Frequently Asked Questions

YES! There’s plenty of free parking on our side of the townhouses and more on the side where you entered.

Yes, to a degree. There is a designated handicapped parking spot and a ramp to the left of the stairs. We have enough space in the office to maneuver a wheelchair, but we don’t have an automated door or large enough restroom. Please call me at (301) 309-8077 if you need assistance getting up the ramp or opening the front door.

I offer daytime hours Monday – Thursday by appointment.

All you need to do is call, email, or text me to make an initial consultation.

I’ll get back to you within one business day.

I can email you the forms to print, fill out, and bring with you to our first session.

I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel your appointment within 24 hours, you’ll be charged full fee for the session. If we are able to reschedule your appointment in the same week, I’ll waive the cancellation fee.

Communication is most important – no-call, no-show appointments will be billed at the full rate using your credit card I have on file.

That said, certain emergencies, especially bad weather, illness (both yours or a child you care for), or times of great personal challenge might cause you to miss an appointment. Please call, email, or text me (301) 309-8077, and we’ll figure it out.

Dial 911 for any life-threatening emergency

I am not always available to provide emergency coverage. If an emergency arises for which you feel immediate attention is necessary, please contact the emergency services in our community. Please call me at (301) 309-8077 and leave me a message, so I can follow up those emergency services with counseling and support.

Contact numbers for emergency services in Montgomery County:

• Abused Persons Crisis Services Hotline: 240-777-4673
• Mobile Crisis Team: 240-777-4000
• Assault Victims Crisis Services: 240-777-4357

As of January 1, 2020, I will no longer be participating with insurance companies and will become an out-of-network provider. I have decided to make this change to increase confidentiality for your benefit.

Insurance companies require that I provide a psychiatric diagnosis. That information goes into your permanent medical record. They highly regulate what they will cover and frequently set limits on the type and duration of therapy.

They often don’t cover some of the issues that bring you to therapy. Once I send your mental health treatment information to them, I can no longer guarantee its confidentiality or the amount of time we will be able to work together. I find this very frustrating.

Insurance companies are constantly changing their rules. There’s a frightening issue of future ability to obtain health insurance at all.

The therapy and required diagnosis you receive today could be considered a pre-existing condition that would make it impossible for you to obtain health insurance in the future or perhaps increase your premiums or deductibles. I don’t want health insurance to be a distraction from therapy or an added constant stressor.

Sessions are 50 minutes, but I don’t use a timer or rush you out the door mid-sentence. It’s important to me that you finish your thought. I can make a note to remind you of where you left off at the end of a session, so we know where to pick up the next time we meet.

I work with a wide range of ages. I do not see children younger than high school juniors, but I often work with parents about their children of all ages. Most of my clients are between the ages of 18 and 60.

Yes, in both individual and couple therapy.

Yes. Many couples come to me with issues about relationships, marriage, parenting, grief, and life transitions.

I am Gottman-trained in couples therapy, and I trained in Grief Counseling at the William Wendt Center (formerly St. Francis Center) in DC.

Yes. I have worked with many LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples. Everyone is welcome in my office. I’m here to help, not judge.

Sometimes homework is an integral part of therapy. Sometimes it’s not.

If you don’t want homework, please tell me. If you do, tell me.

If you can’t do the homework, don’t worry – it probably means that I’ve given you something too challenging. Therapy takes place in the office, but I hope that thought and discussion go on between sessions.

Absolutely, yes! I would never ever consider sitting in my chair without having spent time in yours. Not only did I gain insight into myself, but I have been able to create a work-life balance through my own therapy.

My own therapist has been an outstanding teacher and continues to be an inspiration to me as I continue my work.

I wish that I could say yes to your special pet, but we have other clients in the waiting room who may be allergic to or frightened of your cute, furry companion.