Frequently Asked Questions

I am an out-of-network provider, which means I do not bill insurance directly. This allows me to focus entirely on your needs without insurance companies dictating what we can work on or how long therapy should last.

However, many clients are able to receive partial reimbursement from their insurance. I provide a monthly Superbill (detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Tip: Contact your insurance and ask about your "out-of-network mental health benefits" to understand your potential reimbursement.

Current rates for individual therapy:

• Initial Intake Session (60 min): $[Rate]
• Individual Therapy Session (50 min): $[Rate]
• Free Consultation (15 min): Complimentary

Payment is due at the time of service. I accept credit/debit cards and HSA/FSA cards through my secure client portal.

There are several benefits to private pay therapy:

• Privacy: No diagnosis required in your permanent medical record
• Flexibility: We decide what to work on together—not an insurance company
• No session limits: You continue therapy as long as it's helpful, not when insurance says to stop
• Confidentiality: Your therapy remains completely private

I understand this is an investment. If cost is a concern, please reach out—I'm happy to discuss options.

I maintain a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients who need financial assistance. If cost is a barrier, please don't hesitate to ask during your consultation call. I believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health care.

Yes, The Peaceful Place is a 100% virtual practice. All sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing.

I made this choice intentionally because virtual therapy removes barriers to care. You can attend sessions from home, your car, your office—wherever you have privacy. No commute, no waiting room, no added stress.

Research shows that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns, and many clients find they're actually more comfortable opening up from their own space.

You'll need:

• A private, quiet space where you won't be interrupted
• A reliable internet connection
• A device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone)

I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform (not regular Zoom or FaceTime). You'll receive a private link before each session—just click to join. No downloads or accounts needed.

I am licensed to provide therapy in Massachusetts. You must be physically located in Massachusetts at the time of your session.

If you're traveling out of state temporarily, please let me know and we can discuss options.

Absolutely. I take your privacy seriously. All video sessions are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant platform with end-to-end encryption. Your sessions are not recorded.

I also use a HIPAA-compliant practice management system for scheduling, billing, and any written communication. Regular email is not secure, so I ask that you use the client portal for any sensitive information.

Most clients start with weekly 50-minute sessions. Consistency is important, especially in the beginning—it helps build momentum and deepens the work.

As you progress and meet your goals, we may transition to biweekly or monthly sessions before ending therapy. The pace is always collaborative—we decide together what makes sense for you.

I offer sessions during daytime and evening hours to accommodate working schedules. Limited weekend availability may be available.

Current available hours and real-time scheduling can be found in the client portal.

I require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice (except for emergencies) will be charged the full session fee.

I understand life happens—if something comes up, just reach out as soon as you can and we'll figure it out together.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The length of therapy depends on your goals, the concerns you're working through, and your pace of growth.

Some clients find what they need in a few months of focused work. Others choose longer-term therapy for deeper exploration. We'll regularly check in about your progress and adjust as needed.

The goal is always for you to eventually not need me anymore—equipped with the tools and insights to handle life on your own.

The relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. That's why I offer a free 15-minute consultation—a chance for us to connect, for you to ask questions, and to get a sense of whether we'd work well together.

Trust your gut. You should feel comfortable, heard, and hopeful (even if also nervous—that's normal!).

Your first session (called an intake) is about 60 minutes. We'll discuss what brought you to therapy, your history, current life circumstances, and your goals.

I'll ask a lot of questions—but there's no pressure to share anything you're not ready to talk about. The first session is also about you getting to know me and how I work.

By the end, we'll have a shared understanding of what we're working on together.

Completely normal! Most people feel some combination of nervous, hopeful, skeptical, and uncertain when starting therapy. Opening up to a stranger about your struggles takes courage.

Know that you can go at your own pace. There's no pressure to dive into the deep stuff immediately. We build trust gradually, and I'll meet you exactly where you are.