Most therapists are compassionate people, and good listeners, who will see you in session but have little contact with you between sessions. I have a less traditional way of maintaining rapport with my clients.

Availability Between Sessions

I welcome short "check-ins" by phone or email between weekly sessions in order for me to stay current with life situations, provide motivation and encouragement when the going is tough. This is not to foster dependence on the therapist, but rather to help generalize skills learnt in session to the real world environment and explore emotions and thoughts experienced after sessions. Between session contact should entail no more than 4 brief emails between us, or a phone call lasting 5 minutes or less. I consider these to be part of the services I provide. If more intensive help between sessions is required, I will charge for longer phone calls and we might need to schedule additional therapy sessions until daily problems can be managed independently.

Client Advocacy

I believe in advocating for my child and adolescent clients. This may mean contact by phone, letter or email with teachers, guidance counselors and school administrators, doctors, social service, or juvenile justice agencies (with parental request and release, of course). Sometimes, attending a meeting or having the relevant person come to my office may be necessary.  I encourage adult clients to advocate for themselves, with my assistance and advice. This fosters independence, and improves assertiveness and self-esteem.

Free Initial Consultation Session

In psychotherapy and counseling, a good "fit" between the client and therapist is crucial to cultivate trust and lays the foundation for healthy change to take place in the client. I provide a free initial phone consultation which starts to build rapport.  If you do not feel comfortable after our first face to face session, I will happily assist you with referrals to other therapists who may be more suitable for your needs.

Insurance

Many people limit their search for therapists to those approved by their insurance plans. I've had clients leave my practice, go to a "cheaper" therapist on their plan, and reappear in my waiting room a few months later. I am not "on" any insurance plan. Most of my referrals are generated from satisfied current or past clients, or from doctors, pastors, schools and psychiatrists in the local community who know and respect my work and reputation, and I have never had to to be on panels or to advertise to seek clients. Some insurance companies will reimburse the full, or a substantial percentage for "out of network" therapy, some will pay a little, and some will pay nothing at all. I will be happy to provide a superbill coded for your insurance company, but do I require full payment at the end of each therapy session.