What to Expect
Answers to the questions people most often ask before starting counseling.
Getting Started
How do I get started?
Click Book a Free Consult to request a free 15-minute phone consultation or an appointment, or call (260) 459-2900. I respond within one business day.
What happens in the free consultation?
It's a short phone call to hear a little about what's going on, answer your questions, and decide together whether we're a good fit. It isn't a counseling session, and there's no obligation.
What happens at the first session?
Before we meet, you'll complete brief intake forms through my secure client portal. In our first 50-minute session, we'll talk through what brings you in, your history, and what you'd like to change. By the end, you'll have a clear sense of how we'll work together.
How often will we meet?
Most people start with weekly sessions, then meet less often as things improve. We'll decide together what fits your needs and schedule.
Faith in Counseling
How do you bring faith into counseling?
I use treatments with strong research behind them, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills, communication skills training, and marital therapy. Where it fits, we bring in Scripture, prayer, and the practices of your faith as part of the work, not as a substitute for it. You decide how much faith is woven into our sessions.
Fees and Payment
What does counseling cost?
$300 per 50-minute individual session. $350 per 50-minute couples or co-parenting session. The 15-minute phone consultation is free.
Do you take insurance?
I'm a private-pay practice and don't bill insurance directly. On request, I provide a superbill you can submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Check with your plan about your out-of-network benefits.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
Under federal law (the No Surprises Act), you have the right to a written estimate of expected costs before you begin. You'll receive yours before your first session.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please give at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and missed appointments are charged the full session fee, because that time was reserved for you.
In Person or Telehealth
Where do sessions take place?
In person at my Fort Wayne office, or by secure video telehealth. Telehealth is available to anyone located in Indiana at the time of the session.
What do I need for telehealth?
A private, quiet space, a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera, and a reliable internet connection. You'll join through a secure link from my client portal.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Is what I share confidential?
Yes. What you share in counseling stays confidential, with a few exceptions set by law: if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or a court order. I'll explain these at our first session. Your records are kept in a secure, HIPAA-compliant system.
Will you talk with my pastor, family, or anyone else?
Not without your written permission.
Can counseling be used in a custody case?
Counseling is supportive care, not an evaluation. I don't make custody recommendations, write reports for court, or testify about which parent is better for clients I see in counseling. I also don't counsel anyone involved in a custody case where I've been appointed as an evaluator.
Still Have Questions?
Call (260) 459-2900 or book a free 15-minute consultation. I'm glad to talk it through.
This site is not for emergencies. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.