Here’s what you can expect from GroundShift Counseling: steady help for life’s upheavals (that’s my motto!) and professional, ethical, evidence-based care. You can expect to have a collaborative role in your pursuit of better mental health, to be taken seriously, and at times to be challenged. There’s a good chance you’ll laugh and cry. You will encounter a real person (me) who cares about another real person (you).
For more details on what to expect (and not to expect) from GroundShift Counseling, please see below (click on questions to see answers).
FAQs
Do you work with people like me?
You, like me, are part of the human family, and I will treat you with acceptance, respect, and care whatever your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, skin color, ethnicity, immigrant status, age, neurotype, disability, spiritual beliefs, and/or type of employment. One of the pleasures of this work is getting to know all different kinds of people. My aim is to welcome you and to come to a deep understanding of how you experience your life, knowing that it may be different from how I experience mine. Note: Because I work part time and am a solo provider, I do not work with suicidal or high-needs clients, and I do not get involved in child custody battles. Also note: I grew up with people who spoke English with an accent, and I’m pretty good at understanding a variety of accents and/or less-than-perfect English.
What do your services cost?
The fee for a new client intake is $220. The fee for subsequent sessions is $198. I do charge a $60 fee if you do not show up for your appointment (I give one free pass) or if you cancel within 24 hours of the appointment, except for illness/emergency, as I am unable to fill vacated spots at short notice. This late-cancel charge can also help you show up to do the work even when you’re feeling ambivalent, which can happen when we’re facing the prospect of change.
Do you accept insurance?
I am in network with Regence BCBS. If I am not in network with your insurance provider, I can supply a superbill that you can submit for possible reimbursement. You would need to pay me at time of service, and I recommend you contact your insurance provider before scheduling with me to find out whether they will reimburse you for out-of-network mental health treatment. Note: insurance pays only for treatment deemed medically necessary–that is, for diagnosed conditions. If you prefer to not have a diagnosis submitted to your insurance company, you may opt to be a private pay client.
Do I have to use insurance if I have it?
No. You may opt to be a private pay client. As mentioned above, insurance requires a diagnosis and access to some documentation. If you prefer to not have a diagnosis or documentation submitted to your insurance company, you may opt out and choose to pay out of pocket.
What if I don’t have insurance or don’t want to use insurance? Do you offer any discounts?
At times I can accept a few reduced-fee clients for a reasonable limited length of service, which I am happy to discuss during our consultation phone call. If this is something you want to discuss, it is helpful for you to have an idea of what you may be able to afford for weekly sessions before our call.
How long is a session, and how long will it take for me to feel better?
Most of our sessions will be about 55 minutes long. When we begin, I will initially schedule eight to twelve weekly sessions. We will schedule additional sessions if needed. Things that impact length of treatment include changing circumstances, your treatment goals, and your engagement in and outside of sessions.
Do you offer weekend or evening appointments?
I’m sorry. I do not at this time.
Do you offer medication management or testing for autism or ADHD?
No. For medication, you need to see a medical doctor, psychiatric nurse practitioner, a psychiatrist, or certified psychologist. For testing, you need to see a doctor, psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychiatrist, or psychologist who offers ADHD and autism assessment services. I am a licensed professional counselor and do not have medication training or a medical license, nor am I qualified to give an official autism or ADHD diagnosis. I can do initial screenings to help you decide whether you want to pursue testing. If you decide you want to try medication and/or testing while in treatment with me, I would be happy to help you find appropriate providers.
Do you offer guarantees?
No. I’ll do my best to provide competent and compassionate care to help you meet your goals, and I hope you will do your best to engage with the work before us. This is a collaborative effort, and I encourage you to let me know if you feel that our work is not helpful. I will listen and do what I can to better meet your needs, even if that means connecting you with a different counselor.
What should I NOT expect from GroundShift Counseling?
You should not expect me to be available 24/7. I work part-time, and I respond to client communication within one to three days. You should not expect me to continue working with you if you do not reliably show up for your appointments. Also, because I work part-time and am a solo provider, I do not take on high-needs clients, and I do not get involved in child custody battles..
What is the intake process like and how do I get started?
The first step is requsting a free 15-minute consultation so we can find out whether we’re a good fit. We’ll also make sure that our schedules are compatible and that we both know what to expect about billing/payment and insurance. If we decide to move forward, I will ask you to complete some intake forms and initial brief assessments, and then I’ll reach out to confirm an appointment schedule. Use the GET STARTED button at the top of any page, or any Contact Me link to intiate contact. I look forward to hearing from you!
Do you offer both telehealth and in-person therapy?
Yes. I really enjoy seeing people in person, and I also see clients who live at greater distances via telehealth. My in-person clients are welcome to switch a session to telehealth because of illness.
What is walk-and-talk therapy and is it appropriate for me?
Please click here to learn more about walk-and-talk or hiking therapy.
Have additional questions? Please contact me!