization is given. Reimbursement is reduced if you choose someone not on the contracted list; consequently, your choice of providers is often significantly restricted.

Pre-Authorization and Reduced Confidentiality: Insurance typically authorizes several therapy sessions at a time. When these sessions are finished, your therapist must justify the need for continued services. Sometimes additional sessions are not permitted, leading to an end of the therapeutic relationship even if therapeutic goals are not entirely met. Your insurance company may require additional clinical information that is confidential to approve or justify a continuation of services. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed when insurance companies require information to approve continued services. Your insurance company may decline services even if the therapist explains the need for ongoing services. Your insurance company dictates if treatment will or will not be covered. Note: Your personal information might add personal information to national medical information data banks regarding treatment.

Negative Impacts of a Psychiatric Diagnosis: Insurance companies require clinicians to give a mental health diagnosis (i.e., “major depression” or “obsessive-compulsive disorder”) for reimbursement. Psychiatric diagnoses may negatively impact you in the following ways:

• Denial of insurance when applying for disability or life insurance;
• Company (mis)control of information when claims are processed;
• Loss of confidentiality due to the increased number of persons handling claims;
• Loss of employment and/or repercussions of a diagnosis in situations where you may be required to reveal a mental health disorder diagnosis on your record. This includes but is not limited to applying for a job, financial aid, and/or concealed weapons permits.

A psychiatric diagnosis can be brought into a court case (i.e.: divorce court, family law, criminal, etc.).
It is also important to note that some psychiatric diagnoses are not eligible for reimbursement. This is often true for marriage/couples therapy.

• You are in control of your care, including choosing your therapist, length of treatment, etc.
• Increased privacy and confidentiality (except for limits of confidentiality).
• Not having a mental health disorder diagnosis on your medical record.
• Consulting with us on non-psychiatric issues that are important to you that aren’t billable by insurance, such as learning how to cope with life changes, gaining more effective communication techniques for your relationships, increasing personal insight, and developing healthy new skills.

If you prefer not to use your insurance benefit, please contact us so we can make alternate financial arrangements.