Excellent question! The truth is, talking to a friend can be very therapeutic and healing. For some people and situations, that’s all that’s needed to get through a difficult time. But some people don’t have friends or a trusted someone in their life. Even still, therapy is much more than just talking to someone you trust.

Therapy is a structured and professionally guided process designed to specifically address mental and emotional well-being. Think of a therapist as an impartial and objective personal trainer for your mind. Another important distinction is that licensed therapists are legally and ethically bound to maintain strict confidentiality. What you discuss with me is kept private unless there is an imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others.

Most people find that a combination of both therapy and supportive friendships is the most beneficial for their overall well-being. If you don’t currently have trusted others in your life, don’t fret. We can work on why that is and how to change it. 

It’s up to you! In the first few sessions, we will likely look back examining the people, places, and events that have shaped you to the present day. I know it can be frustrating rehashing the past, especially if you’ve been in therapy before, but it is vital for me to get to know you better and it informs how and why you are who you are today. I promise you won’t have to lie on a couch every week digging into your past, but you might be surprised how much your past influences your present and how understanding that is often the key to healing and growth. With all that said, if you have an immediate concern you would rather focus on in the first session, we can absolutely do that. It is YOUR therapy after all!

We’ll also spend a good deal of time identifying and defining “the problem.” Often, what we think is our problem is only a symptom or repeating pattern with a deeper underlying cause. Sometimes it’s the things we’re doing, and often it’s what we’re NOT doing.

• Not knowing what we value and living by those values.
  
• Not speaking up and asking for what we need.
  
• Not holding our boundaries when they are ignored or violated.
  
• Not letting people in, or conversely, not protecting or respecting ourselves enough.

I also believe in building on your strengths (yes, you have them!), and only addressing weaknesses if they are impeding forward movement. Our relationship will also be central to therapy. It is important that we build a sense of safety and trust. I want your feedback! Please tell me what you need from me, if I’m doing anything that is bothering you, what you’d like to be different, whatever. Seriously, you can be completely honest. I can take it and we’ll work through it. Learning how to navigate relationships is an important part of the healing journey.

Some people come to therapy and want worksheets and exercises to use in their time between sessions. Some are so busy they don’t want to add one more thing to their plate. I can accommodate either preference. I will say, however, people see the greatest benefits from therapy by practicing what you learn outside of the therapy hour.

Outside In is considered out-of-network for all insurance companies. If your insurance covers out-of-network mental or behavioral health and you want to submit our sessions for reimbursement, there are some things of which to be aware.

1. Insurance companies require you to have a mental disorder diagnosis to justify your treatment as “medically necessary.” You may not want a label on your mental health and have it be a part of your permanent medical record for professional or personal reasons. Additionally, insurance companies will require additional detailed personal information.  
2. You will have to meet your deductible first. On some policies, it is sizable.
3. Reimbursement rates are typically a percentage of an “allowable amount” (what the insurance company thinks the service is worth) and not what you actually pay. Be sure and read the fine print and ask specific and direct questions!

If you do choose to use your out-of-network benefits, I can provide you with a monthly “superbill” for you to give to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Professional Fees
Individual therapy: $150 per clinical hour (50 minutes)
Group therapy: Coming soon!

Travel for in-person services at your location (home, office, or park near you) is $15 per 5 minutes for one-way travel (all distances calculated from South Lakes Park, Denton, Texas).

Fees for any work on documentation completed outside of session are prorated at rate of $3/minute. Longer sessions can be provided at a prorated rate of $3.00/min.

Full payment is due at the time services are rendered. All major credit cards accepted for payment.

STANDARD NOTICE: “Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges” Under the No Surprises Act

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care 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 health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one 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.

I offer all three! Each session is 50 minutes long unless additional time is requested in advance (additional fee applies). I hold sessions in my office in Bartonville and outdoors at beautiful South Lakes Park in Denton. I can also meet you at a different location, e.g., your office, home, or local park if agreed in advance and for an additional travel fee. Video or phone sessions are always available for no additional fee.

Initially, it is important to meet weekly so we can get to know each other, identify your goals for therapy, and chart a path forward. Some clients eventually taper down session frequency to bi-weekly, monthly, or as needed as their distress subsides. Some clients choose to continue in therapy as a way to further their awareness of self with the goal of personal growth.

I offer all three! Each session is 50 minutes long unless additional time is requested in advance (additional fee applies). I hold sessions in my office in Bartonville and outdoors at beautiful South Lakes Park in Denton. I can also meet you at a different location, e.g., your office, home, or local park if agreed in advance and for an additional travel fee. Video or phone sessions are always available for no additional fee.

Initially, it is important to meet weekly so we can get to know each other, identify your goals for therapy, and chart a path forward. Some clients eventually taper down session frequency to bi-weekly, monthly, or as needed as their distress subsides. Some clients choose to continue in therapy as a way to further their awareness of self with the goal of personal growth.

In high functioning people this can be difficult to discern. If you’re seeking personal development, skill enhancement, or career-related goals, coaching might be suitable. If you’re dealing with mental health issues, emotional distress, or seeking self-exploration, therapy might be more appropriate.

You can also assess the depth and complexity of the issue. If it’s more about improving a specific skill or achieving a goal, coaching might be enough. If it involves deeper emotional aspects, therapy could be necessary. If you find yourself repeatedly having the same conflicts or issues arise, there is likely a deeper cause that is beyond the ethical scope of coaching and therapy is warranted.

An important consideration is the degree of confidentiality you desire. Licensed therapists are legally bound to maintain confidentiality. Coaches, even accredited ones, do not have such protections for you.

If you’re unsure, schedule a free 30-minute consultation and I can help you gain clarity.