Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?
I am empowered to be a therapist by being a Licensed Clinical Social Workers. In Georgia, LCSWs hold a master’s in social work, complete at least three years of supervised clinical work, and pass a rigorous licensing exam. To maintain our license, we are required to complete at least 35 hours of continuing education every two years. I am licensed to practice therapy with clients in Georgia. Coaching clients can receive services regardless of location.
While psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists are all licensed to assess, diagnose and treat mental health issues, I chose clinical social work for its holistic focus and its liberative emphasis on the relationship between individual healing and sociopolitical realities.
How do I start?
Most people choose to start by booking a free consultation call. This 15-20 minute phone call will allow me to answer any questions you have and ensure we’re a good fit for your needs and goals. Alternatively, you may message with questions at any time.
How can I contact you?
Feel free to reach out to me via the contact form, directly by email ([email protected]) or phone (678-355-8483). I do my best to return emails and calls within 24 to 48 hours.
Where are you located?
Our office is at 610 Kentucky St. Scottdale, GA 30032. For therapy, we can see clients virtually across Georgia. Coaching clients can be seen regardless of location.
How much do sessions cost?
Inhabit Life Therapy uses an equity rate model to make services more accessible and affordable. Click here for more information. Standard fees for individual therapy and coaching are $175 per 50-min session and $200 for the initial intake session. Relationship therapy and family therapy are $195 per 50-min session. Intake sessions for relationship therapy and family therapy are $220 for 50-minutes or $310 for 90-minutes. I partner with Mentaya to make therapy more affordable for those with out-of-network insurance coverage. Click here to check your benefits and learn more. Yoga therapy is $125 per 50-minute session.
Training and consulting fees are customized according to your specific needs and goals.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not currently directly accept insurance. Many health insurance plans provide out-of-network coverage where you’ll pay up-front for services and submit superbills for reimbursement. Use this link to read more and confirm your out-of-network coverage for mental health. I am also a Tri-Care approved provider.
Do you provide in-person or virtual availability?
Yes, I provide both virtual and in-person therapy. In-person therapy is provided in partnership with Blue House Wellness, a therapist coworking community in metro Atlanta. Some clients oft for virtual therapy due to needs for convenience and comfort. Virtual therapy is provided via a secure telehealth platform integrated into the client portal. Research demonstrate no significant difference in effectiveness between virtual and in-person therapy. Virtual therapy can be provided to anyone in Georgia. Virtual coaching can be provided regardless of location.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can benefit people with a wide range of struggles and goals. All that’s required is a bit of openness and a desire to change. Circumstances could warrant consideration of a higher, more supportive and structured level of care such as residential, PHP, or IOP programs.
We can explore your best path forward during our free consultation call.
How do I choose the right therapist?
Evidence consistently demonstrates that trust and rapport with your therapist are the strongest predictors of therapeutic success
Other important considerations are convenience, approach, specialization, and cost. All of these are factors we’ll discuss in the free consultation call before you commit to the work.
How do I choose between therapy and coaching?
Therapy is a more open-ended, experiential, flexible space to help you find stability amidst crisis, dysregulation, trauma, or struggle and build a more fulfilling life. On the other hand, coaching is designed for individuals seeking a structured, goal-oriented approach to growth in specific areas of their lives.
Therapy services are limited to residents of Georgia. Coaching services can be provided regardless of location.
What can I expect when I arrive?
Prior to your first session, you will receive a code to enter the building. In the lobby, please use the tablet to check in under my name. I will be out shortly to welcome you. Relax with a drink or something to read while you wait. There are signs to guide you to the bathroom, located down the hall.
What can I expect from the first session?
Intake sessions typically last 50 minutes for individuals sessions and 85 minutes for relationship and family sessions. They are designed to establish a groundwork for collaborative and meaningful work together. There are a few things I’ll share to set the stage. From there, I’ll answer any questions you have and begin exploring your context and needs with you. By the end, we’ll have begun developing therapeutic goals and identified concrete steps to begin exploring before our next session.
How long is each session?
Sessions typically last 50 minutes. This allows time for me to take notes and be well-prepared for each session beginning on the hour. Still, finishing in a meaningful way is more important than ending exactly on time, so we’ll stay flexible.
Occasionally, clients wish to have 25 or 85 minute sessions. That can often be accommodated. Intake sessions for relationship and family therapy is often 85 minutes to allow more time to lay the foundation with multiple people in the room. However, this can also be shortened to 50 minutes if needed.
How long does therapy or coaching take?
This varies drastically according to client need, desire, and ability. Most therapy clients do not begin with a definite idea length of commitment, and we work together throughout to review progress, adapt, and conclude when the time is right. Most begin with weekly meetings and then reduce to biweekly or monthly according to progress and need. I’ll work closely with you to determine what is best considering your circumstances and goals. Coaching tends to be shorter-term and more focused than therapy.
Will therapy fix me?
The word fix implies that something is broken. I don’t believe humans are broken. I also don’t believe it’s a therapist’s job to fix people. I do hope to accompany you on the healing, vibrating, liberating journey that you need. Whether you’re reaching for vibrancy amidst stability or stability amidst desperation, you’ll lead the way in building the life you want, while I provide compassionate, expert accompaniment.
How will I know if it's working?
Progress, not perfection. Measured by an overall journey towards a more authentic, embodied, and liberating life.
You’ll have regular opportunities to reflect and share feedback, allowing us to make adjustments as needed.
What if it isn’t working?
Because our brains, bodies, and this world are strange, messy, and complicated, so is healing. It is never linear. And, sometimes therapy or coaching isn’t the right support at the right time. If that becomes clear, there are several options. We may work together to identify a “higher level of care” to provide more intensive support. We may identify supplemental support such as group work of some kind. And, if it’s time for a different therapist or coach, I’ll work with colleagues to provide trusted referrals for you.
Will you think I’m “crazy”?
What if I don’t want to talk about something?
There’s nothing more important than consent. While I will provide guidance, I will always trust you to determine what is most important and when you’re ready. If anything feels too difficult to explore in that moment, we can approach it gently or find an alternative approach. Sometimes it means we need patience or a different approach. It may also become appropriate to seek a referral if it is a significant obstacle to the therapeutic work.
Does what we talk about remain confidential?
Confidentiality is legally and ethically guaranteed except in a few cases. In cases of suicidality with intent, plan, and means, I seek to work collaboratively with my client to immediately secure a higher level of care. If the client is unwilling to do so, I have a legal and ethical responsibility to call in additional safety measures. In cases of active child abuse or neglect, I am also a mandated reporter.
Can I still benefit from therapy if life isn’t falling apart?
Absolutely. If life is generally stable and healthy, we will have the opportunity to focus more fully on vitality – helping you build a life you love and a self you are proud of. In this case, we can explore whether therapy or coaching is the best fit.