I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (number) with 16 years of experience working with teens and I specialize broadly in adolescent mental health (usually defined as ages 11-24). My advanced training is primarily in working with trauma, depression, self-harm, and suicidality in teenagers and young adults through Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy. I take a non-pathologizing approach to psychotherapy and work with people at the intersections of their biological, psychological, social, and cultural environments.

I ask that at least one caregiver attend the first 15 minutes of the first session with the teenager. There is no need for siblings or extended family to attend. After that, if the teen is comfortable, we’ll have the rest of our session in private.

First therapy sessions can be really exciting and scary at the same time! We’ll come into the therapy room not knowing each other. I have zero expectation that you’ll trust be with your story—I have to earn that trust over time! In our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know each other. You can tell me as much or as little about what’s going on that has landed you on my couch as you feel comfortable. You can ask me any questions about me or therapy that you have and I will do my best to answer them. At the end of the session, I’ll check in and see if you want to continue for another session with me (cool!) or if you’d feel more comfortable talking to someone else (awesome!). There is no pressure to continue seeing me if the vibe is off. It’s important that you find a therapist who you click with and it’s totally possible that it may not be me. I’ll help you find the right fit.

I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and the various associated plans (CareFirst, Anthem, etc). Your out of pocket cost for sessions will vary depending on your specific plan. I encourage you to call your insurance provider and inquire about your expected cost for 60 minute psychotherapy (CPT code 90837).

I am an out-of-network provider for all other insurances. My rate for a 60 minute session is currently $160. Rates increase in January of each year. Many insurance plans include out of network benefits. I encourage you to call your insurance provider and inquire about out of network coverage for 60 minute psychotherapy (CPT code 90837) and potential reimbursements you may receive. Out-of-network clients are responsible for the full cost of the appointment up front and can submit superbills (provided monthly by me) to receive a percentage of the cost refunded to them by their insurance. Many plans reimburse between 50% and 80% of the total cost of services, but each plan varies.

All payment is due at time of service. A valid credit care is required to be kept on file at all times. HSA accounts are accepted forms of payment.

I am available for in-person appointments Monday-Wednesday afternoon/evening and see clients virtually on Thursdays.

Yes, I see clients virtually on Thursday afternoon/evenings. Alternative times may be available on request and on an individual basis.

If I could boil down my therapeutic approach into one word it would be trust. I truly believe in the capacity for all teenagers (all people, really) to learn, grow, and thrive. Teens have so many adults talking at them rather than to them that it can be hard for them to follow their internal compass. My goal in therapy is to create a collaborative relationship where teens learn to connect with their own inherent wisdom. Together, we will find a path toward a rock solid belief in the teen’s own enough-ness and honor their unique strengths, values, and contributions to the world.

I don’t want to be nonchalant about this one: this is the hard, deep work of becoming a person. It’s more than just coping skills and worksheets. Having to face yourself and sit with hard emotions to find your way out of a dark place and into something authentic and real is no easy feat. I work best with teens who are interested in getting to know themselves and finding ways to take ownership and agency in their lives. If you’re looking for a quick fix, my approach isn’t going to align with your needs.

Each session is between 53-60 minutes. It’s impossible to say how long teens will be in therapy. I do not follow a manualized/scripted approach and adjust to the needs of every client. I’ve worked with some teens for just a couple of months and others for over a year.

Ah, the eternal question! I get it—if you’re paying good money for quality therapy, you want to see results. In general, here’s how you might know that therapy is doing its job:

• Your teenager is increasingly engaging in independent social activities

• Your teenager has a regular-ish sleep schedule

• Your teenager is communicating their thoughts and feelings with you in a calm manner instead of going silent or blowing up

• Your teenager is taking healthy risks (trying new activities, hanging out with different friends, getting a new job, participating in a new sport)

• Your teenager is spending less time locked in their room scrolling on their phone

• Your teenager is having big emotions (yes, this is supposed to happen) but seems to be able to return to baseline more quickly than before

• Your teenager is no longer self-harming or expressing thoughts of wanting to die

Every person’s growth is different and this is a exhaustive list. Good therapy often appears to make things worse before they get better (no emotional suppression around here). Progress is often non-linear and not obvious to parents who the teen is trying hard to keep at arms length. In my experience, teens will tell us when they’ve gotten what they need out of therapy and are ready to move on naturally and on their own timeline.

Yes! We know that finding a therapist who you vibe with and who truly gets you is the secret sauce of good therapy. Finding a therapist who might fit for your teen can be a challenge and I want you to get to ask me any questions you may have. I encourage you to speak to multiple therapists and maybe even schedule a few intake appointments to see who works best for your teen before committing to longer term work.

I offer free, 20 minute phone or video consultations so that we can connect before moving forward. If we decide that we’re not the right match, I’m happy to provide referrals to other excellent providers who might work for your kid.

I generally work individually with teens. While we will almost certainly have parent/teen sessions during the course of treatment, I do not offer family therapy. If it becomes clear that family therapy is needed instead of (or in addition to) family therapy, I will provide referrals to some wonderful providers who can better meet the needs of your family.

While I work mostly with teenagers, I do see a handful of adults (older than 25 years) and accept adult clients on a case by case basis. I have experience treating chronic illness, end of life concerns, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and complex/relational trauma.

I have a special appreciation for working with adult men in therapy for the first time and individuals who endured chronic abuse and neglect as children. If you’re an adult interested in working together, please reach out to see if we might be a good fit.