Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

The first step is to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
We will talk through your concerns and determine whether therapy or an evaluation is the best next step.
Both.
In many cases, parents are the ones reaching out first. I work closely with parents while also supporting the child or adolescent directly.
- Evaluations: ages 5–30
- Therapy: ages 12–30
Yes. I offer telehealth services in all PSYPACT states, which currently includes over 40 states.

I use:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
These are evidence-based approaches, especially effective for anxiety and OCD.
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- School avoidance
- Social anxiety
- OCD
- Emotional overwhelm
- Executive function diffiiculties
Sessions are 53–60 minutes.
Clients often gain:
- Tools to manage your feelings and thoughts
- Greater emotional awareness
- Confidence in situations that previously felt overwhelming
While we may not eliminate your symptoms completely, we work to make it manageable so it does not control your life.

School evaluations are designed to determine eligibility for services within the school system.
My evaluations go beyond that to answer:
Why is my child having difficulty learning?
They provide deeper insight and more detailed recommendations.
- Psychoeducational evaluations
- ADHD evaluations
- Learning disorder assessments (including dyslexia)
- Psychological evaluations
Most evaluations are completed within 4–6 weeks.
You will receive:
- A clear diagnosis (if applicable)
- A detailed report
- Specific, actionable recommendations
- Support for working with the school
- A clear path forward
Many parents come to me after a school evaluation still feels incomplete.
Private evaluations often provide:
- More comprehensive testing
- Clearer explanations
- More individualized recommendations

Yes.
With over 20 years of experience working in schools, I help families:
- Understand school evaluations
- Navigate school systems
- Advocate effectively for their child
Most of my evaluations include school personnel.

I currently accept all Highmark insurance plans.
All other services are out-of-network.
- Therapy session (60 minutes): $175
- Psychoeducational evaluation: $2500-3000
- Psychological evaluation: $1500-2000
Psychoeducational evaluations are typically not covered by insurance.
I ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations.
Late cancellations may be charged the full session fee.

My goal is for clients to feel supported, understood, and confident in the process.
I provide a nonjudgmental environment where we can work through even the most difficult concerns.
- Clients often share that they appreciate:
- The clear path forward provided after evaluations
- The supportive and collaborative therapy environment
- Feeling understood and not judged
- The Teenage Girl’s Guide to Living Well with ADHD by Sonia Ali
- Attention, Girls! by Patricia O. Quinn
- Smart but Scattered Teens by Richard Guare and Peg Dawson
- Website: explainingbrains.com