FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What's The Cost?
For individual therapy:$150 for a 50 minute session paid securely with your credit, debit, or health/flexible spending card
For Couples Counseling: $250 per session
Email/text options are also available for those not interested in video sessions. See the services section for more information.
IMPORTANT NOTICE--Good Faith Estimates:
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) of expected charges. The GFE shows the costs of items (fee per session x number of expected sessions=GFE) and services that are reasonably expected for services provided. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created. It does not take into account any reimbursement that you may receive as a result of out of network benefits.
The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur.
If you are billed for more than what is reasonably estimated, you have the right to dispute the bill. The GFE is not a contract and therefore does not require you to obtain the items or services provided by your therapist. At the foundation of a good therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is the client's right to autonomy and self-determination. Therefore you, as the client, have the right to terminate services at any time. In addition, the therapist also has the right to terminate services.
For Couples Counseling: $250 per session
Email/text options are also available for those not interested in video sessions. See the services section for more information.
IMPORTANT NOTICE--Good Faith Estimates:
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) of expected charges. The GFE shows the costs of items (fee per session x number of expected sessions=GFE) and services that are reasonably expected for services provided. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created. It does not take into account any reimbursement that you may receive as a result of out of network benefits.
The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur.
If you are billed for more than what is reasonably estimated, you have the right to dispute the bill. The GFE is not a contract and therefore does not require you to obtain the items or services provided by your therapist. At the foundation of a good therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is the client's right to autonomy and self-determination. Therefore you, as the client, have the right to terminate services at any time. In addition, the therapist also has the right to terminate services.
Do you take insurance?
Sorry at this time, I do not accept insurance. The reason for this is because the insurance company will require me to provide a diagnosis. Most people who come to therapy simply feel stuck and want an alternative approach to move out of their situation. A diagnosis made through your insurance goes on your permanent record. This can impact your ability to get life insurance and can determine the type of health insurance you are qualified for (or denied from). I do not want a third party to determine or dictate your course of treatment. You and I are the only ones in charge of that.
I can, however, provide you with a Superbill for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. This is essentially a giant receipt of services (usually submitted once per month) that you submit to your insurance and they may or may not reimburse you a certain percentage back. Be aware that providing a Superbill to your insurance company will require a diagnosis.
If the Superbill reimbursement thing feels overwhelming, you can contact www.getbetter.co. I have no affiliation with this company. They are an online service that will do the reimbursing process for you! They take 10% of whatever reimbursement you do get, but that 10% might just save you the headache of doing it yourself.
If you want to check with your insurance here's what to ask them:
1) Do I have out-of-network benefits for individual therapy/family therapy/hypnotherapy?
2) If yes, what is my out-of-network deductible?
3) Is this deductible combined with my in-network deductible or is it separate?
4) How much of this deductible has been satisfied so far?
5) What is my co-insurance once my deductible has been satisfied? (This is usually a percentage)
6) What is my out-of-pocket maximum? How much has been met this year?
7) Do I have any kind of special mental health network or require any special authorizations?
8) What is the process for reimbursement and how long do I have to submit claims?
If you have more questions about that, let me know and I’ll do my best to help you find the answer!
I can, however, provide you with a Superbill for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. This is essentially a giant receipt of services (usually submitted once per month) that you submit to your insurance and they may or may not reimburse you a certain percentage back. Be aware that providing a Superbill to your insurance company will require a diagnosis.
If the Superbill reimbursement thing feels overwhelming, you can contact www.getbetter.co. I have no affiliation with this company. They are an online service that will do the reimbursing process for you! They take 10% of whatever reimbursement you do get, but that 10% might just save you the headache of doing it yourself.
If you want to check with your insurance here's what to ask them:
1) Do I have out-of-network benefits for individual therapy/family therapy/hypnotherapy?
2) If yes, what is my out-of-network deductible?
3) Is this deductible combined with my in-network deductible or is it separate?
4) How much of this deductible has been satisfied so far?
5) What is my co-insurance once my deductible has been satisfied? (This is usually a percentage)
6) What is my out-of-pocket maximum? How much has been met this year?
7) Do I have any kind of special mental health network or require any special authorizations?
8) What is the process for reimbursement and how long do I have to submit claims?
If you have more questions about that, let me know and I’ll do my best to help you find the answer!
What is online therapy?
Online counseling is very similar to therapy in person, except we use secure video to have our sessions, similar to Skype or FaceTime. You can use any electronic device such as your computer, laptop, or cell phone to get the therapy you need. This way it can be done anywhere and anytime that's convenient for you, as long as you can find privacy. Online therapy has been proven to be as effective as in person therapy.
What type of counseling do you use to help people?
For individuals, my approach is eclectic therapy. Eclectic therapy means that I pull from many different theories in order to address your specific situation and needs. I often use a mixture of Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, and mindfullness-based therapies. We will focus on what your mind and body needs to feel better.
For couples, I use either Relational Life Therapy or Discernment Counseling, depending on the state of the relationship. If there is an interest and commitment to change/improvement for both partners, we will use Relational Life Therapy. For relationships on the brink of separation/divorce, or where there is ambivalence, I use Discernment Counseling, which is a short-term and condensed process geared toward helping people make the difficult decision to either stay and commit to working on a relationship, stay living in the "status quo" for the time being, or to move forward with divorce/separation.
For couples, I use either Relational Life Therapy or Discernment Counseling, depending on the state of the relationship. If there is an interest and commitment to change/improvement for both partners, we will use Relational Life Therapy. For relationships on the brink of separation/divorce, or where there is ambivalence, I use Discernment Counseling, which is a short-term and condensed process geared toward helping people make the difficult decision to either stay and commit to working on a relationship, stay living in the "status quo" for the time being, or to move forward with divorce/separation.
What is the difference between talking to a therapist vs. talking to friend?
A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. We are trained to be objective, whereas a friend already has a relationship with you and they have their own expectations and opinions of you. A counselor is available for a set amount of time when you have sessions. A friend may not always be able to provide this time or the expertise you need. Therapy is also confidential. You don't have to worry about friends, family, or co-workers knowing things about your life that you don't always want them to know, unless you choose to.
My guess is that since you’re here, you either have already talked through these issues with your friends and their solutions either don’t work or don’t stick, or you don’t feel comfortable talking about this particular issue with them at all.
My guess is that since you’re here, you either have already talked through these issues with your friends and their solutions either don’t work or don’t stick, or you don’t feel comfortable talking about this particular issue with them at all.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
Your circumstances are unique and the length of time we work together will vary. I can say that we will try to make make progress with each counseling session. The most important factor in your success in therapy is your commitment and desire to change. The fact that you are actively looking for help is a HUGE step. I know you don't want to be in therapy forever and I'll try my best to get you to where you want to be as fast as possible.
Basically my goal is to work myself out of a job with you!
Basically my goal is to work myself out of a job with you!
Is Erin the right therapist for me?
MAYBE! I can help many people, but not 100% of them. See the "services" and "about" tabs above for more information. If I can't help you I'll try to connect you with resources that would better suit your needs.
Do i have to be in washington state?
At this time you must reside in Washington State to receive counseling services from me or live internationally (expats welcome).
why do i choose to work online?
While I do offer in-person therapy, my practice is built around online therapy. Online counseling eliminates all the hassles and excuses. Sessions take place over a secure video chat service that you can do from home, the office, or virtually anywhere that you can find some privacy (even in your car!) while parked of course. I love that I can now provide counseling to people that are otherwise too busy to get the help they need.
how is my confidentiality protected?
We use HIPAA compliant software during our sessions with end to end encryption to ensure that your privacy and confidentiality is protected. I take the same precautions a counselor in an office setting would take and follow all local and federal laws.
What if our internet connection is interupted during a session?
If we lose internet connection I will call you and we can continue over the phone. These instances are rare but they do happen.
What happens during our first session?
In our first session we will discuss your main problems/challenges and your background. Who are you and how did you get to where you are? Then we'll discuss a plan to get you to where you want to be, which could be SO many things. I'll also answer any questions you may have. I'm a phone call or email away. I usually will get back to you in just a few hours.
I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to counseling weak?
Not at all, asking for help when you need it should be considered COURAGOUS! Even strong people need help now and then. Give yourself a pat on the back for just looking into therapy. Remember when you were a child, you thought grown ups had it all figured out? Well now that you are grown up you can see that at some point in our lives, even adults have challenges that they need help overcoming.
why shouldn't i just take medication?
Medication can be effective when its needed but do you really need it? I don't believe that medication should be the first solution we look for. Our work together is designed to explore, unpack, and resolve the problems in your life. Often times, in my experience, fixing your life is the first step, which you can absolutely do!
what will i have to do once we start therapy?
You are a unique person with your own problems or issues. I tailor my therapeutic approach specifically for you. Your plan will depend on your goals, commitment to making changes, and desires.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
Your active participation and desire to change are all you need to pack for this adventure (along with a good internet or mobile connection). Reaching out to me is the first step.
***IMPORTANT NOTICE**************************************************************************
Please be aware that I am not a crisis center, emergency hotline, or 24-hour mental health service. If you are feeling suicidal please call the national suicide prevention hotline at 988. Due to the nature of teletherapy i cannot provide mental health support to people with severe mental health concerns. sEE BELOW FOR ADDITIONal resources:
Please be aware that I am not a crisis center, emergency hotline, or 24-hour mental health service. If you are feeling suicidal please call the national suicide prevention hotline at 988. Due to the nature of teletherapy i cannot provide mental health support to people with severe mental health concerns. sEE BELOW FOR ADDITIONal resources:
- CRISIS LINE FOR KING COUNTY: 1-866-427-4747
- Crisis line for Snohomish County: 1-800-584-3578
- Crisis line for Skagit County: 1-800-584-3578
- Click here for list OF crisis lines of all WA counties
- 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- CRISIS tEXT lINE: Crisis Text Line is a global nonprofit organization providing free and confidential text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by texting HELLO to 741741
- Washington Recovery Help Line: 1-866-789-1511 (24/7) - An anonymous and confidential help line that provides crisis intervention and referral services for individuals in WA.
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