Practice Policies

Phone Consultations

The initial step in determining if we are a good fit is a 15-minute phone consultation. This consultation is provided at no cost and offers an opportunity to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, share some basic demographic information, and address any questions you may have. If it feels like a good fit, we can then schedule your initial intake session.

After our phone consultation, you’ll be invited to access your secure, HIPAA-compliant client portal, where you can complete some forms to provide me with additional information before your first session.

If you’d like some time to consider whether we’re the right fit, that’s completely fine. You’re welcome to reach out when you’re ready, either by phone (301) 228- 0925 or email info@rootedandresilienttherapy.com. In the event that we determine we aren’t the best therapeutic match, I will provide you with referrals within 2–3 business days.

Individual Appointments

Your initial session will last between 55-60 minutes and include a thorough evaluation, where we’ll review your history, current concerns and symptoms, and discuss your treatment goals. Scheduling future sessions will depend on whether your needs can be appropriately and ethically addressed in therapy. If I determine that your needs fall outside my scope of practice, I will provide referrals to other qualified providers.

Standard individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes long. If additional time is needed, this can be arranged in advance with me for an extra fee. Please note that if you arrive late, your session will still end at the scheduled time to respect our appointment boundaries and ensure timely care for all clients.

Cancellation & No-Show Policies

Please remember to cancel or reschedule appointments at least 48 hours in advance. If a cancellation or no-show occurs without at least 48 hours’ notice, you will be charged the full session fee, which will be billed to your preferred credit card on file. This policy is in place because your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you.

To cancel or reschedule, please call me directly at 301-228-9025 or by email at info@rootedandresilienttherapy.com. I will confirm your cancellation, review the cancellation policy with you, and help you find a new appointment time if needed.

Informed Consent

Therapy is unique because it’s both a personal connection and a professional agreement between us. So it’s really important that we’re clear on how things will work and what you can expect. I’m always open to hearing how therapy is going for you and what you’re hoping to get out of it. And if at any point you feel like I’m not the best fit for you, just let me know—I can help connect you with someone who might be a better match.

The Therapeutic Process

Participating in therapy can bring many benefits, such as improving your relationships and addressing the specific concerns or symptoms that led you to seek help. Throughout our work together, I’ll ask for your feedback about how you feel therapy is going and any other thoughts you have about the process. Sometimes, using more than one therapeutic approach can be helpful in addressing different situations.

It’s important to know that therapy may sometimes bring up uncomfortable feelings or memories, like anger, sadness, worry, or anxiety. You might also experience symptoms such as insomnia or depression during this time. While I can’t guarantee specific results, I will tailor my approach based on your needs and what I believe will support your healing best.

I see therapy as a team effort, so I encourage you to share your thoughts and concerns with me anytime during our sessions.

Confidentiality

All session content and materials related to your treatment will be kept confidential, unless you provide a written request authorizing the release of all or part of this information to a specifically named individual(s). However, there are certain legal and ethical limits to confidentiality, which include:

  • If you threaten or attempt suicide, or behave in a way that puts you at serious risk of harm.

  • If you threaten serious bodily harm or death to another person.

  • If there is reasonable suspicion that you or another named individual is involved in the physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of a child under 18.

  • If there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of an elderly person.

  • If there is suspected neglect of the individuals mentioned above.

  • If a court issues a valid subpoena for your records.

Additionally, from time to time, I may consult with other professionals to ensure you receive the best possible care. In these consultations, any information shared will exclude identifying details like your name.

Privacy Practices

I understand that your health and mental health information is personal and private. I’m committed to protecting that information. I keep records of the care and services you receive using a HIPAA-compliant platform called Therapy Notes. Therapy Notes keeps your data secure, your calls anonymous, and your information private with bank-level encryption.

No Surprise Act & Good Faith Estimates

The federal No Surprises Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2022, was created to help clients better understand the cost of healthcare services ahead of time and to reduce unexpected medical bills. One part of this law—the Good Faith Estimate—requires providers to give clients an estimate of anticipated charges before services begin. Because I am an out-of-network provider, you will receive a Good Faith Estimate from me before starting therapy. Please note that the estimate may vary depending on your individual needs, cancellations, or other factors that may arise during the course of treatment.

I care deeply about being open and transparent, especially when it comes to finances. I want you to feel safe and informed every step of the way. That’s why my fees are listed clearly on my website, and I’ll always go over any cost-related details with you before your first session. If there's ever a need to make changes to your fee, we’ll talk about it together first—and I’ll only move forward with your full understanding and written consent.