Frequently Asked Questions
Teletherapy Sessions
I use the HIPAA compliant video conferencing platform called SimplePractice. It is easy to use and works on a phone, tablet or computer. All sessions are 50-minutes.
Payment
Payment:
I am considered private pay and am not in-network with any insurance providers. I encourage you to call your insurance company and ask if they provide coverage for out-of-network behavioral health (CPT Code 90837). I can provide you with the documentation you’ll need to submit your claims (this will require a diagnosis from the DSM-V). Please note that if you receive Medicaid I cannot provide services to you as you are required to work with an in-network provider.
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost
Under the law, health care providers 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 item or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item, You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider 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.
Abby Howard Counseling will discuss your fee for services with you in the initial consult and you will also be provided this information in writing through the Mandate Disclosure form. Additionally, you will be provided a Good Faith Estimate form.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call the Colorado Division of Insurance at 303-894-7490 or 1-800-930-3745.
EMDR
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. EMDR can help people heal from events that were and continue to be emotionally disturbing or stressful. Learn more about the 8 phases to the EMDR model.
What is the science behind EMDR?
EMDR was discovered in 1987 and over 30 controlled studies have been done since then showing EMDR as one of the most effective ways to help people heal from trauma, stress and emotional disturbance. It is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, World Health Organization and Department of Defense as an effective form of treatment for trauma and other disturbing experiences.
Here is a sampling of results from studies that have been done on EMDR:
Between 84%-90% of single-trauma survivors no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder after only three 90-minute sessions.
A study, funded by the HMO Kaiser Permanente, found that 100% of the single-trauma survivors and 77% of multiple trauma survivors no longer were diagnosed with PTSD after only six 50-minute sessions.
In another study, 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD in 12 sessions.
But, I don’t think I have experienced a trauma.
In the most traditional sense, trauma is anytime we have experienced something life-threatening. However, most of us have had something stressful happen in our lives that we just can’t seem to shake. For example, you may struggle with negative body image, a phobia, sleep issues, worry, or unhealthy relationship patterns.
Trauma is better described as anytime we have experienced something adverse and our central nervous systems continue to experience the stress even after the event is over. Adverse life experiences can look like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or a variety of other conditions such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders . EMDR helps to heal this stress and build resilience so you can experience healing.
FAQ
Where is your office located?
All sessions are currently offered through Telehealth via Simple Practice.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Currently all appointments are made directly with me either over the phone or through email.
How long are sessions?
55 minutes
Do you offer online counseling?
Yes, through a HIPAA compliant platform called Simple Practice.
Do you offer an initial consultation?
Yes, a free 20-minute consultation is provided to all potential clients.
What is your cancellation policy?
You must cancel or reschedule 48 hours in advance of the session. Not doing so will result in being charged the full fee.
What type of clients do you work with?
I work with people like you! I exclusively work with adults (18+). In my practice I see folx of all gender identities, ages, races, sexual orientations, sizes, faiths, and ability statuses.
What is your approach?
I draw mostly from Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Both of these approaches, in addition to being a mouth-full to say, are trauma responsive, relational, and evidence based.
How long will it take?
The length of therapy depends on many factors. We will discuss your goals and project timelines in our first session together.
Are you licensed?
Yes, I am a licensed clinical social worker in the states of Colorado and Missouri.