FAQ

Therapy is for everyone! 

Whether you're wondering how to navigate a life transition, struggling with stress, looking to explore deep-rooted emotional issues, or seeking personal growth, therapy can help you process emotions, understand your behaviors, and develop effective coping strategies for managing the challenges in your life.

Therapy provides a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions, build emotional resilience, and improve your overall mental health.

Once you reach out for your free initial consultation, we’ll schedule the phone or video call so you can share your therapy goals, ask any questions about my background, and determine if my approach is the right fit for your needs.

Once we confirm that we’re a good match, I’ll get you set up with my HIPAA-compliant client portal, SimplePractice, where you’ll complete consent forms and initial documentation before the first session. This helps me understand your needs and ensures our work together is tailored to your goals.

This platform is also where you will input your payment information and receive notifications about appointments, billing, and any additional forms to be signed throughout our time together.

During your first therapy session, we will explore what’s bringing you to therapy and how your current challenges are impacting your life. If we feel we’re a good fit, we will create a personalized plan for moving forward and achieving your goals.

We will meet at a mutually agreed-upon frequency, typically weekly, to work toward your therapy goals in a safe and supportive environment.

The Mind Lab is a completely virtual practice, which allows me to meet with clients in multiple states. This also makes it so that each client has the privacy they need, in a comfortable space, on a schedule that works for them. 

Sessions are conducted fully through a HIPAA-compliant and secure Telehealth platform called Simple Practice.

You will receive a link for the video call before each session. If the link doesn't come through or you're having issues, email or text me and we can troubleshoot together!

There is no finite answer to this - and for good reason! 

Everyone's journey is incredibly different. Everyone has different reasons for beginning therapy, and once that is resolved, they might feel safe and prepared to continue managing future issues on their own. Others might enjoy the benefits of having a regular, safe space to discuss challenges in their life on an ongoing basis.

We are complex beings, and between our personal, professional, and social selves, there can be a lot of ground to cover.

We will discuss session frequency based on your goals (typically once-weekly, 45-minute sessions). We will also check in regularly to make sure we are meeting your goals as expected, or are discussing additional needs or services that might best support your therapy journey.

Your therapist must be licensed in the state you live in. I am licensed in both New York and Maryland, so as long as your primary address is linked to either of those states, we can work together! 

Regardless of location, I am only conducting remote therapy sessions at this time.

Yes! Research shows that telehealth therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for many people. Studies show positive outcomes, including symptom reduction, client satisfaction, and therapeutic progress.

Overall effectiveness depends on factors like your comfort with technology, the therapeutic relationship, and the therapist’s ability to adapt to a virtual space.

Benefits of Telehealth:

› Increased accessibility, eliminating commute time and improving attendance

› Flexibility to work with your schedule and therapeutic needs

› The comfort of being in your safe space, wherever that may be

› Continuation of therapy despite travel, relocation, or illness

› Reduced stigma, as therapy can be accessed privately from home

However, telehealth may not be ideal for everyone. If you prefer face-to-face interaction, have trouble accessing a safe and private space, or would benefit from in-person interventions, traditional therapy might be a better option.

There are a few options for session payment. The Mind Lab does not accept or bill through insurance. However, if your insurance has Out-of-Network Benefits, I will send you a "Superbill" to be submitted to your insurance for reimbursement. This reimbursement can be anywhere from 0-100% of your session fee and depends on your insurance plan. Medicaid plans do not offer this type of coverage.

If you do not have these benefits, you might use HSA/FSA or pay out of pocket via credit card. I do not accept Venmo or Zelle for HIPAA purposes.

You are responsible for the full payment at the time of the session. Your billing information is securely stored in our Client Portal, where you will be charged at the beginning of each session.

All billing documents are available to you in your client portal for your convenience.

If payment is not received at the time of your appointment, you will be required to submit an additional form of payment or forfeit your appointment time.

Please also note that missed appointments or appointments with a late cancellation fee are not eligible for insurance reimbursement.

Please review our Practice Policies for more information.

Clients typically begin with weekly sessions for at least the first 3 months. This helps to create a routine in the therapeutic space and build a sense of safety, comfort, and connectedness.

When appropriate, client and therapist will discuss reductions in meeting regularity. This can include bi-weekly or monthly sessions, as well as discharge as the result of completed goals.

If a client has not made contact with their therapist in the last month, has not responded to outreach, and/or has not scheduled an upcoming appointment, they are subject to termination from services. 

The Mind Lab has a 24-hour cancellation policy. You will get an email or text reminder 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time. If you do not cancel or reschedule your appointment by that time, you will be charged the full session fee. 

You can read more about our Practice Policies here.

Being trauma-informed means I approach each client with the recognition that everyone has experienced something in their lives that has changed how they interact with themselves and their world.

From this lens, I create a safe, validating space where we move at your own pace to explore these experiences, past or present, and make sense of them. My approach acknowledges their impact while helping you build skills to move forward in a way that feels safe, meaningful, and healing.

The main differentiation is that a client is defined as "a person who engages the professional advice or services of another" whereas a patient is "a person who receives medical care or treatment."

Mainly, it is a preference by the clinician to use either term. Normally, professionals with a medical degree will use the term "patient" whereas clinicians will use "client." Clinicians tend to be less focused on "treating" or "fixing" an issue and more focused on working with the client to educate, build awareness, and foster skills for them to solve issues on their own.

Please refer to this resource to assess which type of provider might best fit your needs.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am not licensed to prescribe medication. However, I will work with you to find a provider (Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioner, etc.) who can assess and provide you with the support you need to best manage the symptoms you are experiencing.

It is highly recommended and encouraged that clients maintain regular therapy sessions while utilizing medication to ensure regular checks-in, assess progress, and continue learning the skills to best support their needs!

Please note that if you are taking medications that are not prescribed to you, or are sharing your medications, you are subject to termination from treatment.

As a virtual practice servicing clients in multiple states, I do not have the appropriate resources to provide the support necessary in a crisis.

If you or someone you know is at risk of hurting themselves or is experiencing a mental health emergency, please utilize the below resources:

› Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

› Call/text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available in English and Spanish)

› NYC Well: call 888-692-9355 or text “WELL” to 65173

› Crisis Text Line: text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor

› Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

› Eating Disorder Hotline: 800-931-2237

› LGBTQIA Support: 866-488-7386

› Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673

› Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-TALK (8255)