Frequently Asked Questions

The basics

What is counseling with you?
Counseling is mental health treatment. I provide it as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) under clinical supervision. We work on emotional, relational, and mental health concerns, and I can assess and diagnose when it is clinically appropriate.

What is your approach to counseling?
I’m an eclectic practitioner, which means I don’t use one method for everyone. I draw on different approaches depending on who you are and what you’re working through. My work is grounded in liberation psychology and decolonizing counseling, and it is trauma-informed, relational, and rooted in restorative practices. You can read about the specific modalities I use on my [About page].

What does “liberation psychology” or “decolonizing counseling” mean?
It means I don’t treat your struggles as only happening inside you. Many of the things that weigh on us, like anxiety, shame, burnout, and feeling like we don’t measure up, are shaped by families, cultures, schools, workplaces, and systems such as racism and colonization. We look at what’s yours to work on and what was handed to you, so you don’t carry blame that doesn’t belong to you.

What is relational and organizational repair?
My practice is built around repair, which is the work of rebuilding trust and connection after conflict or harm, whether between partners, in families, or in a workplace or school. In counseling, that shows up as support for communicating, setting boundaries, and repairing relationships that matter to you.

Do you work collaboratively?
Yes. Counseling with me is a partnership. You’re the expert on your life, and we decide together what to work on and how. I’ll explain what I’m doing and why, and I welcome feedback about what’s working and what isn’t.

Who do you work with?
I work with adults, couples, and children and teens. [Add the ages you see and any parent or guardian details.]

Is this approach right for everyone?
It’s a good fit if you want counseling that takes your culture, identity, and life context seriously. If you’re looking for a different style, such as a structured, skills-only approach, tell me during the consultation and I’ll help you decide if I’m the right fit or refer you to someone else.

Choosing what fits

How do I know if counseling is right for me?
Counseling may fit if you are dealing with distress, relationship pain, grief, anxiety, or patterns that feel stuck. If you already know what you want to change and need structure, planning, and accountability, coaching may fit better. If you are not sure, book a free 15-minute consultation and we will sort it out together.

What is the difference between counseling and coaching?
Counseling asks, “What is going on, and how do we heal or repair it?” Coaching asks, “What do you want to be different, and what will help you get there?” Counseling is a clinical service with legal and ethical duties attached. Coaching is a separate, non-clinical service with its own agreement. Neither is a lighter version of the other.

Do you diagnose or evaluate ADHD?
I currently do not evaluate for ADHD. I refer evaluations and medication care to partners and I can coordinate with them with your written consent.

I have ADHD. Is counseling or coaching right for me?
It depends on what is getting in the way. Counseling helps when ADHD comes with shame, burnout, relationship strain, or other mental health needs. Coaching helps with systems such as routines, planning, and follow-through. Many people benefit from both, with different providers.

Cost, insurance, and scheduling

How much does counseling cost?
Individual counseling is $195 per session for private pay.

Does insurance cover counseling?
I am in network with Premera, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and LifeWise. For other plans, the self-pay rate is $195, and I can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage varies, so please check with your plan.

Is there a sliding scale?
A limited number of counseling spots are available at a reduced rate during economic hardship.

Are sessions in person or online?
Counseling is offered by telehealth, and I am in the process of getting a new office in North Seattle.

What is your cancellation policy?
I require 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Sessions already held, and late cancellations, are charged at the standard session rate.

Privacy, records, and care coordination

Is what I share kept private?
Yes. I treat everything you share as private.

What are the limits of confidentiality in counseling?
Counseling is covered by health privacy law and professional ethics. There are legal exceptions, such as risk of serious harm to yourself or others and mandated reporting of child or vulnerable adult abuse. These are explained in the disclosure statement you sign at the start.

Can I request my records?
Yes, under Washington and federal rules.

Will you coordinate with my other providers?
Yes, and I try to make it as seamless as I can so you don’t carry that extra mental load. With your written consent, I can talk with your doctor, psychiatric prescriber, school, or other providers, and I’ll handle the back and forth so you don’t have to repeat your story to everyone. I only share what you’ve approved, for the purpose you’ve approved, and you can change or withdraw your consent at any time. For school advocacy, I need written consent every time.

Working with me

Can I be your counseling client and your coaching client?
No. I keep these roles separate on purpose. A person who sees me for counseling does not also work with me as a coach, and a coaching client does not move into counseling with me. Mixing the two can blur boundaries, confuse what is private and what is not, and make it hard to know which rules apply.

What if I need coaching or another kind of support?
I will refer you to another trusted provider and, with your consent, share what helps the handoff. I keep a referral list of practitioners who share my values, including ADHD specialists, counselors, and coaches.

Can I use both if I work with different providers?
Yes. Many people do counseling with one provider and coaching with another. With your written consent, I can coordinate with your counselor or coach.

What are your qualifications?
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) in Washington State. I hold an M.Ed. in School Counseling and provide counseling under the clinical supervision of Dr. Cristina Louk, LMHC. My license number is 61686564. I have worked as a school counselor since 2013, led school crisis response teams from elementary through high school, and worked in inpatient mental health with youth.

Safety

What if I am in crisis?
If you are thinking about harming yourself or someone else, or you are in danger, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. I am not a crisis service, and I am not available between sessions for emergencies.