Fees & FAQs

“Therapy is your pathway to harnessing your inner strengths and unlocking your full potential—invest in yourself, because you’re worth it.”

Rates

Standard hourly rate: $300. Fees are prorated based on the length of the session.

Paid Initial Consultation for Therapy Services (30–60 Minutes)

Whether you are exploring individual therapy, couples therapy, child therapy, teen therapy, or family therapy, this consultation offers a focused space to briefly discuss your needs, your therapy goals, and any key questions you may have after reviewing my website. While we won’t explore your full history in this meeting, it will help us determine whether working together feels like a good fit.

Initial Assessment Process for Individual, Couples, Child, Teen & Family Therapy
(Duration varies based on therapy type and number of participants; see FAQ for details.)

The initial assessment process allows us to collaborate on a thoughtful start to therapy. During this phase, we will:

Explore our therapeutic fit
Review therapy process and expectations
Clarify presenting concerns
Identify initial treatment goals
Assess risk and create a safety plan if needed
Explore appropriate resources
Integrate assessment data for collaborative clinical feedback

Book an Initial Session

Payment Policy

Payment is due at the time of service. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted.

Late Cancellation and No-Show Policy
Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. A full session fee will be charged for appointments canceled or missed without *48-business-hours’ notice. Please see the FAQ for details on the practice’s cancellation policy.

I do not accept insurance payments.
I am not paneled with any insurance or EAP company, so I am an out-of-network provider to all.
Therefore, my clients pay for sessions out of pocket at the time of treatment.

Superbills / Insurance Reimbursement Options

I do not bill insurance directly. However, upon request, I can provide a superbill (insurance reimbursement statement) for eligible services if your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits for mental health services and medical necessity is met.

This option is available for:

Individual Therapy – including situations where a partner or spouse may attend select sessions as part of the individual’s treatment, to support their healing and progress.

Even when couples attend together, the clinical focus remains on the individual, and any insurance reimbursement would apply only to that person’s care—not to couples therapy.

Child and Teen Therapy – including sessions where parents or caregivers participate as part of the youth’s treatment plan.

For Couples Therapy, I can also provide a superbill using the ICD-10 code Z63.0 (“Relationship Distress With Spouse or Partner”), which reflects relational concerns rather than an individual mental health diagnosis.

Most insurance plans do not reimburse for this code, as it is not considered medically necessary. Some plans may offer exceptions, but this varies. You are always welcome to check directly with your insurer to better understand your out-of-network benefits.

In certain cases, insurance may reimburse for sessions involving couples only when one partner carries a qualifying diagnosis and the treatment is clinically focused on that individual’s care (see Individual Therapy above).

When our work is dedicated to supporting the couple as a whole, I view the relationship itself as the client—rather than each individual partner. Relationship challenges are co-created and impact each partner. This approach helps each partner feel equally supported, encouraging honest collaboration without blame—one of the most effective ways to engage in couples therapy.

I understand that financial considerations matter. If you have any questions or would like to explore your options, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Reimbursement Process:
For individual therapy clients that plan to get reimbursement from their insurance companies, please follow these steps:

1- Call your insurance company to see whether you have out-of-network coverage for the specific counseling services you are seeking. If they require a diagnosis code, please feel free to contact me to discuss possible diagnosis codes and billing codes for individual therapy. If you have out-of-network coverage, go to step 2.

2- Ask your insurance company these questions:

Do you need to meet any deductible before they start reimbursing you? If you do, how much is it?
How much percentage will they reimburse you?
How long does it take for them to reimburse you?

3- You can file the reimbursement document on your own or check out the app Reimbursify, which is designed to simplify all of your out-of-network claims. (Disclaimer: Relationship Works has no affiliation with Reimbursity – please use it at your discretion and own risk.)

No Surprise Act & Good Faith Estimate
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, healthcare providers and healthcare facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal healthcare program or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your healthcare provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Book an Initial Session

FAQs

Q: How do I start working with you?

There are two options for getting started, depending on where you are in your therapy journey:

Option 1: Book a Paid Initial Consultation (30–60 minutes)

This session is a dedicated space for people seeking individual, couples, child, teen and family therapy who are still exploring whether we’re the right fit.

It’s not a full clinical assessment or diagnostic intake, but rather a time to:

Discuss your needs
Clarify your therapy goals
Ask any remaining questions you may have after reviewing my website

We’ll move at a pace that fits the time you’ve selected. While we won’t be able to unpack everything in depth, it helps us get a sense of fit and direction before committing to ongoing work.

Option 2: Book a Paid Initial Mental Health Assessment

If you feel we may be a good fit after reviewing my website and want to begin the healing process right away, we can move directly into a full clinical intake.

In this session, we’ll move at a pace that fits the time you’ve selected, focusing on:

A comprehensive assessment of your history and current challenges
An exploration of your therapy goals
The start of a personalized plan to support your growth, clarity, and meaningful change

With either option, a card on file is required before intake paperwork can be sent out. Both are needed to confirm your appointment. This helps us begin with mutual respect and commitment—and ensures our time together is held with care on both sides, right from the start.

Q: Where and how do therapy sessions take place?

Telehealth Sessions: Current research shows that therapy delivered via video is just as effective as in-person sessions for many common concerns. Engage in confidential virtual video sessions from a secure and private location of your choice within Washington state.

Nature-Based Therapy: Sessions conducted outdoors in a safe, natural setting. Experience therapy outdoors in a safe, natural setting, which can enhance your healing process by connecting with nature.

Office Visit: Join me for in-person sessions at our office, where we can meet and work through your challenges face-to-face.

Q: How does teletherapy/virtual therapy work?

Research shows that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions for many common concerns.
Teletherapy allows us to meet face-to-face through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, providing a convenient way to access therapy from a private and secure location of your choice in Washington State.
You will need a computer or mobile device with a camera, microphone, and a stable internet connection.
A few minutes before your scheduled time, you simply click the secure session link I send you and we will meet virtually without the commute or parking hassle.

Q: Do you provide therapy to clients outside Washington State?

I am licensed to provide therapy in Washington State. Clients must be physically located in Washington during our sessions.

Q: What to expect and do before an Initial Session?

Once I receive your appointment request, here are the next steps to hold your appointment time and allow us to move forward together:

Step 1: Place a Card on File
You’ll be asked to place a card on file via Ivy Pay or SimplePractice (both are HIPAA-compliant platforms).
This step begins our mutual commitment to the space we’re entering and helps ensure our time together is held with care on both sides.

You won’t be charged anything upfront—your card will simply be saved securely.
Once you’re ready, I’ll send a secure text invitation from Ivy Pay or a secure email link from SimplePractice.

Step 2: Complete Intake Paperwork
After I receive confirmation that your card is on file, I’ll send your intake forms through SimplePractice, a secure client portal.

Please take time to read through and complete the paperwork carefully. This helps us begin with clarity and intention—respecting both your time and mine, and setting the tone for a growing shared commitment to this sacred work.

Paperwork needs to be completed at least 48 hours before your first session, so I can review it thoughtfully and come prepared.

Your appointment will only be confirmed once both steps are completed.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify me at least two business days in advance to avoid late cancellation or no-show fees.
To reschedule after a cancellation, a card on file and completed paperwork will be required before confirming a new date.

If you have any questions or concerns along the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you and make this process as smooth and welcoming as possible.

Q: Initial Assessment Structure: What Can I Expect in the First Few Sessions?

Individual Therapy: Please plan for a minimum of three 90-minute sessions to complete the full clinical assessment process, including the first two (or more) sessions for assessment data collection and a separate session for clinical integration and feedback. This allows us to thoroughly understand your needs and tailor the approach to best support your growth and healing.
Couples Therapy: The initial assessment typically includes one joint 2-hour session with both partners, followed by at least one 90-minute individual session for each person, and then a second 2-hour joint session to integrate assessment information and establish a treatment plan. This structure allows us to understand both your relationship dynamics and each partner’s individual experience.
- For relationships with more than two partners, an additional 50 minutes will be added to the joint initial session and the clinical feedback session for each additional partner, ensuring everyone has space to be fully understood.
Child Therapy (under age 13)
Assessment typically begins with a joint 2-hour session with parents/caregivers without the child. This is followed by at least two 90-minute sessions with the child (with or without caregivers present, depending on developmental and clinical needs). A second 2-hour joint session with the child and caregivers will then be scheduled to integrate assessment data and collaboratively develop a treatment plan.
Teen Therapy (age 13 and above)
Assessment typically includes a minimum of three 90-minute sessions with the teen, with two (or more) sessions focused on assessment data collection and one session for clinical integration and feedback. With the teen’s permission, and when clinically appropriate, a joint 2-hour session with parents/caregivers will also be scheduled as part of treatment planning.
Family Therapy (with minors or adult children)
Assessment typically begins with a 2-hour joint family session, though exceptions may be made depending on age, preferences, or clinical needs. This is followed by at least one 90-minute individual session with each family member or relevant subunit, and then a second 2-hour joint session to integrate assessment information and establish a treatment plan. This allows us to understand both the collective family dynamics and each member’s unique experiences.
- For families with more than two participants, an additional 50 minutes will be added to both the joint initial session and the clinical feedback session for each additional person, ensuring everyone has space to be fully understood.

Q: How Long Are Follow-Up Sessions for Individual, Couples, Child, Teen, or Family Therapy?

Follow-up sessions begin after the initial assessment is complete. Together, we will determine the recommended session length based on clinical needs, treatment goals, therapy type, the number of participants, and your willingness and capacity to engage in the process.

Individual therapy: 60–150 minutes
Couples therapy: 90–180 minutes
- For relationships with more than two partners, a minimum of an additional 45 minutes will be added for each additional partner.
Family therapy: 90–180 minutes
- For families with more than two participants, a minimum of an additional 45 minutes will be added for each additional person.

Q: What does the therapy process looks like?

I am committed to ensuring that your time and financial investment in therapy is well spent and truly beneficial. Sessions are held weekly, which is crucial for maintaining continuity and effectiveness in therapy. The therapy process is adapted to meet the specific needs of individuals, couples, and families, ensuring effective outcomes for all clients:

Individual Therapy:

First Session: Conduct an initial assessment to understand presenting issues.
Second to Fourth Sessions: Continue comprehensive assessment and develop a treatment plan to clarify your goals and guide our therapy work.
Fifth Session and Beyond: Collaborate on and take small steps towards achieving your desired outcomes; reassess and modify the treatment plan as needed.

Couples Therapy:

Initial Joint Session: Conduct an initial assessment with both partners together.
Subsequent Individual Sessions: At least one individual session with each partner to address personal concerns and dynamics not explored in joint sessions.
Ongoing: Continue with joint sessions to work on shared goals. Individual sessions will be arranged when deemed clinically necessary, reassessing and adjusting the approach as necessary to foster a healthy relationship.

Family Therapy:

Initial Joint Session: Begin with a joint session involving all family members to understand the collective dynamics.
Individual Sessions: Conduct sessions with individual family members or subunits to address personal perspectives and issues.
Ongoing: Regular family sessions to work towards collective and individual goals. Individual or family subunit sessions will be arranged when deemed clinically necessary, continuously adapting the treatment plan to meet evolving needs.

Q: How important is it to meet consistently in therapy? How can meeting weekly help me get the most out of therapy?

It’s natural to wonder about the ideal session frequency. Think of therapy like building a stronger, more resilient house:

Imagine your current struggles are like small fires constantly breaking out. If we meet infrequently, we’re always in crisis mode, simply reacting to those fires. This can make it feel like we’re taking one step forward and two steps back.
Weekly sessions give us time to not only extinguish those ‘fires’ but also work on the underlying causes. This is how we rebuild and reinforce your foundation for lasting change.
Our goal isn’t to have you in therapy forever! Once your ‘house’ feels stable, we can discuss decreasing session frequency as a gradual transition before you “graduate” from therapy.

Benefits of Consistent Sessions:

Gain Momentum: Steady progress is easier to achieve with weekly check-ins.
Deeper Exploration: We have the space to address the root of current problems, not just surface-level symptoms.
Skill-Building: You’ll learn and practice new coping mechanisms with enough time to see them work in your daily life.

I’m committed to helping you reach your goals efficiently. Weekly therapy gives us the best chance to create lasting change.

Q: I’ve been learning about mental health and understand what’s going on with me. Why do I still feel stuck or struggle to make changes on my own? Why isn’t understanding my problems enough, and how can therapy help me actually change?

Learning about mental health through books, classes, webinars, workshops, or social media can bring valuable awareness and insight. At the same time, understanding something intellectually does not automatically lead to emotional or behavioral change. Insight is part of the blueprint, and therapy helps you build the actual structure that supports your growth in real life.

Learning the Theory: It’s one thing to understand the steps needed to build a house, but actually constructing it is a whole different process. You might need tools, practice, and support to make it a reality.
From Knowledge to Action: Therapy helps you bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it consistently in your daily life. This is where you build those “tools” and get the hands-on practice.
Building Emotional Muscle: Even when your thinking changes, old habits and emotional responses can linger. Therapy offers a safe space to process past experiences, learn new ways of responding, engage in corrective experiences that teach your body and nervous system safety, flexibility, and connection, and receive the support you need to create lasting change.
Deeper Healing: Sometimes, even when we understand the “why” behind our struggles, there may be deeper emotional wounds that need tending to. Therapy can help you uncover and heal those parts of yourself for true long-term well-being.

Remember, sustainable change happens when your mind, body, and emotions are aligned. I am here to support and guide you through that process, even when the path feels a little bumpy.

Q: Do you offer same-day or next-day appointment?

If you’re navigating something urgent but not a crisis, I may be able to offer a same-day or next-day appointment (within 48 hours), depending on fit and availability—when reaching help sooner offers the much-needed relief and clarity you deserve. To maintain the quality and timeliness of care, these sessions are not requestable via the client portal. Please email me directly so we can coordinate in real time.

If you’re in immediate crisis or need urgent safety support, please call 988 or 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.

Q: What are your business hours and what is your cancellation policy?

A: My business hours are Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel or reschedule, please inform me at least *48-business hours before your scheduled appointment.

* 48-Business-Hour Policy:

There are no business hours on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, or any federal legal holiday.
The term 48-business-hour refers to a 48-hour period occurring during business days, which include any day except those excluded above.
Any request received after business hours will be recognized as received on the next business day during business hours.
Cancellations or reschedules for Monday or Tuesday appointments must be made by the preceding Thursday during business hours to meet the 48-business-hour requirement.

Additionally, if you are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment without notice, the session will be considered a late cancellation. You will receive an email confirming the cancellation and providing rescheduling instructions.

Q: How do I stop or take a break from therapy?

Whether you are just beginning therapy or feel ready to graduate, your decision about when to pause or end therapy is fully respected. For continuity of care and in your best interest, any decision to pause or end therapy is encouraged to be shared as directly and as early as possible during a session.

This allows us to plan for the therapy ending process and a final session, providing an opportunity to check in on your wellbeing, assess safety and transition needs, and make plans accordingly. It also creates space to receive clinical feedback and referrals, and to establish supports that help you move forward with stability and confidence.

Q: How did you decide to structure your practice as private pay instead of working with insurance or EAP companies?

I understand that navigating healthcare costs can be stressful. Here’s why I’ve chosen the private pay model, and how it directly benefits you:

Protecting Your Privacy: Insurance companies often demand detailed session notes and progress reports, compromising your right to confidentiality. Therapy should be a safe space where you can share freely, without fear of your personal information being scrutinized by external parties.
Personalized Care: Insurance often requires a mental health diagnosis to justify coverage, even if it doesn’t fully capture the complexity of your experiences. This can limit our ability to address the root causes of your struggles. Private pay allows for greater flexibility and individualized treatment without arbitrary labels.
Time Focused on You: Battling with insurance companies over claims is a major time drain. Opting out of insurance frees me from that administrative burden, allowing me to fully devote that time and energy to providing the best possible care to my clients.
Control Over Your Healing: Insurance companies often dictate the length and frequency of sessions, potentially interfering with your progress. With private pay, we collaborate to create a treatment plan that truly meets your needs, without artificial limitations imposed by a third party.
Therapist Autonomy: Insurance reimbursement rates are often low, and payment delays are common. This can compromise a therapist’s ability to sustain their practice and can result in long waitlists or reduced availability. The private pay model allows me to prioritize providing quality services over the constant struggle with insurance companies.

My mission is to offer exceptional mental healthcare in an environment of trust and collaboration. The private pay model allows me to fully realize this vision, ensuring you receive the highest quality services to reach your full potential.

Q: Do you offer sliding scales?

My sliding scale spots are currently full and I am not able to accept new sliding scale clients at this time.

I am happy to provide resources and referrals if you need support in finding low-fee or sliding scale options.

Q: If I’m struggling with work-related stress or burnout, and I’m worried about my job performance or job security, can your practice provide documentation for my employer so I can take some time off?

I understand that work stress and burnout can feel urgent, and that you may need immediate help navigating difficult workplace situations. While I want to support you in finding the best options for your situation, therapy must remain within the clinical scope of practice permitted by ethical standards and applicable laws.

Here’s what you need to know about requesting therapy documentation:

Purpose of a Therapy documentation: Therapy documentation is not a guarantee of time off or job protection. It provides a summary of your current mental health needs and how your condition may be affecting your work performance. Whether this qualifies you for leave depends on your company’s policies and applicable laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Establishing a Therapeutic Relationship: To ethically and legally provide documentation, we need to have worked together for a sufficient period of time (typically at least six months). This allows me to gain a thorough understanding of your experiences and ensures that I can confidently and accurately advocate for your needs.
Treatment Focus: During this period, in addition to assessment, our weekly sessions will focus on developing coping skills and strategies to help you manage work-related stress and anxiety in a sustainable way.
Alternatives for Immediate Support: If you need more immediate assistance, you might consider the following options:

Your Primary Care Provider: They can assess whether medical leave is appropriate and may provide necessary documentation.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Many companies offer short-term counseling and support through an EAP.
Crisis Resources: If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Remember, your mental health is important. I’m committed to working with you towards greater well-being, both in and out of the workplace.

Q: Who Counts as a Couple or a Family? Who Can Join and Benefit from Relationship Therapy?

My approach to relationship therapy is inclusive and adaptable. Whether your relationship involves two partners, multiple partners, biological family members, chosen family, friends, or other meaningful connections, you are welcome here.

Focus on the Relationship: What defines a “couple,” “family,” or other important relationship is not legal status, gender, or structure. Any two or more people can form a relationship system. Every partnership, family, or relational unit may face challenges with communication, boundaries, trust, intimacy, conflict, or navigating transitions. My focus is on helping you strengthen those connections in ways that align with your values and goals.
Personalized Care: I tailor each session to fit your unique relationship structure and goals. The emphasis is always on creating a safe, inclusive, non-judgmental space where everyone feels heard and supported.
Challenging Norms: I recognize that cultural and societal expectations can place extra strain on relationships that don’t fit traditional norms. My work is to empower you to define and build connection on your own terms.

Who Can Join and Benefit:
Relationship therapy can support the following and more:

Couples of all genders, orientations, and structures (monogamous, open, or polyamorous)
Parents working together to improve co-parenting or family communication
Adult siblings, parent–adult child relationships, or intergenerational families
Chosen families and close friends navigating conflict or emotional distance
Families adjusting to immigration, caregiving, loss, or other major life changes