Frequently Asked Questions
The things people usually want to know before they call, and a few they are too polite to ask.
Starting Therapy
I have never been to therapy before. What happens in the first session?
It is normal to feel nervous. The first session is mostly a conversation. We talk about what brought you here, a bit of your history, and what you want to feel different. There is no script and no test. It is also your chance to ask me questions and decide whether I feel like the right fit.
How do I know if what I went through counts as trauma?
You do not need a single catastrophic event for it to count. Childhood you had to manage, a relationship that wore you down, chronic stress, medical experiences, loss — all of it can leave a mark. If it is still affecting how you live, it is worth talking about.
Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?
No. And if you are paying privately, there does not have to be one on your record at all unless you want to pursue insurance reimbursement.
How long does therapy usually last?
It depends on what you are working on. Some people come for a few months around a specific transition. Others stay longer. We will talk about it openly, and you are never locked into anything.
I have tried therapy before and it did not help.
A lot of the women I work with say that. Usually it is because they spent the whole time explaining their life instead of getting help with it. Tell me about that experience on the consult call. It is useful information.
What if we are not a good fit?
Then I will say so, and I will help you find someone who is. That is part of what the free consult is for, and it goes both ways.
Do you use AI during sessions or for notes?
No. I do not use AI during sessions, and I do not use an AI service to write or transcribe my notes. If that ever changes, you will hear it from me first.
Practical Questions
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes. Reach out and we will find a time for a consult.
Do you offer in-person sessions?
No. Progress Mental Health is telehealth only. You can meet with me from anywhere in Georgia, Nevada, or Virginia.
What states are you licensed in?
Georgia, Nevada, and Virginia. You need to be physically located in one of those states at the time of your session.
What does a session cost?
$100 for a 50-minute session. The initial 15-minute consultation is free. Sliding scale is available. Full details are on the cost page.
Do you take my insurance?
In Georgia, I am in network with Aetna and Medicare. Georgia Medicaid and Anthem (Carelon) are in progress and not yet active. In Nevada and Virginia I am self-pay only for now.
If I am not in network with your plan, I provide superbills so you can seek out-of-network reimbursement, and the cost page walks through exactly how that works.
What platform do we meet on, and is it private?
We meet by video on Carepatron. It is built for healthcare and HIPAA-compliant.
You'll get a link in your appointment confirmation and again in your reminder. You click it and you are in. You don't need to download any special software.
What do I need on my end?
A private space where you will not be interrupted, a decent internet connection, and headphones if other people are home. That is genuinely it.
Still wondering about something?
Ask on the consult call. Fifteen minutes, no cost, no obligation.