Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are the top questions frequently asked about therapy.

How do I get started?

It’s easy. Call, text, or fill out a form. 

Provide me your name, number, and the best time to call you back. We will set up a short free phone consultation to discuss your concerns and goals. After we determine whether we’d be a good fit, we’ll set up your first in-person session. If you’d prefer, we can also meet in person for your free 30-minute consultation.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is sometimes called talk therapy or talk treatment because it uses talking vs. medication as the main form of treatment. Psychotherapy typically focuses on problem-solving and goal-setting. It is often more long-term than counseling and covers a broader range of mental health and emotional issues, such as those listed below:

  • Overwhelming feelings of depression, low self-esteem, sadness, helplessness, and/or anxiety.
  • An inability to cope with everyday situations and difficulty concentrating on tasks.
  • An unhealthy relationship with drugs, alcohol, and/or food.
  • Communication issues with family, friends, boss, colleagues, etc.
  • Marital disputes

Does therapy work?

Yes, if you are open to the idea of the following things:

  • Change
  • Personal responsibility and accountability
  • Trust in the counselor-client relationship
  • Willingness to put in the work

How do I know you are the right therapist for me?

Finding the right therapist is like dating.  You may need to shop around a little bit before you find the best therapist for you. Each mental health practitioner has a unique style of counseling. Equally, each client has a different story and may require different things from the counselor-client relationship.

I focus on anxiety, trauma, depression, and life-changing situations. I like to use holistic modalities that focus on the mind-body connection. I focus and specialize in personal and career development, emotional self-regulation, and the ability to practice forward thinking and gain mental strength. I like to use mindfulness techniques and a mix of talk therapy, brainspotting, and solution-based therapy to help process past life experiences that may cause such symptoms as anxiety, depression, and PTSD and the root of many of your destructive behavioral patterns and irrational thought processes.

What is your training?

I have experience in individual, relationships/couples/marriage, and group therapy, dealing with such issues as:

Specifically, I have a background in school and mental health counseling. Over three years, I completed two internships in New York City at a middle school and an outpatient substance abuse clinic.

Where are you located?

Physical Address:
710 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite 200
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

What are your hours?

I am currently accepting new clients by appointment only. I’ve listed my main hours below; however, there is room for additional times if the client commits to treatment.

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Do you do therapy via email? via Phone? via Skype?

To protect your privacy as much as possible, I will be accepting in-person and online counseling appointments facilitated through an encrypted program only. Conversations via email and phone will be kept short and should not include personal data about the client or the client’s situation

Currently, Skype does not offer business associate agreements for mental health professionals who want to use their services for telehealth purposes, leaving the possibility of a client’s confidential information and data getting exposed. This does not comply with HIPPA regulations or The American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics. However, I offer video and phone sessions via another platform called Telehealth by SimplePractice, similar to Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime. This platform allows for our exchanges to remain confidential and secure. 

Is my information kept confidential and secure?

Confidentiality and privacy are protected by state laws. In general, everything the client says will be kept confidential. I have a legal and ethical obligation to protect your privacy. It’s the foundation of the counseling relationship between counselor and client and the code of ethics in psychology.  In group therapy sessions, I do my best to enforce the same level of confidentiality as in individual and couple therapy.

In addition, there are laws put in place to protect your privacy. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) contains a privacy rule that outlines national standards to protect the client’s medical records and personal health information, such as mental health diagnoses. Contact your state’s board of psychology for more information on a specific state’s laws and protections.

Mental health practitioners are ethically bound to protect your privacy regardless of what information you choose to share with others; however, there are some exceptions to the privacy rule. In the following situations, clinicians can share the client’s personal information without their written consent, ethically mandated reporters:

  • If the client discusses plans to attempt suicide or harm another person.
  • If a client reports ongoing domestic violence, abuse, or neglect of children, the elderly, or people with disabilities.
  • If the therapist receives a court order to release personal information.

Clients under 18 are considered minors and legally required to have a parent or legal guardian sign their consent form for treatment. To help with the therapy process, I will ask permission from the minor clients’ parents to keep therapy confidential to the highest degree possible. Minors will be encouraged to provide their parents with regular updates, and I will also give the parents information about their child’s broad treatment goals and overall progress.

I adhere to the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines for privacy and confidentiality.

What are your fees?

My standard prices are listed below. I will try to accommodate your financial needs as much as possible. Please text 843-597-6497 to discuss a sliding scale.

  • Individual Therapy – $200.00  (50 min)
  • Relationships/Couples/Marriage Therapy – $225.00  (50 min)
  • Online Counseling – $200.00 (50 min)

What payment methods are accepted?

Currently accepting the following forms of payments:

  • Cash
  • Credit/Debit
  • Check
  • Venmo
  • HSA

Do you take insurance?

I do not accept insurance now; however, please call if you need a referral. 

How long is each therapy session?

Depending on the type of counseling session, the time will range from 50- 90 minutes. Listed below are the exact times.

  • Individual Therapy (50 min)
  • Couples/Marriage Therapy (50 min)
  • Group Therapy Session (4-8 people) (90 min)

If needed and approved by the client, time extensions will be considered.

What is the frequency of treatment?

This will be determined during your initial consultation. Based on your situation, we will create the best treatment plan. This could range anywhere from 5 sessions to as many as six months of sessions. Typically, I will suggest meeting at least once weekly until we develop a good plan for your therapeutic goals. The goal is to help you create a toolbox of coping skills to help self-regulate and adjust your feelings and thought processes. By becoming more self-aware and attuned to that body and mind connection, you will find the clarity needed to help you process your thoughts and emotions properly while determining what you need at that current moment to regain control over your situation.

Do you prescribe medication?

I do not prescribe medication. However, I will work with your psychiatrist if you are currently on medication to help you determine the best dose and treatment plan for your needs.