Client Agreement

A Letter About Our Work Together

Before we get started, I want to tell you what to expect from our work together. This text explains how I do therapy and how our relationship will be. Please read it. If something’s unclear or you have questions, ask. When you book your first session, I’ll know that you’ve read this text and are ready to get started.

Who I Am

I received my Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. I majored in both Addictions and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to that, I completed my undergraduate degree in Substance Abuse Counseling at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. In total, I’ve worked in the mental health field for eight years. 

Here is what’s more important for you to know: I meet you where you are. Emotionally. Cognitively. Whatever moment you are experiencing right now. I meet you there.

How We’ll Work Together

The relationship between us is the foundation for all that follows in our work together. Without that, therapy is nothing. That’s why my number one job is to build a foundation of trust and creditability with you.

Your sessions are for you. You talk about what’s at the center of your world. I listen. I reflect. I support. I respond. The goal? To give you space to process what’s happening in your life.

I do my best to make our conversations easy. But I won’t shy away from difficult topics. Taboo? We’ll talk about it. Awkward? We’ll bring it up. A person can’t achieve a goal if they’re unwilling to look at the things in their life that are blocking their way. So we’ll look at those things together. Head on.

You’ll find that I make sessions warm and inviting, but also direct. I’ll be honest with you. Both things matter.

What Sessions Cost

Sessions last 45 minutes. For individuals, they cost $150. For couples, sessions are $200.

If you find that we need more time and my schedule allows for it, we can tack on 15-minute blocks at the end. Those run $25 for individuals and $50 for couples.

I do not accept insurance. However, I am able to provide the proper information, so that you can submit our invoice receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement through your FSA or HSA.

After our first session, I’ll email you an invoice. You’ll pay by credit card. From then on, I’ll automatically charge that card around 6pm EST on the day of your session. This way, we never have to talk about payment during our session together.

If You Need to Cancel

Life gets in the way sometimes. I understand.

If you cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before our session, there’s no fee.

Medical emergency? Crisis situation? If something comes up that’s out of your control, you can cancel at any time. No fee.

But if you don’t show up for a session with less than 24 hours notice or don’t give any notice at all, I will charge you $50 to the card I have on file. This is to cover the time that I’ve set aside for you.

What Stays Private

Everything you say in our sessions stays between us. Nothing else. This is safe private space.

That said, there are some caveats that I need you to understand.

If at any point I believe that you might hurt yourself or someone else, I will need to tell the appropriate people. It’s not up to me. I have a legal obligation.

I’m also a mandated reporter of child abuse. If I suspect child abuse, I am required to report it to the appropriate authorities.

Outside of these two very specific situations, be assured that your words are safe with me.

How We’ll Connect

We’ll use secure video platforms to meet. They’re easy to use. For most of us, Zoom will be best.

If the video quality lags and it’s impacting our session, I may ask that we switch to a phone call. The relationship between us matters more than the tech we use. We’ll find what works.

Moving Forward

You’re here because some part of you wants things to be different. That’s good. That’s a beginning.

Our work together begins the moment you book your first session. That’s how I know you’ve read this text. You know how I work, and now you are ready to move forward.

I’m glad you’re here.