FAQ

If you've found yourself here and are asking yourself this question, it's probably worth exploring!

Most of my clients are high-functioning - they're showing up to what they're "supposed to" and getting things done, but internally are having a very different experience.

You might feel:

• overwhelmed or constantly overthinking

• hard on yourself or second-guessing everything

• stuck in patterns you know aren’t helping

• like part of you wants support and another part thinks you “should be fine”

You don’t need to have a clear problem or a perfect starting point.
If something feels off, heavy, or just harder than it needs to be, that’s enough.

If you're looking for someone to nod and just let you word vomit for 50 minutes, I'm not your girl.

That doesn't mean I'm going to overwhelm you or come on too strong either. A lot of what we do here is:

• slow it down

• make sense of what's happening in your mind and body

• notice patterns

• figure out what actually helps you manage (not just what's trending)

This is a space where you can breathe and feel like you're moving out of the places you've been feeling stuck.

We'll do a bit of both!

You won't leave sessions with a long list of things you "should" be doing, but we will focus on what's realistic:

• building tools that are accessible and intentional

• breaking it all down so the steps are attainable

• figuring out what you'll actually use in the moments where it matters

I'll help you understand why things are happening, notice patterns, and figure out what works for you so when the natural barriers of life show up, you can follow through on how to manage them with confidence.

Trauma-informed care means we're switching the thought pattern from constantly demanding "WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!?" and switching it to a much kinder, "What happened to me to make these behaviors or thoughts make sense?

We look at how your experiences, stressors, and environment shaped the way your brain and body respond to all levels of anger, jealousy, fear, anxiety, etc.

This also means we go at a sometimes slower pace, pay attention to what feels safe or overwhelming with curiosity, and work to reduce shame rather than add to it.

The first session is our opportunity to get a blueprint of what's been going on, what feels the most challenging, and what you're hoping will feel different.

You don't need to prepare anything ahead of time.

You can have a notebook full of journal entries to run through, or you can just say, "I don't even know where to start."

We will figure the rest out together :)

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. 

All sessions are held through a HIPAA-compliant and secure Telehealth platform called Simple Practice.

Telealth might be best for people who 

• want to be in their own space

• need flexibility to stay consistent

• don't want to stress about traveling/arriving somewhere on time.

Research shows virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy, but it's not for everyone. We can talk about the pros/cons and what type of environment might be best for your specific needs.

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 challenges on their own. Others might enjoy the benefits of having a regular, safe space to discuss all the beautiful, messy, challenging, and confusing parts of life.

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.

I'm licensed in New York and Maryland.

You will need to be physically located in one of those states during sessions.

If you move between those states or travel between them, we can usually continue working together without interruption, but if you move outside of either of those states, no matter how long we've been working together, we will need to discuss alternate options to get you situated with a provider in your new home state.

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 48-hour cancellation policy. You will get an email or text reminder 48 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.

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)