What should I expect for the first session?

Before we schedule a full session, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can get to know each other a bit and see if it feels like a good fit. This call gives you a chance to ask questions, share what you’re looking for, and get a sense of my style, while also allowing me to understand how I can best support you. Feeling comfortable with your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of positive therapeutic outcomes, so this step is really about making sure you feel safe, seen, and at ease. If it feels right after our conversation, we can go ahead and schedule your first session.

I’ve chosen not to work with insurance companies because I want our time together to be guided entirely by your needs, your pace, and what feels most supportive for you. My goal is to offer care that feels warm, personal, and thoughtfully tailored—not shaped by session limits, required diagnoses, or outside rules. When insurance becomes part of the process, it can start to feel like there’s an extra voice in the room influencing decisions that should belong to us. By staying independent from insurance, I’m able to protect your privacy, honor your story, and create a therapeutic space where you’re truly seen, heard, and supported.

Confidentiality is a foundational part of the therapeutic relationship, and I take great care to protect the privacy of every teen who walks through my door. Your personal information, session content, and records are kept secure and are only shared with your written permission or when required by law. I discuss limits to confidentiality at the very first appointment so clients and families understand exactly what information is private and what situations—such as safety concerns—may require disclosure. My goal is to create a safe, trusting environment where teens can speak openly without fear of judgment or unexpected breaches.

Working with adolescents means balancing a teen’s right to privacy with a parent’s need to stay informed, and I approach this with clarity and respect. I typically keep session details private so teens feel comfortable being honest, but I collaborate with parents on general themes, progress, and ways they can support their child at home. If a concern arises that affects a teen’s safety or well-being, I bring the teen into the conversation and work together to share the necessary information. Clear boundaries help build trust on all sides and ensure that therapy remains a supportive space for growth.