Frequently Asked Questions
I’m nervous about starting therapy. Is that normal?
Therapy can be vulnerable and new, so it’s natural to be nervous. It can be scary to think of opening up to someone new, perhaps fearing that it will be awkward and uncomfortable. The fear around that can feel overwhelming. It takes courage to start going to therapy. The fact that you are here, reading this right now, shows that you are brave and deserve to follow-through with seeking support.
Therapy is a space where you can be yourself and come just as you are, including feeling nervous. I’m committed to finding a way to care for your nervousness and ensure sessions are as comfortable as possible.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
Take your time to read through my website. If you sense that I may be a good fit based on what you are reading, you can email or call me.
During a free 10-minute phone consultation, you can ask me questions about my approach, what a typical session with me is like, or any other questions you may have that are specific-to-you. You’ll also be able to share what’s going on for you and we can determine how I could best be of service to you.
The primary few sessions are a time where we can get to know one another and see how I can help you. During the sessions, you’ll be able to understand how comfortable you feel in sessions. What’s most important to me is that you find someone who you feel is the right fit for you. We can explore that together.
What if I don't want to talk about something?
If something feels overwhelming or even terrifying to discuss, that's actually very normal. It can often feel difficult to talk about some things. During our sessions, it will always be up to you if you feel ready to talk about something or not. I'll be there to guide you towards discovering what feels comfortable for you to share. Working with pace, we can look at the tough stuff if and when you're ready.
You can also share with me that you are nervous to open up about something and we can talk about that too. Whatever is present for you. Whatever you are going through. Bring that to session and we can explore that together.
I’m scared that if I open up, you will think poorly of me.
If you open up to me, I will not think poorly of you. Rather, I will think you are extremely brave and strong. Many of my clients have expressed the same fear.
It is the beauty of the human condition to struggle and have overwhelming experiences. It’s absolutely normal to have challenges in life. I will never judge you for being the authentic human that you are. Nothing you can say will cause me to judge you. As, nobody is perfect, the ups and downs of life can be emotionally draining, and we all suffer in different ways.
Whatever it is you're going through, I provide a safe space where you can feel heard and supported without judgement.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
It can be concerning feeling like things you say or do in therapy could "get out." So, I want you to know that unless there is an imminent danger to yourself or someone else, everything you share with me is completely confidential.
I highly respect your privacy and value your trust.
You can rest assured that you can talk about anything without fear of that information getting out.
If you have specific questions about how confidentiality works, you can ask anytime during our work together.
How long will therapy take?
You might be asking about how long therapy will take because you think that therapy will be an overwhelming process.
If this is true for you, I want you to know that on average, my new clients start seeing positive effects after the first few sessions. At that point, they they feel like they have learned some new ways to manage challenging situations a bit better.
The total duration of therapy varies from client to client. Some of my clients find 4-6 months to be enough to gain some insight and achieve smaller, time-sensitive goals. While many clients feel more supported by longer-term therapy, where they can get to the root of their struggles and make lasting changes in their lives.
We will work together to find the length of time that works for you.
What can I expect during the first session?
Overall, you can think of the first session as a free-flowing conversation through which we start getting to know each other. I’ll invite you to share more about yourself and we can also talk about what’s worked or not worked for your mental health in the past.
Some questions that I like to ask during a first session include:
What brought you to therapy?
What goals would you like to reach by going to therapy?
What do I need to know about you to understand your current challenges?
You can ask me questions as well. You might be curious about about my experience or how future sessions work.
The most important part of a first session is to notice how you feel during and after the session. If you feel safe, accepted, and comfortable with me, we can discuss scheduling the next session.
What does therapy cost?
50-Minute Individual Therapy Session: $180, intake session $200
50-Minute Family Session: $200, intake session $225
Associate Licensed Therapist Individual and Group Supervision: please reach out with fee inquiries
Do You Take Insurance?
I am contracted with both two Employee Assistance Plans: Lyra and Corporate Counseling Associates. Reach out to your employer to see if either of these EAP’s are an option for you.
I currently am in network with United Healthcare (Optum) and Aetna.
I also am more than happy to provide you with a monthly super bill (receipt for paid services), that you may submit to your insurance for out of network reimbursement. I suggest reaching out to your insurance provider and talking with them about whether they offer this through your specific plan.
What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
To cancel a scheduled therapy session, a minimum of 24-hours notice in advance of your session is required. When sessions are scheduled, I hold the time specifically for you and make sure not to over-book. So, if prior and timely notification is not given (24-hours), you will be charged the full session fee for the missed session.
How can I get started?
I'm here to talk during a free phone consultation where you can share what’s going on for you, and we can determine how I could best be of service to you.
Email me today to schedule your first appointment at Erin@erinodentherapy.com. You can also direct message me via the Contact section of this website.
Good Faith Estimate
As of January 2022, health care organizations need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.
You can also ask your therapist, provider, health care organization, and any other organization you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.

Reach out for support
Email or Direct Message Me!
We’ll discuss your needs and walk you through every step of the process toward healing.