Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy can feel like a big decision. You may be wondering what the process looks like, whether therapy is right for you, how payment works, or what you can expect from your first session.
This page is designed to answer those questions before you begin.
If you don't see your question answered below, you're welcome to reach out before scheduling.
ABOUT THERAPY
What are your specialties?
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The Counseling Cradle LLC helps women navigate anxiety, overwhelm, life transitions, perfectionism, relationships, family stress, identity shifts, pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, and the experience of being the person who is always holding everything together.
The Counseling Cradle LLC is trauma-informed, specializes in Perinatal Mental Health, and supports high-functioning women. I welcome women from all backgrounds, identities, family structures, and life experiences and strive to create a space where you feel seen, respected, and accepted for who you are.
Whether you are navigating motherhood, life beyond postpartum, or simply feeling like you’ve lost touch with yourself along the way, therapy can be a space to slow down, create room for yourself, and reconnect with who you are.
What will therapy be like?
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Therapy with me is warm, non-judgemental, collaborative, and personalized to you. One-on-one therapy means that your sessions are focused entirely on your individual experience. Together, we may explore patterns, emotions, relationships, stressors, beliefs, behaviors, and the experiences that are getting in the way of the life you want to live.
We’ll look beyond simply managing symptoms to understand what’s underneath them and what you need to feel more grounded and connected.
Therapy isn't about being told what to do. It is a process of understanding yourself more deeply, developing insight, building practical skills, and creating meaningful change with the support of a trained professional.
Some sessions may involve deeper exploration of emotions or past experiences. Others may be more focused on a current challenge, decision, relationship, or specific goal.
You don't need to have everything figured out before you begin. You simply need to be willing to begin the conversation.
How often will I attend therapy?
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For individual therapy, most clients begin with weekly sessions so we have enough consistency to build momentum and make meaningful progress. Over time, we may adjust the frequency based on your goals, progress, and needs. Clients eventually transition to biweekly or maintenance sessions.
How long will I be in therapy?
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There isn't a one-size-fits-all timeline. Some women come to therapy for support through a specific transition, while others want deeper, longer-term work. We'll regularly evaluate what is most helpful for you.
How do I know if we are a good Fit?
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A good therapeutic fit matters. Do you feel comfortable being honest, understood, respected, and supported while also feeling appropriately challenged when needed? A consultation can be a helpful way for us to determine whether my approach aligns with what you're looking for.
GETTING STARTED
Where to begin?
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My approach to therapy is personalized and individualized, so availability for new clients is limited. New clients are welcomed based on availability, fit, and clinical appropriateness, with the goal of creating a therapeutic relationship that feels like the right fit for both of us.
To get started, email me at heather@counselingcradle.com with a brief note about what you're looking for support with. We’ll find a time for your complimentary 15-minute online consultation.
You'll receive a link to join at your scheduled time. The consultation gives you an opportunity to ask questions, share what prompted you to reach out, and get a feel for what working together might be like.
From there, we'll determine next steps together. If it feels like we're the right fit, we'll move forward with scheduling your intake session and completing the necessary paperwork before beginning therapy.
What happens during the first session?
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Your first session is an intake session. An opportunity to get to know what has brought you to therapy, and begin understanding the bigger picture of what you're experiencing.
We'll talk about what's bringing you in now, relevant history and current circumstances, what has or hasn't been helpful in the past, and how you'd like to feel different or better moving forward.
We'll also talk through any questions you have and make sure you feel comfortable with the process, including confidentiality, scheduling, and what you can expect from our work together.
You don't need to have the perfect story or know exactly what you need before you begin. You simply come as you are. The first session is about creating a starting point and identifying where our work can be most meaningful and helpful to you.
Investment & Fees
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Private-pay fee is $195 for a 55 minute individual therapy session.
I believe therapy is an investment in your emotional well-being, relationships, and the life you want to create. My practice is intentionally structured to provide personalized, individualized care without the restrictions that can sometimes accompany insurance-based therapy.
Extended sessions are also available for clients who would benefit from additional time and space for deeper therapeutic work.
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I offer private-pay therapy and do not bill insurance directly.
If you have out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be able to receive reimbursement from your insurance company for a portion of your therapy investment. Because benefits vary by plan, I recommend contacting your insurance provider before beginning therapy to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits, deductible, reimbursement rate, and any other requirements.
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The best way is to contact the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask specifically about out-of-network outpatient mental health or psychotherapy benefits.
You can ask:
• Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
• What is my individual out-of-network deductible?
• How much of my deductible have I already met?
• What percentage of the allowed amount is reimbursed after my deductible?
• Is there an out-of-network maximum?
• Is there a limit on the number of therapy visits?
• Do I need prior authorization?
• Do I need a referral?
• Does my plan require a specific diagnosis for reimbursement?
• What documentation is required for an out-of-network claim?
• How do I submit an out-of-network claim?
Ask the representative to explain your benefits specifically for outpatient psychotherapy with an out-of-network licensed mental health provider.
It is a good idea to request the representative's name and a reference number for the call.
Please remember: insurance companies determine reimbursement. The practice cannot guarantee that your insurance company will reimburse you or predict the amount you will receive.
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A superbill is a detailed statement containing information you may need to submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
If appropriate for your care and requested, a superbill may be provided so that you can submit your claim directly to your insurance company.
Your insurance company—not the practice—determines whether the claim is eligible and how much it will reimburse.
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Insurance can introduce administrative and clinical requirements that may influence how therapy is documented, authorized, or reimbursed.
A private-pay model allows the therapeutic relationship and clinical work to remain at the center of treatment.
It also means you are responsible for payment at the time of service rather than waiting for an insurance company to determine whether, when, or how much it will reimburse.
This model is intentionally designed for clients who value autonomy, privacy, flexibility, and a highly individualized approach to care.
Choosing private-pay therapy means you have the ability to invest directly in the care that best meets your needs rather than selecting a therapist based on an insurance network.
If working together feels like the right fit, we'll discuss your goals and the level of support that makes sense for you before beginning.
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Yes, in many cases. Eligible mental health therapy expenses can generally be paid using Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds.
Because individual plan rules can vary, I recommend checking with your HSA/FSA administrator to confirm eligibility and documentation requirements.
Telehealth
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Telehealth is therapy provided virtually through a secure video platform, allowing you to meet from a private location rather than coming into an office.
For telehealth sessions, you must be physically located in a state or jurisdiction where I am licensed and permitted to provide services at the time of your appointment.
If you are traveling or temporarily located somewhere different from your usual location, please let me know before your session.
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Before your appointment, you'll need:
A reliable internet connection
A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone
A private location where you can speak freely
Headphones or earbuds if they help protect your privacy
Your telehealth appointment link or access information
Your device sufficiently charged or connected to power
Please do your best to eliminate distractions during your session. Therapy requires your presence and attention, and having a private space helps create the same sense of confidentiality and focus you would expect from an in-person appointment.
Your privacy matters. Please do not participate in a session while driving or from another location where you cannot safely or privately engage in therapy.
If you experience technical difficulties, we'll do our best to troubleshoot them.