FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
I am currently contracted with Cigna, Aetna, Ambetter, United Healthcare, and several EAP services. If your plan is not listed, please reach out to confirm whether I am in-network or to discuss out-of-network options.
WHAT IS AN EAP?
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a benefit some employers provide that covers a set number of free therapy sessions. If your workplace offers EAP, you may be able to use it with me—just check with your employer to confirm I’m an available provider through their program. After those sessions, you can decide whether to continue privately.
WHAT IF YOU ARE NOT IN-NETWORK
WITH MY INSURANCE?
If I am not in-network, you may choose to use my self-pay rates or request a superbill (an itemized receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company.
WHAT IS A SUPERBILL?
A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes all the details your insurance company needs to consider reimbursement for out-of-network services. You would pay me directly for sessions, then submit the superbill to your insurance company to see if they will reimburse you. Please note that reimbursement is not guaranteed, as it depends on your individual plan, deductible, and out-of-network benefits.
WHAT ARE YOUR SELF-PAY RATES?
My standard self-pay rate is $175 per 53-minute session. For clients without insurance who are experiencing financial hardship, I offer a reduced $125 pay-now hardship rate, available only upon request.
DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE RATES?
No, I do not offer an open sliding scale. However, my reduced “pay-now hardship rate” is available in limited circumstances for uninsured clients experiencing financial hardship.
HOW LONG ARE SESSIONS?
Sessions usually last about 53 minutes, which is the standard length covered by most insurance companies. At times, sessions may run a little shorter or longer depending on individual circumstances and therapeutic needs.
CAN I USE MY HSA OR FSA CARD?
Yes. HSA and FSA cards typically process just like a regular debit or credit card. If your plan requires additional documentation, I can provide receipts or superbills for you to submit to your provider.
DO YOU CHARGE FOR LATE CANCELLATIONS OR NO SHOWS?
Yes. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed sessions are charged at the full session rate ($175) or the rate agreed upon for your sessions (for example, $125 for the hardship rate). This charge includes the portion your insurance would typically cover, as insurance does not reimburse for late-cancel or no-show fees.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN MY FIRST SESSION?
The first session is focused on getting to know you, discussing your goals for therapy, and beginning to explore what brings you in. We’ll also cover any questions you may have and review policies so you feel comfortable moving forward.
HOW OFTEN WILL WE MEET?
Most clients attend weekly, biweekly or monthly, depending on needs and goals. We’ll collaborate to determine a schedule that feels sustainable and effective for you.
HOW LONG WILL I BE IN THERAPY?
There is no set timeline. Some clients find short-term therapy helpful for specific concerns, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll check in regularly to make sure therapy continues to meet your needs.
WHAT DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?
I provide individual therapy for adults. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, relationships, codependency, substance use, chronic illness, life transitions, mood disorders, personality disorders, stress, self-esteem, confidence, women's issues, grief, and identity concerns. My approach is trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ affirming.
DO YOU OFFER EMERGENCY OR CRISIS SERVICES?
I do not provide emergency or crisis services. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or contact the Behavioral Health Response Hotline at 314-469-6644 or 800-811-4760. You may also go to your local urgent care, hospital, or outpatient/inpatient mental health setting for immediate support.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?
I can be reached via email at info@riseabovecounselingllc.com for scheduling, or you can submit an inquiry directly on the website. My goal is to respond within 3 business days at the latest, though I usually reply much sooner. If you’d like, you may also request a free 15-minute consultation when you reach out—this can be a helpful way to make sure we’re a good fit before scheduling a full session.
DO YOU COMMUNICATE WITH CLIENTS BY EMAIL OR TEXT?
For initial scheduling, communication is limited to email or the website inquiry form. Once a therapeutic relationship is established, I am available via HIPAA-compliant email and text for ongoing communication. You are welcome to reach out at any time of day, but please note that my response time may vary, and I often do not check messages on scheduled days off or non-business days.
WHAT ARE YOUR OFFICE HOURS AND AVAILABILITY?
I see clients in-office in Creve Coeur on Tuesdays (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM) and offer telehealth appointments on Mondays (9 AM – 5 PM), every other Thursday (8 AM – 4 PM), and Fridays (8 AM – 4 PM). All sessions are scheduled on a recurring basis (weekly, biweekly, or monthly), with times reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO SWITCH THERAPISTS OR END THERAPY?
You are always in control of your therapy. If you feel it’s time to stop, or would like a different approach, we can talk through next steps together. While I would love to be the right fit for everyone, if I am not—for any reason—I am happy to provide referrals. I may also recommend a referral if the concerns you wish to address are outside my scope of practice, or if I believe another provider could better meet your needs. These conversations are a natural and important part of therapy, and I will always support you in finding the right care.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS NOT LISTED HERE?
I’ve tried to cover the most common questions throughout my website and in this FAQ section. If something is still unclear, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I can be contacted at info@riseabovecounselingllc.com or through the inquiry form on my website.
