FAQs

Absolutely not! People are often shocked how small tweaks to your eating and movement behaviors can make a world of difference. With weight loss, there are about a million ways to skin the cat…which can make the process really confusing when you are trying to do it on your own. Ultimately, we will come up with a set of strategies that fit into your life, and these might change over time as your life circumstances change. We’re in this together and we will course correct as needed.

Both! If you live near Durham, North Carolina, we can meet live and in person. I have a comfortable and easily-accessible office, or we can arrange for “walk-and-talk” therapy if you want to kill two birds with one stone and get some steps in during therapy. (There is actually research suggesting therapy can be more effective when walking outside.)

However, so many people prefer the convenience of telehealth sessions. You don’t have to spend the extra time driving back and forth, we can chat while you’re snuggled up on your favorite couch at home, or you can pencil me in during your workday and I’ll be right there (virtually) in your office.

If you have Aetna or Blue Cross Blue Shield, let me know and we’ll see if your plan covers our sessions. I am an out-of-network provider with most other insurances, and I can give you a superbill on a monthly basis for you to potentially be reimbursed for out-of-network services.

Please note that if you choose to use your insurance benefits or if you request a superbill, I will be required to give you a mental health diagnosis. Some people prefer private pay for this reason. Additionally, some insurance plans will limit the number, frequency, and/or types of services that they will cover. Here also, many people prefer the private pay option so that you and I can be in complete control of your care.

Finally, I am all about the research, and there is good evidence that when people pay out of pocket for therapy, they tend to be more committed and have better outcomes (as opposed to when their insurance company pays). This “more skin in the game” rationale makes good intuitive sense.

Since I have been in this field for so many years, I have tons of relationships with providers I trust, and I love working with a professional team to give you the most comprehensive plan possible. As I learn more about you and your unique strengths and struggles, I can offer resources and referrals if something comes up that is beyond the scope of my expertise. It takes a village sometimes!

Under a new law in 2022, health care providers can give clients 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 health care 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 healthcare 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 or call 1-800-985-3059.

Very possible! I have been accepted into the PSYPACT Commission, which grants me the authority to practice telepsychology in all PsyPACT states. Click for a list of these states here.