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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What would you like to know?
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What can I expect in the first session?Our first appointment will last approximately 60 minutes. Prior to the session, you will receive intake forms to help guide the session. For most effective use of our time, please submit these forms 48 hours prior to your appointment. During the first session, we will review your main goals, concerns and priorities, your mental health journey including past and present, current symptoms, the status and influence of your social setting and environment, and relevant family information. We will also review any past medical history, current physical symptoms and other medications or supplements you may be taking. Together we will spend time reviewing your diagnosis, various treatment options that incorporate biological, psychological, and environmental elements, and work to create a comprehensive treatment plan. If this is a second opinion or one-time consultation, I will provide a written report to you and/or to your primary clinician with multi-tiered recommendations for your health.
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Are sessions confidential?In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a patient and physician. No information is disclosed without prior written permission. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include: Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. Clinicians are considered mandated reporters and must report this to the appropriate authorities immediately. If a patient is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The clinician is required to notify the police. If a patient intends self-harm. The clinician will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
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What is psychodynamic therapy like?Psychodynamic psychotherapy can also be considered expressive, open-ended, and exploratory. Each session aims to establish a setting of security, respect, warmth, and empathy in order for us to embark on a journey that typically focuses on here-and-now issues and concerns in your life as well as your past, childhood, and upbringing. Our primary goal is to develop a narrative of your life story to obtain greater understanding and personal growth. This style of therapy works best with weekly or twice weekly sessions.
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Is therapy right for me?There are many reasons why people choose to have therapy. Therapy can focus on understanding and gaining relief from long-standing psychological issues or symptoms, like anxiety or depression. Other times, therapy can be a mechanism for processing major life decisions, transitions, loss, personal growth, or working towards change. If you are still not sure, you are welcome to reach out and see if psychodynamic psychotherapy with me is the right fit for you.
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Do I have to take medications to see you?Not at all. We will work together to decide if medications would be a helpful part of your treatment plan. However, for many patients, psychotherapy and complimentary treatment can be very effective. There is good research on the success of psychotherapy and even how it changes our brain chemistry.
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I already have a therapist. Can I see you for medication consultation?Absolutely. I am a huge advocate for psychotherapy and I'm glad that you have already established a therapeutic relationship. I will gladly work with your current therapist and primary clinician to ensure comprehensive and collaborative care.
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Will insurance cover my visit?We accept BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS), and Mountain Health CO-OP. For those who have different insurances, I will provide paperwork to assist in seeking out of network reimbursement from the insurance company. My business is partnered with Reimbursify to offer a hassle-free reimbursement process (read more about it on my blog). I encourage all to call their insurance company to determine the exact amount for which they would be reimbursed for out-of-network care. Some guiding questions include: How do I submit a claim for out-of-network reimbursement? How much is my "out-of-network deductible"? After I meet my deductible, how much can I be reimbursed for an initial diagnostic evaluation (code 90792 + modifier GT) and/or follow up med management/psychotherapy session (codes 99213 or 99214 + 90836 or 90838 + modifier GT)?
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How does payment work?Luminello: click here to read more about how payments will work through the patient portal. Invoices are easily accessible through the Luminello patient portal. Simply log in to your Luminello account, click on the billing link on the left-hand side of the page. Your billing history will appear. Specific invoices are located in the "invoices" tab. Additional information can be found on the Luminello site here.
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Do you offer in-person care?Yes! We are pleased to offer a hybrid model for our patients, combining in-person visits with remote or virtual mental health services. We believe this model offers a flexible approach to mental healthcare, allowing folks to choose between in-person visits and remote sessions via video calls, phone calls, or secure messaging platforms.
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How do I schedule with you?Please start by creating a patient portal by visiting our link here.
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What is Reproductive/Perinatal Psychiatry?Reproductive Psychiatry is a broadly encompassing term to describe mental health care that focuses on perinatal period, all types of pregnancy loss, fertility challenges, and perimenopause. Perinatal Psychiatry is even further specialized care that works with women and birthing parents who are in the process of conception, pregnancy, or within the first year postpartum.
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Can my partner/family member come to my appointment?Definitely. I like to know your support team. My approach is to usually meet with my client first, one-on-one, before inviting a partner/family member to join. Then altogether I can help answer questions and assuage concerns so that we all feel part of a team.
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If I live in Idaho, but work in Wyoming, can we work together?Yes! I know there is a large part of the Teton County community that commutes, and wanted to make sure we had access to work with one another from the comfort of our homes.
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What if I have a question not addressed here?Please feel free to reach out and I will be happy to answer any additional questions.
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