Thank you for considering me to be your provider. Unfortunately, my practice is full and I do not have a waitlist at this time. Please refer to psychologytoday.com, therapyforblackgirls.com, therapyforblackmen.org, or inclusivetherapists.com to locate a provider with immediate openings.
Common Questions
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WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?
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Therapy looks different for each person. At its foundation, therapy is designed to be a safe space to explore and work through life's challenges, gain skills, and implement strategies to benefit your well-being. Therapy can support you in discovering the "stuck" places in life and enhance your ability to persist in difficult times. We work collaboratively to identify your goals and methods of meeting your needs.
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DO YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?
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No. I can provide you with a list of referrals for prescribers who may be able to support your medication needs. I also like to work collaboratively with your prescriber to ensure that we are providing you with well-rounded care.
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DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
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Yes, I am currently a CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Out-of-Network provider. I encourage you to contact your insurance company to confirm your behavioral health benefits. If you plan to use your Out-of-Network benefits, I will provide you with an invoice for you to submit directly to your insurance company.
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HOW WILL I KNOW IF YOU ARE THE THERAPIST FOR ME?
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In your consultation, I will discuss my approach to therapy and the expectations I have of myself and my client in therapy. Ultimately, you decide. In our initial appointment, I will ask about your hopes in therapy and the challenges you may have had in seeking and receiving support. I also encourage you to ask questions that will help you decide if we are a good fit. At the end of the day, you want to make the best decision for you.
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WHAT DOES "AYA" MEAN?
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Aya has many meanings across cultures and languages including miracle (in Arabic), angel (in Turkish), beautiful (in Japanese), melody (in Mongolian), to fly swiftly (in Hebrew), and is also a West African Adinkra symbol meaning resourcefulness and endurance. The visual Adinkra symbol of Aya is a fern. Ferns grow in difficult places, representing the epitome of endurance and resourcefulness. I equate this to the power of being human.
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THERAPY PRIVACY AND POLICIES
CANCELLATION POLICY
I require 24 hour notice for cancelled appointments. I will do my best to accommodate rescheduling however, I run a small practice with limited flexibility. Appointments cancelled within 24 hours will be charged a $50 late cancellation/ no-show fee.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Your information may not be disclosed without your permission. However, as a health professional, I am mandated to protect your welfare and the welfare of others. Therefore, the following scenarios are exempt:
1. Threat of harm to self or others.
2. Suspicion of abuse or neglect of children, elderly, and vulnerable adults.
3. Court mandates.
1. Threat of harm to self or others.
2. Suspicion of abuse or neglect of children, elderly, and vulnerable adults.
3. Court mandates.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) requires that I establish standard safeguards to protect your information, including electronically communicating with me. Though I have taken care to add additional security measures, e-mail is NOT a confidential form of communication. Please reserve clinical questions for in-person meetings and telephone consultations.
BILLING
If you are a private pay client, my fee is $150 per 45-55 minute session, and $180 for an initial consultation. Payment is due at the time of service. I will provide you with the necessary paperwork for you to file a claim with your insurance company, if you desire to do so. However, reimbursement from your insurance company is your responsibility. If you are billing through your Carefirst BCBS plan, you are responsible for your co-pay and deductible, if applicable. I accept cash and credit/debit card.
PSYCHOTHERAPY CONSULTATION
It is not easy to find a provider. If you have questions about my psychotherapy practice, or even want to simply talk through my approach, we can schedule a free 10 minute telephone consultation.
