“Nobody escapes being wounded. We all are wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not “How can we hide our wounds?” so we don’t have to be embarrassed, but “How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?” When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.”                        

– Henri Nouwen, The Wounded Healer

I am honored to walk with clients through some of their deepest hurts and struggles. All of us seek to live a more peaceful, joyful life. Together, we will clarify your picture of a flourishing life, remove obstacles that might be in the way, and build skills and supports to help you meet your goals.

My approach to counseling is as an integrative approach: based on your personality, culture, perspectives, and life experiences, I draw from several different theories to design a treatment plan that fits you. Some of the approaches I most commonly utilize include EMDR therapy, brain spotting, narrative therapy, sandtray therapy, play therapy, Adlerian therapy, and family systems approaches. You will find the counseling room to be a place where you are listened to, heard, and valued simply for who you are. You are welcome to incorporate your faith or religious beliefs into our time together – and it’s equally acceptable to leave belief at the door.

Another service I offer is career counseling. Using a narrative approach as well as validated career inventories, we will work together to see how your values and your life story can help you build your ideal career path. This is often a brief intervention of 6-8 sessions and can be appropriate for clients of almost any age, from high school students to those looking to choose a second or even third career.

I typically see clients weekly for 50 minute sessions, but as therapy progresses, we may space sessions to biweekly or even monthly. When it is necessary or helpful, I can provide 90 minute sessions or EMDR intensive sessions. I do not accept insurance, which allows me to maintain lower session rates. Payment is due at the beginning of each session using check, cash, or credit card. Sessions must be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance or a cancellation fee will be charged.

I am an out-of-network provider as I do not accept insurance.  Upon request I will happily provide the necessary information for you to seek reimbursement from your insurance company.  You are still responsible for the full counseling fee at the time of your appointment.  I cannot guarantee the percentage of reimbursement, and you are responsible for tracking and submitting any forms/request. 

It’s important for you to ask questions and be informed about your payment options.  I’m happy to discuss any financial concerns before we get started and can provide referrals more aligned with your financial coverage.  

The No Surprises Act requires health care providers to provide patients who are without insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the cost for medical items and services.  Upon request or at the time of scheduling you have a right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of the total expected charges.  The fee for your session will be verbally communicated to you during your initial inquiry, and will be provided to you in writing no later than your first appointment.  

I also provide telemental health services through a secure platform. I can work with clients located anywhere in the state of Tennessee.

WHY I DO NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE:

• Reduced Ability to Choose: Most health care plans today offer limited coverage and/or reimbursement for mental health services. Many HMOs and PPOs require preauthorization before you can receive services. This means you must call the company and justify why you are seeking therapeutic services in order for you to receive reimbursement. The insurance representative, who may or may not be a mental health professional, will decide whether services will be allowed. If authorization is given, you are often restricted to seeing the providers on the insurance company’s list. Reimbursement is reduced if you choose someone who is not on the contracted list; consequently, your choice of providers is often significantly restricted.
• Pre-Authorization and Reduced Confidentiality: Insurance typically authorizes several therapy sessions at a time. When these sessions are finished, your therapist must justify the need for continued services. Sometimes additional sessions are not authorized, leading to an end of the therapeutic relationship even if therapeutic goals are not completely met. Your insurance company may require additional clinical information that is confidential in order to approve or justify a continuation of services. Confidentiality cannot be assured or guaranteed when an insurance company requires information to approve continued services. Even if the therapist justifies the need for ongoing services, your insurance company may decline services. Your insurance company dictates if treatment will or will not be covered. Note: Personal information might be added to national medical information data banks regarding treatment.
• Negative Impacts of a Psychiatric Diagnosis: Insurance companies require clinicians to give a mental health diagnosis (i.e., “major depression” or “obsessive-compulsive disorder”) for reimbursement. Psychiatric diagnoses may negatively impact you in the following ways:

1. Denial of insurance when applying for disability or life insurance;
2. Company control of information when claims are processed;
3. Loss of confidentiality due to the increased number of persons handling claims;
4. Loss of employment and/or repercussions of a diagnosis in situations where you may be required to reveal a mental health disorder diagnosis on your record. This includes but is not limited to: applying for a job, financial aid, and/or concealed weapons permits.
5. A psychiatric diagnosis can be brought into a court case (i.e. divorce court, family law, etc.).

It is also important to note that some psychiatric diagnoses are not eligible for reimbursement, such as learning how to cope with life changes, gaining more effective communication techniques for your relationships, increasing personal insight, and developing healthy new skills.