Frequently Asked Questions
Fees & Payment
How much do counseling services cost?
For detailed information about my counseling fees and payment options, please visit my fees for counseling page.
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. However, I can provide a superbill upon request, which you may submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Please check with your provider to understand your coverage for out-of-network mental health services.
Do you accept CareCredit or other financing options?
No, I do not accept CareCredit. However, I do accept most Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Please check with your provider to ensure coverage.
Online & In-Person Counseling
Do you offer online counseling?
Yes, I provide online counseling for clients located anywhere in North Dakota. Whether you are in Bismarck, Jamestown, Dickinson, Minot, Grand Forks, or any other town in North Dakota, you can receive highly specialized relationship counseling.
Research supports the effectiveness of online counseling, showing that it is just as effective as in-person sessions.
Can you see me sooner if I am in crisis?
Unfortunately, I do not provide emergency or crisis services. If you are in immediate distress or need urgent support, please contact local crisis resources, such as:
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
FirstLink 24/7 Helpline: 211
Your nearest emergency room or mental health crisis center
Do you have a waitlist?
No, I do not maintain a waitlist. If I do not have availability at this time, please check back later, as I update my website whenever new openings become available.
Therapy Structure & Approach
Can you see me individually and later see my spouse and me for couples counseling?
Generally, no. In most cases, I do not see individuals separately for personal therapy and then for couples therapy. However, if you choose Discernment Counseling, I may work with you individually as part of that process.
This policy is based on ethical guidelines in couples therapy to maintain clear boundaries and ensure fairness in treatment. If you have a unique situation, feel free to contact me to discuss options.
How private are counseling sessions?
Your counseling sessions are confidential, similar to visiting a medical provider. However, there are legal exceptions to confidentiality, such as instances of abuse, harm to self or others, or court-ordered disclosures. These limits will be explained in detail during your first session.
One advantage of a private practice like mine is enhanced privacy. Unlike larger group practices, I do not share my waiting area with other businesses. This means you will not be sitting in a crowded room with multiple clients or staff members who can access your case file.
Scheduling & Commitment
What are your office hours?
My general office hours are Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Session availability changes regularly, and I will discuss my current openings when scheduling your intake session.
How many counseling sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on several factors, including:
What you hope to achieve
Your motivation to implement change
Your willingness to do work outside of sessions
The complexity of relational patterns you are working through
Every couple’s journey is different, and we will assess your progress along the way.
How often will we need to attend counseling?
Most couples start with weekly or biweekly sessions. As you build momentum and integrate relationship skills into your daily life, session frequency may decrease.
If financial constraints affect your ability to attend as often as recommended, we can explore options, including possible referrals to other services.
Choosing the Right Counselor
How do I know if you’re the right counselor for us?
Finding the right therapist is essential. While online reviews may provide some insight, I recommend speaking with trusted friends, family, or other professionals when choosing a couples therapist. Here are some key questions to consider:
What training has the counselor received in couples therapy?
How long have they worked with couples?
Why did they choose to specialize in couples counseling?
How often do they receive additional training in this area?
Do they have certifications in couples therapy?
Do they receive supervision or consultation for their work with couples?
What values do they bring to their practice?
Will you take sides in couples counseling?
As a couples therapist, my role is to advocate for the health of your relationship—not for one partner over the other. However, research has shown that remaining completely neutral can sometimes allow harmful relationship patterns to persist.
If one partner is engaging in behaviors that are destructive to the relationship, I will address and challenge those behaviors. While this may feel like I am "taking sides," my goal is always to support the well-being of the relationship as a whole.
Will you tell us whether we should stay together or divorce?
No, it is not my role to decide whether you should stay together or separate. My job is to help you recognize patterns, improve communication, and develop skills to create a healthier relationship. If you are considering separation, Discernment Counseling may be an option to help you gain clarity.
Pre-Marital Counseling
What does premarital counseling involve?
For premarital counseling, I use the Gottman Relationship Assessment, which is based on over 40 years of research on what strengthens and weakens relationships.
Premarital counseling includes:
The Gottman Relationship Assessment (small additional fee)
A minimum of three sessions to review results and provide education on building a strong marriage
This process helps couples identify strengths, navigate potential challenges, and gain relationship tools to support a lasting, healthy marriage.
Final Thoughts
If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out. I look forward to helping you strengthen your relationship!