Fees & FAQ
The practical details, in one place.
Fees and how often
Sessions start weekly or every two weeks, then we set the pace together. Some clients later move to every three or four weeks, or as needed.
Insurance and superbills
I’m private pay for now, with plans to join insurance networks in the future. I can give you a superbill, a detailed receipt you can send your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Check your plan’s out-of-network mental health benefits to see what they cover.
I’m not a Medicaid provider, but I’m happy to help you find one.
Payment and cancellations
Payment: Visa, Mastercard or Zelle, paid at the time of each session.
Cancellations: Please cancel or reschedule by 10 a.m. the day before your session. Later cancellations and missed sessions are charged the full session fee.
For parents
It’s hard to watch your kid struggle. Here’s how I work with families.
- If your child is 11, you’re an important part of the work. I’ll help you understand what’s going on in their brain and how to support them at home.
- If your child is 12 or older, Colorado lets them consent to their own therapy, and I honor that. Their sessions belong to them. I share general updates, not specifics, and I’ll always tell you if I believe your child is in danger.
- Parent check-in calls of 20–30 minutes are available as needed.
- Separated or divorced parents: I’ll need your current custody or parenting-plan paperwork, and if decision-making is shared, both parents’ consent before we start.
Colorado’s Youth Mental Health Act (HB 19-1120)
In 2019, Colorado lowered the age young people can consent to their own outpatient therapy from 15 to 12. The goal was to make it easier for kids and teens to get help, and to reduce youth suicide.
- Teens 12 and older can start therapy on their own, with or without a parent’s knowledge, when they’re seeking it voluntarily and it’s clinically needed.
- What they share is confidential unless they give permission, preferably in writing, for me to talk with others about it.
- I always encourage teens to involve their parents whenever that’s safe and helpful.
- If a teen is at imminent risk to themselves or others, or can’t manage their own care, I can notify parents without their consent. Whenever possible, I talk with the teen first.
- Teens 12 and up sign their own consent forms. Parents who are involved are encouraged to sign alongside them.
This can mean you know less about your child’s sessions than you’d like. That privacy is what lets teens trust their therapist and open up.
Reaching out for your child? Choose “My child or teen” on the contact form.
Working with other providers
With your written permission (a release of information), I can coordinate with schools, doctors and psychiatrists. I don’t prescribe medication or do psychological testing.
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have certain types of health care coverage or who are not using certain types of health care coverage an estimate of their bill for health care items and services before those items or services are provided.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any health care items or services upon request or when scheduling such items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
- If you schedule a health care item or service at least 3 business days in advance, make sure your health care provider or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 1 business day after scheduling. If you schedule a health care item or service at least 10 business days in advance, make sure your health care provider or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after scheduling. You can also ask any health care provider or facility for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you do, make sure the health care provider or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after you ask.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more for any provider or facility than your Good Faith Estimate from that provider or facility, you can dispute the bill.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers, email FederalPPDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov, or call 1-800-985-3059.
All questions
I’ve never done therapy. What happens in a first session?
Before we meet, I’ll send a few short questionnaires through the secure client portal. In the session, we’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, a bit of your history and what you want to be different. You don’t need perfect answers, and you can ask me anything.
Therapy didn’t help before. Why would this be different?
I can’t promise it will be, but I do things differently. I explain the why behind what you’re feeling, we build tools that fit how your brain works, and we check in on what’s helping. If I’m not the right fit, I’ll help you find someone who is.
Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?
No. Some people come in with a diagnosis like ADHD or anxiety, and many don’t. If you plan to use a superbill for insurance reimbursement, insurance requires a diagnosis code, and we’ll talk about that together.
How does privacy work for teens?
In Colorado, young people 12 and older can consent to their own therapy, and what they share is confidential. The exceptions are safety concerns, like imminent risk of harm to themselves or others, or suspected abuse, which I’m required to report. When it’s safe, I’ll encourage teens to involve their parents, and we’ll decide together what to share. Read about Colorado’s Youth Mental Health Act.
Will you tell me what my teen says?
I share general information about how therapy is going, not the specifics. Teens open up when they know their sessions are theirs. If I ever believe your child is in danger, I’ll tell you. You’re always welcome to ask me hypothetical questions about what I would or wouldn’t share.
How long are sessions, and how often?
Sessions are 50 minutes. Most people start weekly or every two weeks, then we set the pace together.
How does telehealth work?
We’ll meet online by secure video. You’ll get a link in your appointment invite, and there’s nothing to download. Find a private spot with good Wi-Fi; headphones help. You’ll need to be physically in Colorado during each session.
How much does it cost?
$150 per 50-minute session. The first consultation call, up to 20 minutes, is free.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
Yes, a limited number of spots. Check the sliding-scale box on the contact form and we’ll talk about it.
Do you take insurance?
I’m private pay for now and plan to join insurance networks in the future. I’m not a Medicaid provider, but I’m happy to help you find one. I can give you a superbill to submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement; check your plan’s benefits.
What ages do you work with?
Ages 11 to 40, with a focus on teens and young adults.
Can you prescribe medication?
No. I don’t prescribe medication or do psychological testing, but with your written permission I can coordinate with your doctor, psychiatrist or the person doing an evaluation.
Can you talk with my school or doctor?
Yes, with a signed release of information. You decide who I talk with and what I share.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Please cancel or reschedule by 10 a.m. the day before your session. Later cancellations and missed sessions are charged the full session fee.
What if we’re not a good fit?
Tell me anytime. No hurt feelings. Fit matters more than anything, and I’ll help you find someone who’s a better match.
I live outside Colorado. Can I still work with you?
I’m licensed in Colorado, so you need to be located in Colorado during each session.
What if I’m in crisis?
Sierra Wellbeing isn’t a crisis service, and I’m not available for emergencies between sessions. Call or text 988, call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255, or call 911.
You don’t have to figure it all out before reaching out.
A free consultation call, up to 20 minutes. No pressure, no homework.
Request a free consultationIn crisis? Call or text 988, or call 911.