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FAQ & Resources

Answers to your
questions

Everything you want to know before reaching out — no question is too small.

Cost & Insurance

Individual session: $150 for a 50–55 minute session
Couples counseling: $250 per session
2-hour session: $225
Email/text therapy: $75/week (via Signal)

I accept credit, debit, and health/flexible spending cards. A sliding scale is available for financial hardship.
Good Faith Estimate (GFE) — No Surprises Act Under federal law, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges. The GFE shows the costs of services reasonably expected for your treatment (fee per session × number of expected sessions). It does not include unknown or unexpected costs. If you are billed more than the estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill. The GFE is not a contract and does not require you to obtain services. You have the right to terminate services at any time.
I accept Aetna in Washington State for individual therapy.

For other insurance, I provide a monthly Superbill you can submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Note: submitting to insurance requires a DSM-V diagnosis. You can also use getbetter.co — they handle the reimbursement process for you (they take 10% of whatever you recover).

Questions to ask your insurance company:
  1. Do I have out-of-network benefits for individual therapy?
  2. What is my out-of-network deductible?
  3. Is this deductible combined with my in-network deductible or separate?
  4. How much of this deductible has been met so far?
  5. What is my co-insurance once my deductible is satisfied?
  6. What is my out-of-pocket maximum? How much has been met?
  7. Do I need special mental health authorizations?
  8. What is the process and timeline for submitting claims?

Online Therapy

Online counseling is very similar to in-person therapy — except we meet over secure, HIPAA-compliant video (similar to FaceTime or Zoom). You can join from your computer, phone, or tablet, from anywhere you have privacy. Research consistently shows online therapy is just as effective as in-office sessions.
Online therapy eliminates all the hassles and excuses. I can help people who are too busy, live in rural areas, or would otherwise never follow through with therapy. Sessions take place over secure video from home, your office, or anywhere private. I love being able to provide counseling to people who need it at their own convenience.
You must reside in Washington State or Montana to receive counseling services from me.
If we lose connection I'll call you immediately and we can continue by phone. These instances are rare, but we have a plan if it happens.
I use HIPAA-compliant software with end-to-end encryption for all sessions. I follow all local and federal privacy laws — the same precautions an in-office therapist would take. Your confidentiality is protected.

My Approach

For individuals, my approach is eclectic — I draw from many theories based on your specific situation. I most often use Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness-based therapies. We'll focus on what your mind and body needs to feel better.

For couples, I use Relational Life Therapy or Discernment Counseling, depending on the relationship's state. RLT is for partners committed to improving; Discernment Counseling is for those on the brink of separation or feeling ambivalent about whether to stay.
A therapist can teach you new skills, offer different perspectives, and listen without judgment or expectations. We hold space for you to be completely vulnerable — which isn't always possible even with close friends. Therapists are trained to be objective; friends have their own relationship with you and expectations of you. Therapy is also completely confidential.

Logistics

Your timeline will depend on your unique circumstances. What I can tell you is that we'll make progress with each session. The most important factor in your success is your commitment and desire to change. My goal is to work myself out of a job with you — as efficiently as possible.
We'll discuss your main challenges and your background — who you are and how you got here. Then we'll map out a plan to get you where you want to be. I'll also answer any questions you have. I'm usually reachable by phone or email within a few hours.
You're a unique person with your own situation. I tailor my approach specifically for you. Your plan will depend on your goals and desires — all you need to bring is the willingness to show up.
Medication can be effective when it's needed — but it's not always the first or only solution. Our work together is designed to explore, unpack, and resolve the root problems in your life. Often, working on your life creates lasting change that medication alone cannot.
Not at all — asking for help when you need it is courageous. Give yourself credit for just looking into therapy. Even the strongest people need support sometimes. The fact that you're here is already a huge step.

Getting Started

Maybe! I can help many people, but not everyone — and I'll be honest with you about that. The free consultation is the best way to find out. If I'm not the right fit, I'll do my best to connect you with someone who is.
Your desire to change is all you need to pack for this adventure (along with a good internet connection). Reaching out is the first step. I'm here to help and look forward to it!

Helpful Links

Resources & Further Reading

Brainspotting

Official information on the Brainspotting approach, developed by Dr. David Grand.

brainspotting.com →

IFS Institute

Learn more about Internal Family Systems therapy, developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz.

ifs-institute.com →

Mindfulness (APA)

The American Psychological Association's overview of mindfulness and its benefits.

apa.org/topics/mindfulness →

NIMH

National Institute of Mental Health — statistics, research, and resources on mental health conditions.

nimh.nih.gov →

Insurance Help (GetBetter)

Out-of-network reimbursement service — they handle the paperwork for 10% of your recovery.

getbetter.co →

Relational Life Therapy

Terry Real's approach to couples counseling — rebuilding connection and intimacy.

terryreal.com →

⚠ Crisis Resources — Please Read

I am not a crisis center, emergency hotline, or 24-hour mental health service. Due to the nature of teletherapy, I cannot provide emergency support. If you are in crisis or feeling suicidal, please use one of these resources immediately:

Erin Swan, LCSW

Erin Swan

LCSW · Online Therapist

25+ years in mental health.
Serving Washington & Montana.

About Erin →

Still have questions?

The best way to get answers is to just reach out. A free consultation is a no-pressure conversation.

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