Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer in-person counseling?
No. Path Forward Counseling is a fully online telehealth practice serving clients throughout the state of Florida.
Many clients appreciate the convenience of telehealth, particularly those balancing work, school, parenting, caregiving responsibilities, chronic illness, mobility concerns, or busy schedules. My goal is to provide a counseling experience that is convenient, secure, and accessible while maintaining the same level of professionalism and clinical care you would expect from an in-person office.
Who do you work with?
I provide counseling for adults, couples, and families experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief and loss, life transitions, chronic illness, chronic pain, stress, burnout, and faith or spiritual concerns.
I also have a particular interest in working with individuals living with disabilities, neurodivergence, hearing loss, and other accessibility needs.
Do you accept insurance?
Path Forward Counseling is currently a private-pay practice and is not in-network with insurance plans at this time.
If your insurance plan includes out-of-network behavioral health benefits, I can provide a superbill upon request.
A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes the information your insurance company may need to consider reimbursement for out-of-network counseling services.
Clients are responsible for paying the full session fee at the time of service. If you choose to use your out-of-network benefits, you will submit the superbill directly to your insurance company. Depending on your plan, your insurance company may reimburse you for a portion of the fees you have already paid.
Because every insurance plan is different, I encourage you to contact your insurance company before beginning services to ask about your deductible, reimbursement rates, and out-of-network mental health benefits.
What if I can't afford counseling?
I believe financial hardship should not automatically prevent someone from receiving quality mental health care.
Path Forward Counseling offers several financial accessibility programs on a limited basis, including reduced-fee counseling opportunities for individuals experiencing temporary financial hardship, a Beginning Teacher Wellness Program, and a Pro Bono Continuation of Care program for established clients facing unexpected financial challenges.
These programs are intentionally limited and are offered based on financial need, clinical appropriateness, counselor discretion, and current availability. Participation cannot be guaranteed.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes.
I offer a free 10-minute consultation by phone or secure telehealth for prospective clients.
This consultation gives us an opportunity to briefly discuss what brings you to counseling, answer questions about my practice, and determine whether Path Forward Counseling may be a good fit for your needs. While I cannot provide therapy or clinical recommendations during the consultation, it is a great opportunity to make sure we're a good fit before scheduling your first appointment.
How long are counseling sessions?
Most individual, couples, and family counseling sessions are approximately 53 minutes in length.
The frequency of sessions varies based on your goals, needs, and treatment plan. Many clients begin with weekly or every-other-week appointments and gradually decrease the frequency as progress is made.
What technology do I need for telehealth?
You'll need:
A reliable internet connection
A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
A private location where you can speak comfortably without interruptions
Telehealth is conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Before your first appointment, you'll receive instructions explaining how to access your session.
Do you offer closed captioning?
Yes.
Because Path Forward Counseling is a fully online practice, I recognize that communication accessibility is important. Whenever available through the telehealth platform, closed captioning can be enabled during sessions.
While automated captions are not always perfectly accurate, they can be a valuable support for many clients. If there are additional communication accommodations that would improve your counseling experience, I encourage you to let me know before or during treatment.
Do you provide therapy in American Sign Language (ASL)?
Not at this time.
I am actively studying American Sign Language and continue to develop my proficiency, with the long-term goal of providing counseling directly in ASL.
Qualified ASL interpreters can be incorporated into telehealth sessions when appropriate. However, I also recognize that interpreted therapy is not the same as receiving counseling directly from an ASL-fluent therapist. ASL is a rich visual language in which meaning is conveyed not only through signs, but also through facial expressions, body language, spatial relationships, and other non-manual markers. While interpreters provide an invaluable service, some of these nuances may not be experienced by the therapist in the same way as when communicating directly with a client in ASL.
My long-term goal is to provide counseling directly in ASL because I believe that direct communication fosters a stronger therapeutic relationship and allows me to more fully understand the language, culture, and lived experiences of Deaf clients.
If you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, I encourage you to contact me before scheduling so we can discuss your communication preferences, available accommodations, and whether Path Forward Counseling is the best fit for your needs.
Do you offer pastoral counseling?
Yes.
Pastoral counseling is available for both individuals and couples who would like to incorporate their faith or spirituality into the counseling process.
I believe spirituality can be an important source of meaning, resilience, and healing, and I am happy to integrate your beliefs, values, and faith traditions into therapy when that is important to you.
My approach to pastoral counseling is grounded in a Christian social justice tradition, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every person. I strive to create a counseling environment that is compassionate, respectful, and free from judgment. Rather than imposing my own beliefs, I work collaboratively with clients to explore how their own faith, spirituality, and values can support their healing and growth.
Whether you are deeply involved in a faith community, questioning your beliefs, recovering from spiritual harm, or simply exploring life's deeper questions, you are welcome here.
Do you write Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters?
Yes.
ESA evaluations are available when clinically appropriate and are conducted as part of a comprehensive mental health assessment. An evaluation does not automatically result in an ESA letter.
Letters are provided only when, in my professional judgment, a client meets the applicable clinical criteria and an Emotional Support Animal is an appropriate part of treatment.
Can I request accommodations?
Absolutely.
Everyone experiences counseling differently, and accessibility is not one-size-fits-all. If there is a reasonable accommodation that would make it easier for you to participate in counseling, please let me know.
While I may not be able to provide every accommodation requested, I will gladly discuss your needs and work with you to determine what is reasonable and feasible within my practice.
What if I'm not sure you're the right therapist for me?
Finding the right therapist is one of the most important factors in successful counseling.
If you're unsure whether Path Forward Counseling is the right fit, I encourage you to schedule a free consultation. We'll discuss your goals, answer your questions, and determine whether my services align with your needs.
If I believe another therapist or specialty practice would better serve you, I'll do my best to help connect you with appropriate resources. My goal is for you to receive the care that best supports your healing, even if that ultimately isn't with me.
What can I expect during my first appointment?
Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a therapeutic relationship.
We'll talk about what brings you to counseling, your current concerns, your personal history, and what you hope to accomplish through therapy. We'll also review any questions you may have about the counseling process, discuss confidentiality and practice policies, and begin developing goals for treatment.
You don't need to prepare anything special before your first session. Simply come as you are. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported from the very beginning.
Is everything I share confidential?
In most situations, yes.
Confidentiality is one of the foundations of counseling, and I take your privacy very seriously. Information shared during counseling is protected by law and professional ethics.
There are, however, a few exceptions when I may be legally or ethically required to disclose information. These situations include concerns about imminent harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse or neglect of a child, vulnerable adult, or elderly person, court orders, or other circumstances required by law.
We'll review confidentiality in detail during your first appointment, and I'm always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Will I have homework between sessions?
Sometimes.
Many clients find it helpful to practice new skills or reflect on what we've discussed between sessions. Depending on your goals, I may suggest journaling, reading, communication exercises, mindfulness practices, worksheets, or other activities that support your progress.
Homework is always collaborative and tailored to your individual needs. If something doesn't feel helpful or realistic, we'll adjust it together. Counseling isn't about completing assignments; it's about creating meaningful change in your daily life.
What type of therapy do you provide?
I don't believe there is a single counseling approach that works for everyone. Every client brings unique experiences, strengths, and goals into therapy, and I believe treatment should reflect those differences.
My work is collaborative, evidence-informed, and tailored to your individual needs. Depending on your goals, therapy may include cognitive and behavioral strategies, trauma-informed care, acceptance and mindfulness-based approaches, family systems concepts, solution-focused techniques, psychoeducation, or spiritually integrated counseling when requested.
Above all, I strive to create a counseling relationship where you feel respected, understood, and empowered to move toward the life you want to build.