FAQs
Who do you treat?
- I work with individuals ages 18 and older who are experiencing a variety of challenges, including but not limited to OCD, anxiety, BFRB’s, and life transitions.
How do I get started?
- You can call or email me to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to answer your questions, tell me about your situation, and see if I am a good fit for you. If you decide to pursue treatment with me, I will email you a link to the client portal where you can fill out digital paperwork (consent forms and history). After those forms are completed, we can schedule our first session.
Do you take insurance? Can you participate in single-case agreements with insurance?
- Vital is a fee-for-service practice and does not accept insurance. I am considered an out of network, non-participating provider and unable to participate in single-case agreements.
What if I don’t just have anxiety?
- Most people have multiple challenges, and it is still possible that I can see you in treatment. If you have an active eating disorder or a substance use disorder, I do require that you do concurrent treatment with another provider of your choosing, and that I have authorization to coordinate treatment with them. If you have substantive medical issues that are a part of your mental health challenges, I can also see you in treatment if I have authorization to communicate with your other healthcare providers. If you are unsure if you have an anxiety disorder but you do experience anxiety due to life transitions or changes, we can still potentially work together.
How long does treatment take?
- This is highly variable, based on your particular challenges, history, life stage, and willingness to participate in treatment. Sometimes the subtext of this question is, “how soon will I start feeling better?” You may feel better far sooner than you decide that treatment is done. It is important to remember that you will likely see faster results the harder you work, and you can choose to discontinue treatment when you see fit.
What is your emergency coverage?
- Vital is oriented toward providing comprehensive outpatient CBT. If you believe that you are likely to need frequent after-hours care for crisis intervention due to self-harm, substance use, and/or recent hospitalizations, Vital is not likely the best fit for your needs. It is sometimes the case, of course, that people have more intense transient stressors and needs, and Vital would be able to work with these challenges. Part of Vital’s initial CBT process is establishing a concrete emergency plan for such situations.
Do I have to take medication?
- OCD and anxiety respond well to CBT, and some people also choose to utilize medication to further speed up and/or enhance their treatment. It is your decision, and I will advise you based on your particular history and challenges. I can refer you to a psychiatrist if you would like to pursue that option.
Don’t see your question here? Feel free to contact me and ask me directly.