How do you handle emergencies or crises?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, such as thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please contact emergency services immediately by calling 911 or going to your nearest emergency room. These services are available 24/7 and provide immediate assistance and intervention. Additional emergency resources in Washington: Washington State Mental Health Crisis Lines: Call 1-877-266-1818 or visit https://www.hca.wa.gov/health-care-services-supports/behavioral-health-recovery/mental-health-crisis-lines National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Additional emergency resources in Vermont: Vermont Department of Mental Health Crisis Text Line: Text "VT" to 741741 Or visit https://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/services/emergency-services/how-get-help National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ If you are experiencing a non-urgent but critical situation, please reach out to Katie as soon as possible.Provide information about your current symptoms, precipitating events or stressors, and steps you have taken to manage the situation. Katie will assess your needs with you and develop an appropriate plan of action, which may include increasing session frequency, involving support people, or connecting you with community resources. She will collaborate with you to ensure you feel heard, validated, and supported and help you develop a safety plan with coping strategies, emergency contacts, and steps to take in case of a future crisis.

Can you prescribe medication? Is it part of the conversation in therapy?

As a therapist, Katie is not authorized to prescribe medication directly. In the United States, prescribing medication for mental health conditions is reserved for medical professionals such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and primary care physicians. However, medication can still be a part of the conversation in therapy with Katie. She believes in collaborative and integrative care and is committed to working closely with medical professionals to support your overall treatment plan. If you are currently taking medication or considering starting, Katie encourages you to discuss this with her openly. She can provide insights, support, and guidance on communicating effectively with your prescribing provider, advocating for your needs, and making informed decisions about your medication regimen. In some cases, Katie may recommend considering medication as part of your treatment plan, particularly if you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms not responding to therapy alone. She can provide referrals to trusted psychiatric providers and collaborate with them to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care. Collaborative care between mental health professionals and medical providers has been shown to improve outcomes for individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions. If you have any questions or concerns about medication, please don't hesitate to bring them to Katie.

Why invest in working with Katie in particular?

We understand that therapy costs can feel significant, and we want to be transparent about the factors contributing to our rates. If you are interested in why we do not take insurance, please refer to the answer in the second part of the FAQ. To summarize, our fees reflect the expertise, time, and resources necessary to provide the highest-quality care. Investing in yourself by working with Katie provides access to her specialized expertise, training, and the wisdom of her lived experience as a neurodivergent therapist—a powerful combination for growth, healing, and transformation. 1. Lived experience and neurodivergent perspective When you work with Katie, you are benefiting from the wisdom and insight gained through her lived experience as a neurodivergent individual who has navigated her own mental health journey. This firsthand understanding allows Katie to offer a unique level of empathy, validation, and practical guidance that can be particularly meaningful for neurodivergent clients and those facing similar challenges. Our rates honor the value of this lived experience and the powerful perspective it brings to the therapeutic process. Katie's firsthand understanding as a neurodivergent individual with chronic mental and physical health challenges allows her to offer unique empathy, validation, and practical guidance. 2. Specialized clinical expertise in complex mental health conditions Katie is a skilled specialist in a wide range of issues. She is qualified to treat and work with you on a range of concerns, including mood disorders, neurodivergence, substance use disorders, trauma, life transitions, the interaction of mental and physical health, family dynamics, and executive functioning skills. Her extensive training and experience in these areas allow her to provide targeted, evidence-based interventions that address the unique complexities of your situation. Our rates reflect the advanced expertise required to effectively treat these specialized concerns. Katie is highly skilled in treating a wide range of health concerns, providing targeted, evidence-based interventions that also factor in wider complex physical, mental and social factors. 3. Advanced education and ongoing professional development Katie has invested years in pursuing graduate degrees, postgraduate training, and specialized certifications to become a licensed mental health professional. She engages in ongoing professional development, attending conferences, workshops, and training to stay current with the latest research and best practices in mental health care, substance use treatment, trauma treatment, and working with neurodivergent adults. This extensive education and commitment to lifelong learning equip Katie with the knowledge and skills to provide effective, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs. 4. Comprehensive care and personalized treatment planning In addition to therapy sessions, Katie invests significant time and effort in treatment planning, case conceptualization, and collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure that you receive comprehensive, coordinated care. She prioritizes individualized care that is tailored to your specific needs, goals, and life circumstances, developing personalized treatment plans that address your unique challenges and strengths. Our rates reflect the time and expertise required to provide this level of customized, holistic care. Katie invests significant time in treatment planning, case conceptualization, and collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care tailored to your unique needs. 5. Sustainable and ethical practice Providing therapy is emotionally and mentally demanding work that requires a significant investment of energy and personal resources. Our rates allow Katie to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout, ensuring she can show up fully present and engaged in your healing journey.

Do you take insurance?

While Katie is currently an out-of-network provider for insurance plans, we're happy to assist you with seeking reimbursement. At the end of each month, we'll provide you with a superbill, which is an itemized statement containing important details like the date of service, diagnosis codes, and procedure codes. You can then submit this superbill to your insurance company to potentially receive reimbursement through your out-of-network mental health benefits. The amount of reimbursement may vary based on the specifics of your insurance plan, such as your deductible, co-insurance rates, and out-of-network coverage limits. Why are you out of network? Here are several reasons why we do not contract with insurance to be in-network: 1. Prioritizing personalized, high-quality care: By not accepting insurance directly, Katie can prioritize your unique needs and goals, tailoring treatment plans without being constrained by insurance limitations. 2. Protecting your privacy and confidentiality: When using insurance, sensitive information about your mental health is shared with the insurance company and becomes part of your permanent health record. By not accepting insurance directly, Katie keeps therapy more private. 3. Investing in the therapeutic relationship: By not dealing with insurance administration, Katie can invest more fully in her relationships with clients, focusing her time and energy on providing attentive, compassionate support. 4. Maintaining autonomy and clinical judgment: By not accepting insurance directly, Katie maintains the autonomy to use her clinical judgment and expertise to provide the most effective, evidence-based care tailored to your unique situation. If you have concerns about the cost of therapy, please discuss your situation with Katie during your initial consultation. We can also provide referrals to community resources and lower-cost therapy options if needed.

What should I do if I have to cancel or reschedule an appointment?

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please do so at least 48 hours (or two business days) in advance. The most convenient way to do so is to log into your secure Client Portal . **Cancellation & Reschedule Policy** We value your time and ours. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, do so at least 48 hours (or TWO BUSINESS DAYS) in advance. Since your session is reserved explicitly for you, cancellations within this 48-hour window will incur a charge equivalent to the FULL SESSION RATE, including in instances of illness. Initial phone consultations do not fall under these rules. Your communication, respect for time commitments, and adherence to boundaries are core parts of therapy. Therefore, please honor your scheduled appointments or discuss alternative scheduling options if frequent conflicts arise. Be advised that any cancellation or rescheduling beyond two instances within a 90-day period will result in an administrative fee equal to the full session rate, inclusive of cancellations due to illness. ** No-Show Policy ** If you miss your scheduled appointment without prior notification ("no-show"), a fee equivalent to the FULL SESSION RATE will be applied. Subsequent sessions will be suspended until we reestablish communication to confirm your next appointment. Initial phone consultations do not fall under these rules. Cancellations, no-shows, and rescheduled administrative charges are NOT eligible for insurance reimbursement. If you have a credit card on file, you authorize Exploring Divergence to charge it at the time of the missed appointment and following each attended session.

What if I live in Washington or Vermont but am traveling and still want to meet?

If you are planning to travel outside of Washington or Vermont and wish to continue your therapy sessions with Katie, please discuss your specific situation with her directly. Together, you can explore options for accommodating your needs while still operating within the practice's legal and ethical guidelines. Katie is here to support you and will work with you to find a solution that prioritizes your mental health needs while also maintaining the integrity of the practice and the laws that govern her work.

Do I have to be in Washington or Vermont to get therapy?

Yes, as a licensed mental health professional, Katie is authorized to provide therapy services only to clients who are physically located in the states of Washington and Vermont. You must be within the boundaries of either Washington or Vermont at the time of your therapy sessions. This requirement is based on state licensure laws and regulations, which ensure that mental health professionals are practicing within the scope of their training and expertise, and that clients are receiving care from providers who are familiar with and accountable to the laws and standards of their state. Note: Consultation and coaching can be provided to people located in any state.

How do I get the most our of my therapy session?

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your therapy sessions with Katie: 1. Be open and honest: Therapy is a safe, non-judgmental space where you can discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly. The more transparent you are about your challenges, both personal and professional, the better Katie can understand your needs and provide effective support. Feel free to share about your unique identities, relationship dynamics, and lifestyle without fear of stigma or discrimination. 2. Set clear goals: Consider how your mental health impacts your work, family life, and overall well-being. Consider how your identities and lifestyle intersect with your mental health, work, family life, and overall well-being. Having a clear sense of what you want to accomplish or change will help guide your sessions and keep you motivated. Sometimes knowing how you want to feel is a great starting point for setting goals with Katie’s help. 3. Prepare for sessions: Before each session, take some time to reflect on what you'd like to discuss. Consider jotting down any questions, concerns, or insights related to your professional life, family dynamics, personal growth, relationships, sexuality, values, or experiences navigating the world. 4 . Engage actively: Therapy is a collaborative process. Participate actively in discussions, ask questions, and provide feedback to Katie. Your input is valuable in shaping the direction of your treatment and ensuring that it aligns with your unique needs and lived experiences. 5. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone : Growth and change often require facing difficult emotions or trying new approaches. Trust the therapeutic process and be open to Katie's guidance, even if it feels challenging at times. Remember that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to meaningful improvements in your work, relationships, and overall life satisfaction. 6. Integrate insights into daily life : Katie may suggest exercises, strategies, or activities to practice between sessions that take into account your unique experiences. Engage with these assignments and look for opportunities to apply your new skills and insights in your professional and personal life. Integrating what you learn in therapy into your daily routines can lead to lasting, positive changes. 7. Maintain consistency: Attend your scheduled sessions regularly and communicate with Katie if you need to reschedule. Consistent engagement in therapy is key to making progress and achieving your goals. Consider therapy as an investment in your well-being, just like you would prioritize important meetings or family commitments. 8. Communicate your needs: You may have specific scheduling needs or constraints. Let us know about your availability and any preferences you have for session times or frequency. Also, let us know about any accommodations, resources, or support you need to feel safe, understood, and affirmed in therapy. If you have children, feel free to discuss any concerns you have about how your mental health or lifestyle may impact your parenting or family dynamics. If you work from home some days, feel free to share those days with us to help with scheduling. 9. Celebrate your progress: Acknowledge and celebrate the small victories and changes you make along the way, both in your personal growth and in your professional or family life. Recognizing your progress will help maintain your motivation and commitment to the therapy process. Remember, therapy is a journey, and progress takes time. Be patient with yourself, trust the process, and know that Katie is there to support you in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities you face.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of therapy sessions needed varies for each individual, depending on the complexity of the issues you're facing, your personal goals for treatment, and your unique life circumstances. For some, short-term therapy focusing on a specific issue or goal may be most appropriate, such as 6-12 sessions focused on learning about ADHD, diagnosing mental health conditions, and building skills to overcome a particular challenge or navigate a life transition. Others may benefit from longer-term therapy to address more complex, longstanding patterns or to work towards significant life changes. In these situations, ongoing sessions over several months or even years may provide the sustained support, insight, and skill-building needed for lasting change. Progress in therapy is not always linear, and you may experience periods of growth, plateaus, or temporary setbacks. Katie will support you through these ups and downs, helping you maintain momentum and celebrate your successes. The number of sessions you need will be a collaborative decision between you and Katie, based on your goals, progress, and feelings about the therapeutic process. You may start with a specific number of sessions and reassess as you go, adjusting the frequency or duration of treatment based on your needs.

FAQs Archive - Exploring Divergence

What resources do you recommend for further reading or support?
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How do you handle emergencies or crises?
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Can you prescribe medication? Is it part of the conversation in therapy?
Continue reading
Why invest in working with Katie in particular?
Continue reading
Do you take insurance?
Continue reading
What should I do if I have to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
Continue reading
What if I live in Washington or Vermont but am traveling and still want to meet?
Continue reading
Do I have to be in Washington or Vermont to get therapy?
Continue reading
How do I get the most our of my therapy session?
Continue reading
How many sessions will I need?
Continue reading

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