Questions people ask before they start

The first session is about getting to know you: your background, your goals, and what brings you to counseling right now. We'll talk about what's been working, what hasn't, and what you hope will change. It's a safe space to speak openly without judgment, and you set the pace.

If you're hesitant, start with the free 15-minute consultation. It's a low-pressure way to see whether we're a good fit before you commit to anything.

Most of my clients are new to therapy or returning after a long break. My goal is to make the process as comfortable and approachable as possible. You don't need to know what to say, and you don't have to have it all figured out before you start.

Click "Book a session" to open my secure client portal and request an appointment time. If you'd like to talk before committing, you can request a free 15-minute consultation in the same portal. You can also email me or use the contact form. Sessions are available during the day as well as evenings and weekends.

It depends on what you're working on. Some people reach their goals in a few months of weekly sessions; others value longer-term support through a season of change. We review progress together regularly, and you're never locked in.

Yes. I provide counseling exclusively through secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions to clients located anywhere in Texas. Telehealth gives you flexibility around work, school, training, and family schedules, and lets you meet from wherever you feel most at ease.

It does, when it's designed for them. I use Hopscotch, a HIPAA-compliant platform built specifically for child therapy. While we're on video together, your child and I share a screen of therapist-designed games, drawing and building tools, interactive stories, and calm-down activities, and we play together in real time. Children ages 8 to 12 tend to adapt quickly, and many are more relaxed at home than they would be in an unfamiliar office. Parents stay closely involved through regular check-ins.

A phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a private spot where you can talk freely. Headphones help with privacy. You'll receive a secure link before each session; there's nothing to download. For children's sessions, please use a tablet or computer rather than a phone, since the Hopscotch activities need the bigger screen.

Unfortunately, no. My license allows me to provide counseling to clients who are physically located in Texas at the time of the session. If you're traveling out of state, we'll reschedule for when you're back.

For self-pay clients, the intake session is $125 and ongoing sessions are $100. Parent sessions are 25 minutes and $50, both the consultation that starts children's counseling and check-ins during play therapy, and children's play therapy sessions are $100. I reserve a limited number of reduced-fee spots based on financial need. Full details are on the Rates & Insurance page.

Yes. I'm able to accept PPO plans from Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare by billing under my clinical supervisor. HMO and other plan types aren't accepted at this time. Insurance availability is limited: I keep a set number of spots for insurance clients, and once those are filled, services are offered on a self-pay basis. Every plan is different: coverage, copays, and deductibles vary even within the same insurer, so I verify your benefits before your first session and let you know what to expect to pay.

Under federal law, clients who aren't using insurance have the right to a written estimate of expected costs before starting care. You'll receive one automatically before your first session. Read more in the Good Faith Estimate notice.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment that helps the brain process distressing memories and experiences so they no longer have the same emotional impact. Rather than simply talking through difficult events, EMDR helps your brain naturally reprocess them, promoting healing and lasting relief.

EMDR may be helpful for trauma and PTSD, anxiety and panic, childhood and adverse experiences, grief and loss, low self-esteem and negative core beliefs, stress and burnout, life transitions, phobias, performance anxiety, and distressing memories that continue to affect daily life. It works well over video.

An LPC-Associate is a fully trained, licensed counselor in Texas who has completed a master's degree and is accruing the supervised clinical hours required for independent licensure. I meet regularly with my supervisor, Gregory Sparrow, LPC-S, to review my work. For you, that means an extra layer of clinical oversight and care. I'm also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern (LCDC-I).

Yes. What you share in counseling is confidential, with a few legal exceptions I'll walk you through in our first session (such as risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult). For teens, I keep parents informed about overall progress and anything related to safety, while protecting the privacy a teenager needs to be honest in session. We agree on that balance together at the start.

This practice isn't set up for emergencies. If you're in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For urgent emotional support any time, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741.