Why do you specialize?

The average length of time from onset of OCD symptoms and proper diagnosis and treatment is 9-14 years. Unfortunately, OCD, and other anxiety disorders, are largely misunderstood by the public and health professionals alike. I feel particularly called to this population, as many of my clients have endured years of treatment without success.

The typical “talk therapy” therapeutic environment is filled with reassurance (a common compulsion), which unintentionally reinforces anxiety false alarms; therefore, it is imperative to employ informed interventions which desensitize one’s “glitchy” fear circuitry. I prioritize conceptualizing my client’s experiences from this perspective while simultaneously maintaining a compassionate and warm relationship. That said, my approach (which employs Exposure-Response Prevention) differs from traditional “talk therapy” and is considered a speciality.

Why don’t you contract with insurance companies?

I choose to be an out-of network provider to uphold the integrity of the therapist-client relationship. Insurance companies attempt to dictate service delivery in ways that undermine the therapeutic alliance and do not appreciate individuals’ subjective complexities. For example, let’s say you and I collaboratively decide on a treatment plan that includes a certain frequency of appointments. If the insurance company disagrees, they will likely not honor the claim and will suspend your treatment prematurely.

Although I am not an in-network provider, I will provide you with documentation (superbills) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. If interested, I recommend contacting your insurance company and inquiring about your out-of-network behavioral health benefits and the process of submitting out-of-network claims.

Can you treat me if I live outside of Texas?

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed to treat individuals within Texas. Although I facilitate tele-health services across the state, I am only licensed to treat Texas residents.

How long will I be in therapy?

What a great question. I believe in creating treatment plans that appreciate each client’s complexities and evolve as discovery and progress ensue. That said, it is challenging to determine an accurate estimate of therapy sessions. However, I attempt to develop a plan of investment to guide your treatment decisions-this is considered a “good faith” estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises

My philosophy is that you will work me out of my job. You have agency in determining how long you will be in therapy as the trajectory depends on your frequency of visits and commitment to honoring therapy practices outside of sessions.