Frequently Asked Questions

I am confident I can help. There are also limits to what I can do.

I cannot force people to follow my recommendations, and frankly doing so conflicts with my fundamental values. I respect every person’s autonomy.

Your child is the expert on their lives. You know your child best. My first task is to listen attentively to their, and your, expertise.

Part of treating teens who are suicidal involves partnering with parents.

Sometimes, my treatment approach will be to work with all of you as a family. Sometimes, I will be exclusively your teen’s therapist. This will depend on your unique circumstances, and your child’s needs.

Regardless, if there is anything you wish to communicate directly to me, I encourage you to say it in session. In an emergency, please use the safety plan we develop together.

I also work directly with parents to provide guidance on how to help their child or teen when they are struggling with difficult behaviors or mental health problems. When providing parent support, I typically do not treat the child or teen. I work with you, their parents.

One requirement I have: I must work with all of the child’s caregivers. If caregivers cannot agree, I ask that you resolve your disagreements before initiating care.

I accept Premera and Lifewise insurance.

I can see clients out-of-network with other plans, and I am happy to give you a monthly super bill. Most plans allow out-of-network care to be reimbursed at 60% of the billed rate.

Here is a useful guide if you need to use your insurance for therapy and are struggling to find someone. a therapist in your insurance network.

Many health insurance policies state that if an in-network provider cannot be found, the insurance company may be required to find and pay for an out-of-network clinician.

Despite federal law mandating equity for mental and physical health care, the reality is the health insurance industry has designed their business model to make it painfully difficult to be an in-network mental health clinician. They delay payments, deny payments, claw-back money they have already paid, and also have access to the details of every note. This isn’t just my opinion — it’s how health insurance companies run their business. This is why I will not work directly with insurance companies.

I encourage you to talk to your State Senator and State Representatives in Olympia to support reform.

• 48 hours notice

• Fee is for the cost of session

• I will waive the fee if we can schedule for the same week of your missed appointment.

• A pattern of cancellation may lead to concluding care.

I can’t, and I don’t want to! Avoiding hospitalization is likely in your best interest. With over seven years of inpatient experience, I know the limits and risks of hospitalization.

My goal is to partner with you to understand what drives your suicidal thoughts and patterns, so you can consider what else you may choose to do. We will collaborate to develop a plan you want to use to manage your suicidal thoughts so you can stay safe at home.

As a licensed clinician, I have an obligation to keep you safe — that said, I am very comfortable working with people who have these thoughts. If you choose to collaborate with me, I will partner with you. Every step of the way.

Ultimately, this is your life. I cannot and do not want to control you. While I cannot prevent someone from dying by suicide, I am confident that together we can explore why you want to die, including potential alternatives. With time, I feel hopeful we can help you change your life.

A Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of services that are reasonably expected for the expected services to address your mental health care needs. The estimate is based on the information known to us when we do the estimate.

The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment.

A typical course of treatment is 12 sessions. A normal session is 53 minutes, although some sessions are 45 minutes.

Cost for 45 minute session: $175

Cost for 53 minute session: $190

12 sessions x $190 = $2, 280

Complex initial evaluations or 90 minute family sessions have additional charges.

Cost for a 90 minute session: $285

You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill.

If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill.

You may contact me if billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can request an update to the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available.

You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill.

There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with me, you will have to pay the higher amount.

To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to:

www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit

www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059 .

This Good Faith Estimate is not a contract. It does not obligate you to accept the services listed above.

My office is in the University Business Center. Free parking for one hour is in the parking garage just north of the building, on the 2nd and 3rd floors above the Trader Joe’s parking garage. When we set up your first appointment, I will send you the necessary information to access free parking.

I highly recommend taking the bus or light rail, if possible. I am a five minute walk from the U-District Light Rail Station, and multiple bus routes pass right by the building.