Frequently Asked Questions

Laura has been actively licensed and providing mental health counseling since 2019. She is independently licensed in Idaho as a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in both New Jersey and South Carolina. She obtained a BA in Psychology, a MA in Human Services Counseling, and a MA in Professional Counseling. She is fully trained in emotionally focused couples therapy (EFCT) and is a member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Southwest Idaho Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy. Furthermore, she engages in at least 40 hours of continuing education biannually. 

Online counseling is a form of mental health treatment that takes place virtually. It can be used for both individual counseling and couples counseling. Online counseling can also be referred to as virtual health or telehealth. Clients are able to attend sessions on their laptop, iPad, cell phone, or any other digital device that has video/audio capabilities. 

Absolutely! Treatment provided virtually follows the same legal and ethical standards as in-person sessions, with the added bonus of being more convenient. Laura works incredibly hard to foster a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. It is important that sessions are conducted in a private and quiet setting, free from distractions. For example, many clients participate in sessions on their lunch hour at work with their office door closed. Whether meeting in-person or virtually, counseling is only effective when clients actively participate and practice newly learned skills outside of session. 

Unfortunately, due to ethical and legal reasons, therapy cannot be conducted via a phone call. Laura is required to visually see clients in order to make proper assessments. Therapy is also not able to be conducted via text or email. Sessions will never be conducted while a client is operating a moving vehicle. 

It's easy! Start by sending an email to Laura. You'll be given the option to set up a complimentary consultation call. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about Laura and how she operates. You can share what you're looking for and then you can decide if Laura would be a good fit. If you decide that you'd like to work with Laura, she'll create your client profile in SimplePractice. From there, you'll complete the required new client intake paperwork. Once all paperwork is complete and a valid card is added to your account, Laura will reach out to schedule your initial appointment. 

Laura operates in Mountain Time (MT) as she is physically based out of Idaho. She is available for sessions between the hours of 8 am - 4 pm MST, or 10 am - 6 pm EST, Monday - Thursday. 

In-person sessions are available to clients in Boise on Fridays between the hours of 10 am - 4 pm (MT). For clients who are located in New Jersey and South Carolina and receive virtual sessions, please be aware of the 2-hour time difference. Evening and weekend sessions are not available at this time. Laura maintains a small caseload and is often available for same-day sessions for established clients. 

Counseling sessions are typically 45-50 minutes long, but some clients and couples prefer 90 minute sessions. Special arrangements can be made for longer sessions, please contact Laura for pricing and availability. 

Initially, Laura prefers to meet with clients once per week for the first few weeks. This allows Laura to establish a solid therapeutic relationship with each client and couple. Ultimately, clients determine how often they would like to meet. Some clients want to meet twice a week, and others prefer to meet twice a month. Over time, clients are encouraged to attempt to stretch time between sessions, in an attempt to practice skills. Clients have the autonomy to determine the frequency and course of their treatment, but they are also held accountable for the change they desire to see. Real change happens outside of the therapy session, in everyday life. Change requires practice and consistency, not just during one session a week, but each and every day. 

No, Laura is not contracted with insurance companies. As such, she is not permitted to contact your insurance provider on your behalf. She believes that clients deserve the right to choose who has access to their personal and private health information. Laura allows clients the freedom to make their own decisions about their mental health treatment, without insurance dictating or limiting their care. 

The cost per session ranges between $110-$175, depending on the type of services provided. For accurate pricing, please check the "Private Practice Fees" tab. Discounted self-pay rates are reserved exclusively for Active Duty service members, their spouses, and military veterans (verification of military affiliated is required - no exceptions). 

Yes! Using a HSA card is the same as using a debit or credit card to pay for treatment. You can add your HSA card to your SimplePractice account and use it to pay for therapy. Please let Laura know if you need an itemized statement or receipt.