What should I expect first?

If you decide to reach out for services, we will have a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and to determine if we are a good fit for each other. Upon confirming your interest in services, you will be sent intake paperwork through Headway - a HIPAA-compliant platform - where you will sign the consent forms for treatment and will provide general information (name, phone number, address, email, etc.). We will schedule your first session from there where I spend time getting to know you and will discuss expectations for treatment.

To schedule an initial 15 minute consultation, please click here.

What are the benefits and risks of seeking therapy?

It may feel uncomfortable to start therapy because being vulnerable is not easy. You may have surprising emotional reactions or a difficult time processing the experiences in your life. You may also feel nervous, fearful, and scared of opening up to a stranger. That is all a normal part of therapy and is something we talk about. We discuss these experiences together to figure out how to make it a meaningful experience. Another factor to consider is if you have a safe, quiet place to conduct therapy at home. This means that you should be able to speak freely with no one else around so that your safety is protected.

Therapy is a great place to explore anything that troubles you in life. Seeking a safe space can provide a sense of security that allows you to express your needs and feel heard by someone who is empathetic, caring, and non-judgmental. Starting therapy can be scary, but it does not have to be. You can discuss emotions, thoughts, feelings, experiences, etc. that you may not be able to share with anyone else.

What do I need to know about sessions with you?

Sessions are 50 minutes long and can occur either weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Adjustments to timing and frequency can be accommodated per request. If you need to cancel your session for any reason, you must notify me at least 24 hours in advance otherwise you may be charged the full session fee. If you are running late, simply send me a text and we can start session when you arrive. Note that this is not preferred, as it takes time and energy to settle into a therapy mindset. For more information about our policies and fees, please visit our Rates & Policies page.

What is confidentiality and what are the limitations?

Confidentiality is a practice to protect clients, their identities, and their personal information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 was established to protect sensitive health information from being disclosed without the client’s consent or knowledge. Everything we discuss will be kept between us, with the exception of a few policies below:

• Suspicion of child abuse/neglect, elderly or vulnerable adult abuse/neglect, or harm to self or others. If this information is shared, I will be required to report it to the appropriate authorities.

• If I am court-mandated or subpoenaed by a judge, I may have to share your personal records and notes from sessions.

• If I receive an authorization to release information to a third-party, completed and signed by the client or legal guardian (if under age 18).

• If the client is a minor and reveals information related to their safety or the safety of others, then it may be reported to parents/legal guardians.

• Other situations may arise that requires a break in confidentiality. If it is not an issue of safety, then I will do my best to discuss it with you first.

What is telehealth/teletherapy/telemedicine and how does it work?

Telehealth is a way for you to connect with therapists via the internet! Typically, you can join sessions via phone, tablet, or computer as long as you have a working camera and microphone. I ask that you keep your camera on for the duration of session so we can discuss as if we are in person. Links are set prior to sessions and are unique to each date/time to ensure security. The platform used for sessions will be HIPAA-compliant so that no one else can access the link and overhear our session without permission.

I live out of state, can I still see a therapist here?

Unfortunately, no. All clients must reside and currently be located in Florida during their sessions. A home address in Florida will be required at intake. Clients must be in Florida due to license requirements of the therapist and for safety of the client.

I need resources and am not sure where to start. What do I do?

I am so glad you are seeking resources, that is a huge challenge to overcome! Given the complexities of life, there are a number of tailored resources available. I suggest reaching out to some of the following places first:

• If it is an emergency, you can dial 911 or visit your local emergency room.

• For a general helpline to mental health information, you can dial 211. They run 24/7 and help with suicide prevention, crisis intervention, assessment, and treatment resources.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free 24 hour hotline support

• Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-(1-800-962-ABUSE)

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

• Depending on the nature of your needs, you can also reach out to your primary care doctor.

Need more information? Feel free to check out the rest of website for additional details or send us an email at info@flhealingspace.com.