Question 1

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

I accept the following insurance plans:

- Aetna
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- CIGNA (Evernorth)
- Harvard Pilgrim
- Mass General Brigham Health Plan (MGB)
- Medicare of Massachusetts
- Tufts
- UnitedHealthcare (Optum)

For clients who prefer not to utilize insurance, my fees include:

$175 (1 hour individual counseling)
$195 (initial assessment)

Question 2

Is a sliding scale available to cover session fees?

Accepted Answer

A sliding scale is a fee structure available to clients who may have financial challenges that prevent payment of the per 1-hour session rate of $150. The cost for therapy takes into account the client's ability to pay, the therapist's salary, and measures such as the Federal Poverty Guidelines and the Bureau of Primary Healthcare, a U.S. department within the Human Services & Resources Administration (HSRA). A sliding scale is offered based upon availability and is not guaranteed to potential clients regardless of income.

Question 3

Are clients required to attend sessions weekly?

Accepted Answer

Clients are not required to attend weekly sessions. Frequency of sessions is determined by the issue a client is seeking help for as well as the goals of that individual and therapist availability.

Question 4

Is there a cancellation policy for sessions?

Accepted Answer

Please notify me by email, text, or voicemail no less than 24 hours if you intend to miss a scheduled session. A $50 broken appointment fee may be charged for appointments cancelled within 24 hour notice or if an appointment is missed without notice. Exceptions may be made for emergencies at the discretion of the therapist.

Question 5

Do you provide services to people who reside outside of Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

I am licensed to practice clinical social work in the state of Massachusetts only. I offer coaching services (non-clinical and therefore not in the scope of my LICSW credential) to people residing within or outside of Massachusetts. Clients who decide to work with me will review and sign a statement of services, outlining the specifics of services to be provided.

Question 6

What do equine-facilitated sessions include?

Accepted Answer

As an instructor at Furnace Brook Farm Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Marshfield, Massachusetts - I  provide mental health support to clients who wish to work with a horse as part of their sessions. Equine-facilitated therapy is experiential and draws upon the connection between person and horse to enhance the well-being of both.

The content of these sessions range from observation of horses and interacting from the ground (non-riding) to grooming, tacking up, and riding the horse. Depending upon therapeutic goals and participant ability, a plan is made to incorporate horses into the equine-facilitated session.

I am licensed by the state of Massachusetts as a riding instructor. As an LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker), coach, and PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certified ESHML (Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning) and my experience as a rider and horse owner, I am delighted to work with clients who welcome and are comforted by the presence of a horse.

Question 7

Is equine-facilitated therapy or coaching covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Equine-facilitated therapy (counseling sessions) or coaching are not covered by insurance. In order to participate in equine-facilitated counseling, an additional fee (apart from insurance submitted for the clinical session) is required to cover expenses related to the therapeutic riding center where sessions are held.

Coaching sessions (which are not reimbursable by insurance) are billed at a rate that includes the coaching session plus an additional fee covering expenses related to the therapeutic riding center where sessions are held.

Clients may wish to investigate scholarships or alternative funding for these services. If you are interested in equine-facilitated therapy (individual counseling sessions in the presence of equines) or coaching (non-clinical sessions in the presence of equines) please contact me to discuss options.

Question 8

Do you offer in-home services for clients who seek help for Hoarding Disorder?

Accepted Answer

I provide virtual or in-person sessions (at my office) for clients who experience Hoarding Disorder. I do not provide in-home services at this time. If appropriate, I may provide information to assist clients with hoarding-informed services, including cleaning companies and hoarding support groups. From time to time, I may offer hoarding groups for those who wish to attend a therapy or support-oriented group.

Question 9

Do you offer non-equine-facilitated counseling or coaching sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is not required that clients participate in equine-facilitated clinical or coaching sessions.