Common questions about cognitive therapy, CBT, fees & getting started

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The core principle is that unhelpful thinking patterns — not situations themselves — drive emotional distress. By learning to identify and evaluate automatic thoughts and the deeper core beliefs behind them, clients develop lasting skills to change how they feel and act. CBT is one of the most extensively researched treatments in psychology.

Traditional talk therapy often focuses on exploring feelings and past experiences in an open-ended way. CBT is structured and goal-directed: sessions follow a clear agenda, include between-session exercises, and target specific thinking patterns rather than open-ended exploration. Clients leave with concrete tools — thought records, behavioral experiments, and coping strategies — not just insight.

Yes. CBT is considered a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders and depression by major clinical guidelines. Decades of randomized controlled trials demonstrate its effectiveness. Research consistently shows it produces lasting results — not just symptom relief, but a meaningful reduction in relapse risk — because it teaches skills clients keep for life.

It depends on your goals and history. Many clients notice meaningful shifts within the first several weeks as they learn to recognize and respond to automatic thoughts, with deeper belief-level work unfolding over a focused course of treatment. We set direction together at the outset and revisit it openly as we go. CBT is intentionally time-limited compared to open-ended therapy.

The first session is primarily an intake and assessment. We cover what brings you in, your history, and what you most want to change. I'll explain how I work and the cognitive model we'll use together. By the end, most people have a clear sense of what therapy here looks like and whether it feels like the right fit. There's no pressure — it's a conversation, not a commitment.

This practice is transitioning to fee-for-service and is no longer taking new clients through insurance. Working outside of insurance protects your privacy, removes diagnostic requirements imposed by third parties, and lets your treatment be guided entirely by what serves you — not what a plan will authorize. Many clients use out-of-network benefits and receive partial reimbursement through their insurer.

The fee is $225 for a 50-minute individual session. Payment is due at the time of service. I accept major credit and debit cards, HSA cards, and FSA cards.

Yes. HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards are accepted for session fees. Therapy with a licensed mental health professional is a qualified medical expense under IRS guidelines, so these funds can generally be used without issue. Check with your plan administrator if you have questions about your specific account.

A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes the diagnostic and procedure codes your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network reimbursement claim. I provide monthly superbills upon request. You submit the superbill to your insurer, and depending on your out-of-network benefits, you may receive partial reimbursement. I recommend calling your insurer before starting to understand your specific out-of-network coverage.

A limited number of sliding-scale appointments are reserved for special circumstances. If cost is a barrier, please mention it during your consultation — I'm happy to have an honest conversation about what's possible. I want therapy to be accessible to people who are genuinely committed to the work.