During our first session the very first thing I like to do is make sure you understand your rights as my client. Then I tell you a little bit about my history, style, and background as a therapist, in an effort to give you an idea of what working with me might be like. Next I ask you a little bit about what brings you to wanting support, and inquire about any previous experiences you may have had in therapy. Finally, I like to move onto a pretty thorough biopsychosocial assessment, which I tell people is a fancy way of explaining me asking you a bunch of questions about different parts of your life and your experiences, all in an attempt to get to know you better, and try to understand where you're coming from and where you're trying to go.

My fee is $150 per 60 minute session, however, your fee may be a contracted rate with your health insurance company. I am contracted with various insurance panels, and will work with you prior to starting services to inquire with your insurance company about what associated fees, copays, deductibles, etc. may be applicable to your particular benefits package. Although I will assist in acquiring this information, ultimately you are responsible for verifying and understanding the limits of your insurance coverage.

I am contracted with various insurance panels, and will work with you prior to starting services to inquire with your insurance company about what associated fees, copays, deductibles, etc. may be applicable to your particular benefits package. Although I will assist in acquiring this information, ultimately you are responsible for verifying and understanding the limits of your insurance coverage.

I see clients for 45 minutes at a time, with an exception of the initial intake appointment which is scheduled for 60 minutes. A 45-minute session has become a standard practice in many therapeutic modalities, and is supported by evidence showing its effectiveness in achieving meaningful change. A large part of the therapeutic process is relationship building, and 45 minutes gives us enough time to allow that to happen without feeling rushed. It allows us time to process what emerges during the session, and integrate the insights you gain through shared reflection. Psychological research suggests that sustained attention and focus can be challenging beyond a certain duration, typically around 45 minutes to an hour. Logistically this also allows us to more effectively submit claims to your insurance so you can be reimbursed.

Statistically, we consistently see the best outcomes when clients attend therapy on a regular weekly basis, and that will generally be my initial recommendation. However, my focus will always be on client well being and support, and my experience tells me that not everyone needs the same type or level of support. At the end of the day, you are the boss of your therapy experience with me, and the frequency at which we meet can be decided based on your needs and goals. Some support is better than no support, and because of that we strive to be flexible when it comes to scheduling, so don’t hesitate to express any concerns.

Telehealth is the main focus of Fostering Growth at this time. We uses a third party platform called Therapy Notes to facilitate online therapy and maintain HIPAA secure documentation and communication. We feel strongly that offering services remotely ensures accessibility, convenience, privacy, and continuity of care for our clients all across Montana.

Yes! Online therapy has been found to be very effective for many individuals, and there are numerous studies that suggest online therapy can be just as effective as in person treatment. One of the most beneficial aspects of online therapy is accessibility to treatment, regardless of where you are. This is particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas, with physical limitations, or with busy schedules, as it allows you to obtain support from wherever you are.

Fostering Growth uses a third party platform called Therapy Notes to facilitate online therapy. You can call for your free 15 minute consultation or request an appointment here to receive access to our therapy portal. From there, you will be able to access a direct link to your session from the appointments page of your portal account, which will take you to a HIPAA secure video room where we will meet. Therapy Notes may ask for access to your camera and microphone to facilitate the session, and if any issues arise we are always happy to help troubleshoot, as is the support team over at Therapy Notes.

While we specialize in things like depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment, and identity exploration, Fostering Growth has a goal of supporting adults in Montana who are simply seeking support. Many of our clients are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but more so they are high functioning individuals like you who find themselves struggling with persistent symptoms of depression and anxiety without an easily identifiable cause. Many of my clients come to me with the goal of processing past traumatic experiences, leaving toxic relationships, or achieving growth and change in their day to day life struggles.

While providing free therapy is a lifelong dream of Fostering Growth, we aren’t there yet. We start by providing a free 15-minute phone consultation, so you can get a better understanding of what we offer and what our vibe is, before engaging in billable services. We also work with a third party company called Reimbursify, to help you easily file claims with your insurance for reimbursement for the services you receive.

I often tell people that I am a very client led therapist, meaning that you are the expert on yourself. I personally do not tend to naturally gravitate toward giving out "homework," but ultimately I am here to provide a service to you, meaning if you feel homework would be helpful and effective for your treatment I am happy to provide it. Typically my style is more along the lines of providing "handout" information to supplement what we are discussing in session, as well as some regular outcomes measures such as the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, which are simple assessment tools that help us track severity of symptoms.

Follow this link to request an intake appointment with us today via our online therapy portal. If you're still feeling a little hesitant, you can also contact us for a free 15 minute phone consultation to learn more.

From the first time we meet, we will have discussed a general idea of what it will look like and feel like if therapy is working. I am always open to feedback and ideas, and do my best to implement regular check in's regarding how you're feeling about the process, and if you feeling like it is helping. As we progress through the therapeutic process, if you feel as though the work we are doing together isn't producing change or relief, I encourage you to be genuine regarding your experience. Not every therapist is the best fit for every person, and that's okay. If we determine that I am not the best fit for you, I would be happy to provide you with referrals for other professionals in the area, that may be a better fit for your needs.