Your Questions Answered

Sessions with me are usually 50 minutes long. If you feel like a longer session would benefit you more, we can definitely discuss this option depending on your goals and schedule, and determine an appropriate fee. 

The first session, or even two, can feel like a lot of "getting to know each other.” As a therapist, it’s important to me to get a sense of your current comfort level with therapy (whether that’s “completely lost” or “therapy pro”), understand what’s bringing you in, learn more about your story, come up with a goal or two you’d like to work toward, and answer possible questions that come up for you about the therapy process. During the third session usually I like to work together to decide on goal(s) as well as smaller steps we can each take to help you achieve them. 

Of course, therapy will look different for everyone, and that’s okay! Whether you’re here to manage your anxious thoughts, get help dealing with a difficult life transition, or learn how to argue better with your partner, all goals are welcome! If you don’t have a specific goal in mind, that’s welcome too. Let’s work together to determine what’s going to help you the most. 

As a mental health provider, I understand that finances can play a major role in our mental health and be a burden that may keep you from finding the care you deserve. I want therapy to be as financially accessible as possible for you, which is why I offer a limited number of reduced fee sessions per week. If a sliding scale or reduced fee would positively impact your ability to get help, please ask about this option and if I have current availability. 

I have experience working with a wide range of client backgrounds and areas of focus, and I especially enjoy working with adult individuals and couples. It is important to me to create a space where all communities feel welcome, including LGBTQIA+, polyamorous individuals and relationships, and others oppressed by marginalization or discrimination. 

In order to provide more accessible care for more folks, I do take Aetna insurance for Kansas residents wanting to use telehealth services. I’m not able to take Aetna with clients who are physically located in Missouri at the time of the session, unfortunately. I also have the ability to offer superbills. This is essentially a receipt of your session. You would pay for the session, I would provide you with this "receipt," you then submit it to your insurance, and if they provide reimbursements with superbills, they reimburse you for a partial or full amount. It is important to ask your specific insurance company, “Do you provide reimbursements with superbills for out-patient mental health services?” before deciding if you want to use this option. Insurance can be a confusing topic, so let me know if you have questions about this!

Yes! Telehealth is an option for Kansas or Missouri residents or folks who can physically be in either state for the duration of the session. If you are interested in telehealth, or a combination of telehealth and in-person sessions, I ask that you ensure you are in a private, quiet environment with good signal, secure WiFi, and using your own device. 

Generally, I meet with clients on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. However, I also occasionally offer monthly check-ins for clients who benefit from more spread-out sessions. Whatever works best for you and your goals! I recommend meeting weekly at first, in order to get to know each other and establish a trusting therapeutic relationship. After a few weekly sessions, we will then determine a schedule that will best serve your needs. 

I personally do not prescribe any medications or approve any ESAs (emotional support animals). If you are looking for someone to do these things, you might reach out to a primary care physician or psychiatrist depending on your needs. Although I do not have the authority to prescribe any medications, with your consent, I can collaborate with the person who prescribes your medication to provide more holistic care for you. This can help me understand more about your medical care while also providing information to others in your healthcare team. Oftentimes, therapists end up seeing and hearing more about your experiences and symptoms than those prescribing your medications simply because we see you more often. Having collaborative care between all parties contributing to your mental and physical health can greatly benefit you. 

Unfortunately, the building my office is located in does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. My office is located on the second floor of the building, meaning there is a set of stairs to get to my office and no elevator in the building. If you are unable to utilize stairs, I would love to meet for virtual sessions, although I also understand that in-person sessions are sometimes preferred. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Therapy itself can last for a varying amount of time, depending on what you would like to get out of the process. Sometimes, people come in hoping to work through a goal that can be quickly achieved, leading to only a few sessions. Other times, therapy becomes an evolving process that can last a few months to a few years with ever-changing goals as your life advances. The short answer is therapy can last as long as you feel it is helpful and necessary to your growth. 

Yes! There are usually several open (and free) street parking spots in front of the building and on adjacent streets.

KC Therapy Lounge does not hold walk-in business hours. Instead, I schedule sessions and consults by appointment only. I typically schedule in-person sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with more availability for telehealth sessions. If you reach out outside of these days, that is totally fine and I will respond at my earliest convenience.