Therapy & Logistics

+ How long do counseling sessions typically last?

My sessions are 50 minutes, with 10 minutes reserved to wrap up notes for each individual session. For the duration of treatment, most clients I see work with me weekly for about six months to a year. Many clients stay with me long term, which is part of the reason I rarely have openings. ;)

+ What happens during the first counseling session?

During the first session, I will ask any follow up questions I have based on your initial new client questionnaire and we will begin talking about some specific treatment goals. If we have enough time, I will give you a few ideas for coping skills to use right away.

+ How do I know if I really need counseling?

Everyone can benefit from counseling/therapy in my opinion! However, if you’re unsure, think about some of the following questions: Do I feel satisfied in a majority of the areas of my life (professional, spiritual, relationships, family, fun, personal, etc)? Are there aspects of my past keeping me from accessing enjoyment?

+ What if therapy isn't working?

If something isn’t working in your treatment, I invite you to talk to me about it. We will do quarterly check ins about your specific goals and address anything that isn’t working. If we do seem completely stuck, maybe I am not the right fit for you. I am always happy to explore referrals with you to see if a different provider can help you in a way I cannot. My goal is to get you the best care possible, and I am not always the best fit for everyone!

+ How often will I need to come to counseling?

Weekly counseling yields the best results, as shown by studies as well as my own personal experience. I find that clients I’ve been with every other week in the past did not see gains as quickly.

+ How long will I need to come to counseling?

That depends on every single client. You may start to feel one of two things after about three sessions. 1) “Oh my gosh, this is never going to work!” or 2) “Everything is great now!”

I can assure you that neither of these perspectives, while totally normaly to have, is going to be accurate. I would say around eight to ten sessions is when we really start to see how long or short term the work will need to be, or if I'm just not a great fit for you in terms of style/techniques/expectations.

+ Where do sessions take place?

Currently, I see all of my clients via Telehealth using Simple Practice, a secure online teletherapy and medical record platform.

+ How do you keep my info secure?

All client records are stored in a cloud based system with bank level encryption that is HIPAA certified, encrypted, and kept secure. Here is an up to date list of all the ways your information remains secure: https://www.simplepractice.com/security

+ What is your cancellation policy?

If you cancel an appointment with less than 24 hr notice or no-call-no-show, you will be charged $100 as it is unlikely will be unable to schedule another client on such short notice. This hour is reserved for you.

+ What is your weather policy?

If you are impacted by weather for telehealth such as power or internet being out, please notify me as soon as possible. In the case of truly inclement weather, exceptions may be made about the less than 24 hr notice. In the case that we’ve returned to in person appointments, but you do not feel comfortable driving, that’s fine! We can still meet during your reserved appointment time using Simple Practice telehealth.

+ What if I am late to my session?

If you will be more than 10 minutes late to your appointment, please contact me. If you do not contact me and have not shown up 15 minutes after the start time of your session, I will close out the room if it is for teletherapy. If you arrive late, you do not gain back more time. Your 50 minute session begins at either :00 or :30 and ends at either :50 or :20, accordingly, regardless of time you arrive.

+ If you’re cannabis friendly, can I be high in our appointments?

Please refrain from the use of drugs or alcohol at least six hours prior to the session. This includes marijuana. While I am a marijuana supportive counselor, marijuana can impact session outcomes and halt treatment progress when used too close to therapeutic work. It is advised to refrain from using marijuana for at least five hours after a session where possible, especially if you have engaged in EDMR. I am happy to provide psychoeducation on marijuana / medical cannabis and how it can be useful for mental health, but also the ways it can impact treatment.

+ In what cases do you terminate with a client?

Basically:

  • If you or I determine it’s not working for you
  • If you can’t afford therapy anymore
  • If I move or retire
  • If you’re not showing up for your scheduled appointments
  • If you have an outstanding appointment balance, I may terminate if a plan for payment cannot be put in place in a timely fashion.

Financials

+ How much do therapy sessions cost?

The intake (first session) is $265 as I go extensively over your paperwork and create an individualized treatment plan for you. For 1 on 1 appointments, my out-of-pocket fee for a fifty-minute session is $250. For 50 minute couples appointments or sessions between 2 family members, I charge $285 for ongoing appointments. Initial sessions where I meet 1 on 1 with a member of the couple or family are at the rate of $265, and follow up are $250.

+ How do I pay you?

I take payment via Simple Practice/Stripe, PayPal, cash, and checks.

If you are a therapy client and using insurance, you will be sent a bill via Simple Practice/Stripe. Please be aware of your own insurance policies, copays, and deductibles. You should also be sure your insurance covers telehealth if you plan to use it. You are responsible for understanding these policies and any money that is owed for service. You are responsible for all fees if your insurance declines.

+ Do you take my insurance?

I am phasing out of taking CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield plans, so I do not advise inquiring about therapy if you are not okay transitioning to out-of-pocket pay when I am no longer panneled. However, if you have a PPO insurance plan, I can support you in submitting for reimbursement from your insurance company. Payment must still be provided upfront, however.

Remember COACHING IS NEVER COVERED BY INSURANCE!

+ Why don't you take insurance plans or take sliding scale?

Insurance reimbursement rates can be very low, and sliding scale can be unethical as it requires me to carefully pick and choose who should get those spots and rates. The reality is that if I am making less income per client, I need to take on more clients. When I take on too many clients, that can contribute to burnout and lower quality of care. I pride myself on being a therapist and coach that models good boundaries and self-care. If I am burning out and not taking care of myself by taking on too big of a case load, how will that help me better serve you, give attention to your needs, and find time to research the best methods to help you? It won’t. When I make a liveable wage that allows me to take good care of myself, express strong personal boundaries, and have room left to give, I can support through a ripple effect of giving back to my community to help other healers do their best work.

+ What's the difference between an HMO and PPO plan?

HMO plans do not have “out-of-network” benefits. PPO plans do allow for out-of-network benefits and therefore clients can often get reimbursed a portion of their therapy costs.

+ If I have a PPO plan, how can I get reimbursed for therapy?

I will generate something called a Superbill, which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement using your Out-of-Network benefits, or you can use Reimbursify, a quick and easy platform where you can submit claims directly online with a few clicks!

+ Why are your rates what they are?

Oh boy. This question can go in lots of directions, can’t it?! My work that goes into each client extends well beyond the “therapy room” or "coaching couch." For each 50 minute session you spend with me, I also spend additional time developing resources that will help you or a client like you in the future, catching up on new research and best practices, and thinking about where to go next. I put a great deal of time into researching, reading, and getting advanced training to better identify ways to help the issues my clients deal with on a regular basis. Each of my clients gets very individualized care. I have to keep my intuitive channel open and my compassion buzzing! Ensuring I have the best training and time to plan for our sessions is very important to me!

Other

+ What is the best way to contact you?

I prefer contact via email (Therapy@Safrianna.com), but you can call and leave me a voice mail at (762) 441-0444. I will not likely answer the first time you call.

+ Why do you admit to being LGBTQIA+/polyam/etc?

Over my years as a therapist, being openly LGBTQIA+ and polyamorous has not only helped me find clients that really click with me, but has also helped other clinicians find me as a safe individual to talk to and ask questions of. I often hear from non LGBTQIA+ clients of mine that they chose me because I was LGBT+ as they thought I would be less judgemental than providers they had seen in the past. Apparently they were right, regardless of whether that has anything to do with me being a queer identifying therapist or not. Same thing with polyamory!

+ What are some labels to describe you as a therapist/coach?

Well, I’m a:

  • Polyamory friendly therapist
  • Kink aware therapist
  • BDSM aware therapist
  • Cannabis friendly therapist
  • LGBTQ+ affirming therapist
  • Pagan friendly therapist
  • Black allied therapist
  • BIPOC allied therapist
  • Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender allied Therapist & coach
  • Vegan and vegetarian allied therapist
  • Disabilities allied therapist
  • I could go on, but hopefully you get the picture!