Step 1: Reach out via phone, email, text or use the contact form and receive a reply in 24-48 business hours. (can we make the contact from in pink there a link to it?)

Step 2: Want to make sure we are a good fit? Schedule a free 15 minute video consultation. Want to skip the consultation and get started ASAP? Schedule your first session.

Step 3: Join me each week (or as often as you choose) to discuss and process your concerns. Together we will develop the tools you need to move forward happily and productively in your life. 

Step 4: Achieve your goals for therapy and be better able to handle your life and relationships moving forward.

There are several options on appointment length to allow you to customize your service to your specific needs and get the bang for your buck.

• 60 minute session: A longer session, allowing for a thorough discussion, exploration of multiple issues, or more complex therapeutic work. This is the most common session length for ongoing therapy and first therapy sessions. 

• 45-minutes session: A middle ground, providing enough time for a more in-depth discussion of concerns while allowing for some flexibility. This length is often recommended for most clients who need enough time to cover a variety of topics without feeling rushed. When you are short on time, this can also be used for a first appointment.

• 30-minute session: The shortest option, often for focused check-ins, specific issues, or follow ups. Ideal for clients who may need a more concise or targeted conversation but not long enough for first appointments.

60-minutes sessions are $100

45-minutes sessions are $85

30-minute sessions are $60

The first session is mainly about building rapport and establishing a safe, confidential space. The first session includes a thorough assessment where I get to know you and some of your history. Then will determine therapy goals. Sometimes therapy goals take longer but we can begin to brainstorm these in the first session. You can relax though, it is much easier than you may be anticipating. My goal is to make it easy and to feel as comfortable as talking to a friend. 

We will meet as often as you would like. My preference is to begin with weekly sessions for the first 4 sessions and then determine if that is still best for you. Meeting weekly allows for consistent progress, helps build rapport, and provides on-going support as we work through issues. Weekly sessions are the most common and effective frequency for noticing therapy results. As you make progress, you might decide to transition to bi-weekly sessions or choose the 30 minute express sessions for check ins. 

The therapy treatment plan will be our roadmap that outlines the goals, strategies and approaches you and I will use to address your concerns. Its purpose is to ensure that therapy is focused and goal-oriented. It is also flexible, and can be updated as your needs evolve throughout the course of therapy.

The length of time you will need in therapy depends on several factors, including the nature of the issues you're addressing, your personal goals, and how you respond to treatment. Here is a quick breakdown:

• Short-Term Therapy-Some people find they only need a few months to overcome the specific challenges such as coping with stress, managing a life transition, or working through a temporary problem. 

• Longer-Term Therapy-For deeper or more complex issues, such as long-standing anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship problems, therapy may take longer.  

• Ongoing maintenance or Check-ins-As a society we have begun to understand the importance of mental health and because of that this view of therapy has gained popularity. Once you have achieved your initial goals, you may use check ins to continue personal growth or to prevent setbacks. Others may decide they no longer need regular sessions but may return for occasional support when needed.  This is the type of therapy I use!                                                     

The length of time in therapy also depends on the frequency of your session. Think of it similar to working out. The more you come the more you build your mental muscle. 

For example, your first therapy experience may be to find support to overcome losing someone important to you or dealing with divorce for example. You accomplish your goals in learning to handle this better and have more peace but also develop a close and supportive relationship with your therapist. Instead of terminating sessions, you decide to do a 3 month check in to be sure you are sustaining a healthy environment for your mental health. It is not uncommon for individuals to take on more stress and have diminished thoughts without realizing it. It's a great way to stay on track and live your best. In the right capacity for you, a therapist can be a great long term therapeutic relationship. 

Another one of my favorite reasons for establishing this relationship is because life gives us many unexpected challenges and difficulties when we least expect them. When these hit, if we have never sought therapy, we might not even think to do so. With that relationship already intact you can often find quicker support in your time of need. 

The SimplePractice Client Portal is a secure, free, and HIPAA-compliant online hub that allows you to manage your care and communicate with me. This is where you will complete your paperwork before your first appointment. You can also send me secure messages and opt-in to receive reminders via email, text or voice.

Yes, I offer virtual sessions through the HIPAA compliant software, Simple Practice. You will receive an email with a unique link before your appointment for easy access. Click the link and we begin. You can also download the free Simple Practice telehealth app from the itunes or android app store. Teletherapy should be private so make sure to find a space where you are alone. 

This is NOT crisis counseling. If you are in a crisis/emergency situation (suicidal, life-threatening, self-harm, etc.), please call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. You may also call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.

If you need to cancel your session, please do so with at least 24 hour notice by calling/emailing. If you cancel within 24 hours of your session, you will be charged a fee of $30. If you fail to show for your appointment you will be charged $50. 

The answer to this question is yes with some exceptions.  First, I do not accept insurance but if you seek counseling from a therapist who does and you use your insurance, there is some information insurance companies require for reimbursement. Insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis in order to be eligible for reimbursement of benefits. What does that mean? It means that the therapist will have to diagnose you with something like, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, or Adjustment Disorder (these are just examples). This can be positive in helping children access additional services in school, but can be negative if you or your child plan to go into a career where a diagnosis might cause you to be ineligible. Using insurance is a personal decision for you. This is something you must decide, but I think it is important for you to make an informed decisions prior to utilizing your health insurance. Health insurance does make it possible for many to access needed services they otherwise could not afford. Health insurance typically doesn't cover couples therapy, family therapy, because insurance companies don't consider relationship issues to be mental health disorders. 

I choose private pay for services in my practice because this allows me more flexibility in scheduling (no constraints from insurance) and NO diagnosis required. Your records will be private. 

*Limits of confidentiality include child abuse, vulnerable adult abuse, self-harm/suicidal thoughts, and court orders. I am a mandated reporter which means if I suspect any of those situations, I have to make a report. 

I am available Monday through Friday from 8-4pm and do offer a lunch hour appointment. If you do not see the time that you need, send me an email with your specific need and I will see if my current schedule allows for any additions. 

I am a therapist and my specific license is Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. Prior to becoming an LPC Associate, I was an athletic coach for almost 20 years. I worked in public schools coaching sports and strength and conditioning classes. I mention this specifically because I do not hold a life coaching certificate but being both a previous athletic coach and now therapist can offer you unique benefits. When a therapist has coaching experience like mine, I can draw from both approaches to provide a more holistic and flexible level of support. Additionally, I am able to utilize my background in education and combine therapeutic and teaching skills to create a richer, more comprehensive experience for the client. As a therapist,I have completed graduate level education and clinical training to become an LPC associate. Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and are bound by ethical and legal guidelines, including confidentiality and the scope of practice.  Therapists have the ability to treat mental health conditions often focusing on past trauma, emotional difficulties and mental well being.  I am going to know the difference in your needs and be able to adjust accordingly because I have both training and licensing. 

The first 3,000 hours you practice in Texas you are required to have supervision by a licensed supervisor. This LPC-S has advanced training and qualifications and provides weekly consultation. I will consult with her confidentially about my cases and she will mentor me as I accumulate these hours. My supervisor is Lindsey Gaar, LPC-S, license number #71912.

Yes, I do. I am located within the Central United Methodist Church building on Bagby behind Volkswagen of Waco. You can enter through the church office or a private side door.