● Accepting new clients · 100% telehealth across Michigan
Crisis & emergency: dial 988 · First responders: 1-833-34-STRONG
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started
What if therapy hasn’t worked for me in the past?
Therapy not working in the past can mean a lot of things — wrong fit with the clinician, wrong approach for what was actually going on, a therapist who didn’t understand the work you do, or timing that didn’t allow the work to land. None of those predict how this will go. We start by figuring out what was missing — not to relitigate it, but so we don’t repeat it.
How do I know if you’re the right fit?
You don’t have to know yet. That’s what the free consultation is for. Fifteen minutes of conversation will tell both of us a lot — about whether the way I work matches what you’re looking for, whether the chemistry feels right, and whether you want to move forward. If it’s not a fit, I’ll point you toward someone who might be.
Logistics
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. I’m in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, and Priority Health. I also work with private-pay clients and provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. If you’re using insurance, I recommend confirming your coverage, copay, and deductible details before your first session — your insurance company can give you those numbers.
What if I can’t afford the rate?
Most clients use insurance to cover the cost. Other options include private pay, superbills for potential out-of-network reimbursement, and adjusting session frequency.
Some clients choose private pay even when insurance would cover it. The most common reason I hear from first responders: insurance creates a clinical record that can affect fit-for-duty processes down the road. Private pay keeps treatment outside that record. Worth thinking about before you decide.
If cost is a barrier, let’s talk during the consult. There are options worth discussing, including state and national funds specifically for first responders (more on those in the Resources page).
Telehealth
How is telehealth different from in-person?
For most people, less different than they expect. The work itself is the same — same modalities, same depth, same length of session. The differences are practical: no commute, you’re in your own space, and we use a HIPAA-compliant video platform. Research has consistently shown telehealth outcomes are comparable to in-person for trauma and most mental health work.
One advantage clients often mention: having a pet nearby. The calming effect of touch and proximity steadies the nervous system in measurable ways. If your dog or cat helps you settle during a session, that’s not a distraction; it can support the work.
That said, telehealth isn’t for everyone. If privacy is hard to come by at home, or technology stresses you out, in-person therapy with a different clinician might fit better.
What do I need for telehealth to work?
A device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private space where you won’t be overheard. Headphones are recommended for privacy. A parked vehicle works well if home privacy is hard to find — just not while you’re driving. Each client has a dedicated secure link they use for every session — no special software to download.
Do you accept clients outside Michigan?
No. I’m licensed to practice in Michigan, which means I can only see clients who are physically located in Michigan during sessions. If you move out of state, we’ll need to transition your care to a licensed provider in your new state — I can help with the referral.
Crisis and fit
Do you offer crisis services?
No. Status Check is an outpatient practice and doesn’t provide crisis or emergency services. If you’re in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency department. For first responders specifically, Frontline Strong Together’s 24/7 helpline (1-833-34-STRONG) is staffed by people who understand the population.
If you’re stable but experiencing high distress, that’s something we can work through together in regular sessions. Crisis services come first; ongoing therapy comes after.
Are there situations you don’t work with?
Yes. I’m an outpatient trauma-focused practice, which means some clinical presentations are better served by clinicians who specialize in them. I generally don’t take clients whose primary picture is a personality disorder, active substance use disorder without concurrent specialty support, or active psychosis. I also work with adults — not children or adolescents. For any of those situations, I’m glad to help with a referral.
Do you work with ADHD or highly sensitive people?
Yes. Many of my clients are navigating ADHD, high sensitivity (HSP), or both — sometimes alongside trauma, sometimes on their own. The integrated approach (nervous system, sleep, attention, stress response) tends to fit both well, and I have specific resources and adapted materials for each.
