Frequently Asked Questions

How much does psychotherapy cost?

My fee is $180 for a 45 minute session and $245 for a 55 minute session. Most treatments require meeting once weekly, although session frequency could increase or decrease depending on the situation. These costs could be reduced with insurance coverage and, on occasion, I will negotiate a lower fee.

The initial intake interview session cost is $280.

There are times phone conversations are also helpful to supplement the in-person sessions. My fee for phone conversations lasting longer than 15 minutes is prorated based on the amount of time we decide to talk. For a full 55 minute phone/tele-health session my fee is the same as it is in-person: $245

Payment is expected at the time of service, usually at the beginning of the session. I accept cash or checks.

Should I bill my health insurer?

In many cases, billing your health insurer will make treatment more affordable. The benefit of a good insurance plan can, at least in theory, make psychological services accessible and relatively inexpensive. For these reasons, oftentimes the best course of action is to use your health insurer to subsidize treatment.

However, insurance companies routinely require the therapist to provide details about the patient--e.g. a description of symptoms, diagnoses, progress, goals--that can feel like a violation of privacy. As a result, your personal health information is stored by the insurer electronically, leaving me unable to verify its security. It is customary for insurance representatives to demand such information as a means to approve a treatment course. In some cases, outside reviewers will deny a treatment frequency (e.g. a twice-weekly therapy) despite efforts by the treating doctor to advocate otherwise.

You can determine your insurance benefits ahead of time by calling the insurance company and telling them who you are going to see for psychotherapy and asking what percentage of the fee they will pay, what the cap is on the fee, and how many sessions or what total reimbursement is available to you.

Treatments unencumbered by third parties (e.g. insurance companies) provide the advantages of increased confidentiality as well as control of session frequency and treatment length.

What is your cancellation policy?
When a cancellation is necessary, at least 24 hour notice is required to avoid the charge for the time that was reserved for you.

Do you prescribe medication?

No. In the state of Oregon, psychologists (e.g. Ph.D. and Psy.D. clinicians) do not have prescription privileges. In situations where medication management is applicable and/or desired, I work closely with the prescriber (e.g. physicians, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners) involved. If you take psychotropic medications or are interested in doing so, I recommend that you discuss this with me during our initial appointment so that benefits, risks and alternatives can be explored.

Do you work with families?

While I typically do not initiate treatment with a families, when working with adolescents I find it important to include parents throughout the treatment process, particularly if there are issues pertaining to the safety and well-being of the minor.

Can we have phone and/or video sessions?

Psychotherapy is best conducted in-person for a variety of reasons, although phone sessions may be suggested in rare circumstances.

Is psychoanalytic psychotherapy an evidence-based treatment?

Yes. However, due to the subjective, highly idiosyncratic nature of human experience and relationship many question why psychotherapy is even measured scientifically at all. Philosophical debates aside, those who have attempted to do so have found psychoanalytic psychotherapy to be a highly effective form of treatment.