Frequently Asked Questions

Do you prescribe medication?

I do not. Most clinical psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medication. However, I maintain a working relationship with psychiatrists and prescribing primary care providers to help coordinate care for you or your child. When necessary, I can provide information about referrals for psychiatrists and/or medical providers who you can consult with regarding medication management services.


Back to Index

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

The cost of services depends on a number of factors including your provider’s fee, frequency of services, and duration of treatment. You can receive an estimate of service costs as described below. You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) explaining the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

As of January 1, 2022, under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers (including mental health professionals) and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, please visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises


Back to Index

What is HIPAA?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient/client health information from being disclosed without the patient or client’s consent or knowledge. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the HIPAA Privacy Rule to implement the requirements of HIPAA. The HIPAA Security Rule protects a subset of information covered by the Privacy Rule.

The Privacy Rule standards address the use and disclosure of individuals’ health information (known as protected health information or PHI) by entities subject to the Privacy Rule. These individuals and organizations are called “covered entities.” HIPAA requires that I provide you with a Notice of Privacy Practices for use and disclosure of PHI for treatment, payment and health care operations. My informed consent form explains HIPAA and its application to your PHI in greater detail. 

The Privacy Rule also contains standards for individuals’ rights to understand and control how their health information is used. A major goal of the Privacy Rule is to make sure that individuals’ health information is properly protected while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide and promote high-quality healthcare, and to protect the public’s health and well-being. The Privacy Rule permits important uses of information while protecting the privacy of people who seek care and healing. For more information about HIPAA, please visit https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html


Back to Index

What will the first session look like?

During the first session, we will review the informed consent process, including my policies and procedures, as well as the intake paperwork. Then we will discuss what’s bringing you or your child into therapy as well any goals you might have for our work together. Additionally, I will spend time gathering information about your background and history (e.g., medical and mental health history, developmental, academic/occupational, family, social/relationship history, salient multicultural identities) in order to obtain a holistic view of your experiences. Together, we will collaborate to develop treatment goals and a plan for therapy. I can also answer any questions that you have about the therapy process.

Sometimes, after the intake and clinical interview is completed, it may become evident that a client would benefit from a therapy approach that I do not offer or may benefit from a more specialized level of care than what I am able to provide. In this case, I would be happy to provide you or your family with a list of referrals to other clinicians in the community who may be a better fit for your needs.


Back to Index

What is your cancellation policy?

Within my informed consent, I require that clients provide at least 24 hours notice in the event that they might miss a therapy session, with the exception of emergencies or illness. For scheduled therapy appointments, I charge my full session rate fee for no shows and late cancellations. Engaging in therapy is a commitment. If cancellations and last minute rescheduling become a consistent pattern, it may hinder my ability to provide clients with a high quality of care and often impacts clients’ progress with achieving their therapy goals. During the course of therapy, we will work together to assess and determine what frequency of therapy (e.g., weekly, every other week, etc.) is clinically indicated depending on your personal needs or your child’s needs.

Please note that I require 48 hours notice of a cancellation or reschedule request for the initial intake appointment.


Back to Index

How can I make an appointment?

You can go to the Get Started Page of my website and fill out the contact form, email me directly at therapy@connectandhealpsychology.com or call/leave a voicemail at (443) 647-8449. I offer a complimentary 15 minute consultation phone call to help determine whether my services are a good fit for your needs or your child’s needs, as well as to offer a space to answer your questions prior to scheduling the initial intake appointment with me. I will contact you within 24-48 hours to schedule the consultation call.


Back to Index

Do you offer a reduced rate?


Back to Index

What are Out of Network benefits?

Many insurance plans have Out of Network (OON) benefits. This means that a portion of my full therapy fee (typically anywhere from 30-80%) could be covered by your insurance plan.

Visit your health insurer’s website to view your plan details or call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card to verify your benefits. You can ask these questions when speaking to your insurance company about OON benefits:

*Claims are forms that are sent to your insurance company to receive reimbursement for sessions that you paid for out of pocket.


Back to Index

Do you accept insurance?

I do not currently accept any insurance for a variety of reasons, and most importantly to protect you or your child’s privacy and confidentiality. When working with insurance companies, therapy notes can be reviewed by insurers who make decisions about service utilization and medical necessity, which means that a diagnosis is required. Part of my mission and therapeutic approach includes acknowledging that not every person who seeks out therapy services meets full criteria for a diagnosis. Therapy can be preventative and helpful for many people’s growth, development, and healing processes, even in cases when a clinical diagnosis may not be present. Additionally, it allows me to individualize treatment planning and provide a better quality of care, given that I work with clients across the developmental continuum (children, adolescents, teenagers, emerging adults, caregivers/parents) who present with unique needs.

By request, I can provide you with a superbill to seek reimbursement for the services you directly pay me for through your Out-of-Network (OON) benefits with insurance if you do choose to use this specific part of your insurance benefits. Please refer to the FAQ about obtaining support with navigating your OON Benefits for therapy for more information.


Back to Index

What forms of payment are accepted?

I accept payment via all major credit cards and health savings accounts (HSA’s). Part of my informed consent process with clients is that the full payment is made at the end of each therapy session. I use a HIPAA compliant, confidential, and secure platform called Ivy Pay to help ease the fee for service process.


Back to Index

Information about Fees for Service

Please refer to my services and fees page for more information about the fees for intakes, therapy sessions, and consultation/advocacy services.


Back to Index

What are evidence-based treatments?

Evidence-based practice refers to using research-based treatments that are tailored to meet each client’s needs, preferences, and cultural values. Evidence-based treatments have been tested in randomized, controlled trials or a series of case studies, and have been proven to have effective outcomes. When providing evidence-based care, I consider 3 main criteria to decide what therapeutic techniques to use:


Back to Index

What is PSYPACT?

PSYPACT is an interstate compact which offers a voluntary expedited pathway for practice to qualified psychologists who wish to practice in multiple states. PSYPACT is designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology across state boundaries (and help increase access to mental health care services). In order to practice telepsychology in PSYPACT states, psychologists licensed in PSYPACT states only, can apply to the PSYPACT Commission for an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT). More information regarding PSYPACT and its requirements can be found at www.psypact.org. My APIT PSYPACT # is 14865.

I am currently able to see clients virtually in 42 states through PSYPACT including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Marina Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (DC), Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The list of PSYPACT states is continuing to grow, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if your state isn’t listed, and I would be happy to look into the status of your state through PSYPACT.


Back to Index

Where are you located?

I have an office that is located in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland and offer in-person therapy services. My office is a short drive from Baltimore City, Hampden, Roland Park, Mt. Washington, Towson, Parkville, Pikesville, and Cockeysville.

I also see clients virtually through teletherapy. When connecting with clients remotely via teletherapy, I use a HIPAA compliant video system. I am also able to see clients virtually in 42 states (including MD, DC, & VA) through PSYPACT.


Back to Index