FAQs

How have you ADAPTED to COVID-19?

At this time, Ellen is providing psychotherapy solely via video. She hopes to resume in-person sessions at some future date when it is safer to do so.

What is video therapy like?

Video therapy is similar to Zoom and FaceTime, except that it takes place over a secure HIPAA compliant video platform. You can do video therapy from any smart phone, tablet or computer as long as you have a working camera and microphone. As long as you have a private place to talk, you can do video therapy.

What is therapy like?

The first session involves an assessment process. You will discuss your background, your current struggles, and your likes and dislikes regarding therapy. In subsequent sessions, you’ll set goals, learn coping skills, and make a plan for what to work on before the next session. These follow up sessions may be either 60 minutes or 45 minutes, depending on your needs and preferences.

Therapy works best if you participate fully and honestly. While it often involves discussing difficult thoughts and feelings, each meeting should leave you feeling hopeful and empowered, never demoralized or overwhelmed.

How long does therapy last?

Both short and long-term counseling services are available. Short-term psychotherapy may involve just 4-8 sessions. This approach may be a great fit for you if you want just a little more support during a stressful time, or if you want to achieve a very specific goal, such as preventing relapse during the holidays or preparing to cope with the stress of moving. Long-term psychotherapy may last 6 months or more, and is typically a better fit for someone looking to treat major mental health issues or to address past traumas.

Regardless of how long therapy lasts, consistency is key. It is best to attend all appointments as scheduled, and to share any concerns you have about your treatment plan openly and directly.

What does therapy cost?

The fee for an initial clinical evaluation session is $275. Fees are $250 for 50 minute and over follow-up sessions, and $225 for 45-50 minute follow-up sessions. Fees are due at the time of service.

Discounted rates for students and individuals who are struggling financially are occasionally available. Please inquire via phone or email for more information.

Before starting psychotherapy, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total cost of all non-emergency counseling services. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers.

Do you take insurance?

Ellen is not in-network with any insurance company. She is an out of network provider, which allows her to spend less time on insurance paperwork and red tape. This enables her to spend more time providing each of her clients with thorough and highly individualized care.

If you have an insurance plan with out of network benefits (often called PPO plans), then you will likely be able to use these benefits to cover all or part of the costs of psychotherapy sessions. If you intend to use out of network benefits to pay for psychotherapy, then please notify Ellen at the beginning of treatment. If you have questions about how your plan’s out of network benefits work, then please contact your insurance company directly.

What is your cancellation policy?

24 hours notice is required for any non-emergency related cancellation in order to avoid a late cancel fee.