Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a brief list of commonly asked questions. If you don't see your question listed below, feel free to contact us!
I’m new to therapy. What does starting therapy look like?
Prior to starting therapy, Dr. Stewart provides a free Initial Phone Consult to make sure she is a good fit for your needs. During your first appointment, Dr. Stewart will ask many questions to get to know you and your concerns and conduct a comprehensive clinical interview to assess for symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, and other concerns. She will also ask general questions about your childhood, family, social, educational, and work history. The process is fairly similar for children and teens but usually starts with a parent interview first, following by an interview with the child, although this is flexible depending on the child/parent's preference and the child's age. After the initial Intake assessment, Dr. Stewart will give you diagnostic feedback (if applicable) and recommendations. You (and your child, if applicable) will work collaboratively with Dr. Stewart to set some treatment goals.
How often will I attend therapy?
Although Dr. Stewart will make a recommendation about the optimal frequency of sessions needed to meet your goals, ultimately, it's up to you! Most clients begin with weekly sessions and transition to bi-weekly (every 2 weeks), and eventually "as needed", depending on their progress and preferences. For certain conditions, Dr. Stewart may recommend meeting more frequently (i.e., twice a week).
Are sessions confidential?
Sessions are confidential, meaning Dr. Stewart cannot share what you discuss during sessions with others, with a few exceptions pertaining to safety (i.e., suspicion of immediate harm to self or others, abuse of a child or dependent adult). At your request and with written authorization from you, Dr. Stewart is happy to coordinate with and include others in your care (i.e., family members, physicians, psychiatrists, teachers, etc.)
Do you provide in-person sessions?
Yes; however, for those wishing to meet via telehealth, Dr. Stewart uses a secure HIPAA-compliant platform, Doxy. You can learn more about Doxy here. All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer, a private space, and internet access.
Do you accept insurance?
Dr. Stewart is considered an out-of-network provider. If you have insurance with out-of-network benefits, Dr. Stewart is happy to provide you with an itemized receipt, known as a superbill, that includes applicable service, diagnostic, and procedure codes. Please contact your insurance company to see what your out-of network benefits are. You may want to ask questions such as:
1. Does my policy provide out-of-network benefits?
2. Does my policy provide out-of-network benefits for mental health and/or behavioral health?
3. What steps do I need to take to use my out-of-network benefits (i.e., do I need prior authorization before seeing an out-of-network provider?)
4. Do I have a deductible for out-of-network services? If so, how much is the deductible and how do I meet it?
What is the No Surprises Act?
As of January 1, 2022, under the Public Health Service Act, all health care providers and health care facilities are required to ask if you have health insurance and if so, if you intend to submit a claim for reimbursement. All healthcare providers must inform patients who do not have insurance, or who are not seeking to file a claim with their insurance, of their right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges for medical and mental health services.
I’m new to therapy. What does starting therapy look like?
Prior to starting therapy, Dr. Stewart provides a free Initial Phone Consult to make sure she is a good fit for your needs. During your first appointment, Dr. Stewart will ask many questions to get to know you and your concerns and conduct a comprehensive clinical interview to assess for symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, and other concerns. She will also ask general questions about your childhood, family, social, educational, and work history. The process is fairly similar for children and teens but usually starts with a parent interview first, following by an interview with the child, although this is flexible depending on the child/parent's preference and the child's age. After the initial Intake assessment, Dr. Stewart will give you diagnostic feedback (if applicable) and recommendations. You (and your child, if applicable) will work collaboratively with Dr. Stewart to set some treatment goals.
How often will I attend therapy?
Although Dr. Stewart will make a recommendation about the optimal frequency of sessions needed to meet your goals, ultimately, it's up to you! Most clients begin with weekly sessions and transition to bi-weekly (every 2 weeks), and eventually "as needed", depending on their progress and preferences. For certain conditions, Dr. Stewart may recommend meeting more frequently (i.e., twice a week).
Are sessions confidential?
Sessions are confidential, meaning Dr. Stewart cannot share what you discuss during sessions with others, with a few exceptions pertaining to safety (i.e., suspicion of immediate harm to self or others, abuse of a child or dependent adult). At your request and with written authorization from you, Dr. Stewart is happy to coordinate with and include others in your care (i.e., family members, physicians, psychiatrists, teachers, etc.)
Do you provide in-person sessions?
Yes; however, for those wishing to meet via telehealth, Dr. Stewart uses a secure HIPAA-compliant platform, Doxy. You can learn more about Doxy here. All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer, a private space, and internet access.
Do you accept insurance?
Dr. Stewart is considered an out-of-network provider. If you have insurance with out-of-network benefits, Dr. Stewart is happy to provide you with an itemized receipt, known as a superbill, that includes applicable service, diagnostic, and procedure codes. Please contact your insurance company to see what your out-of network benefits are. You may want to ask questions such as:
1. Does my policy provide out-of-network benefits?
2. Does my policy provide out-of-network benefits for mental health and/or behavioral health?
3. What steps do I need to take to use my out-of-network benefits (i.e., do I need prior authorization before seeing an out-of-network provider?)
4. Do I have a deductible for out-of-network services? If so, how much is the deductible and how do I meet it?
What is the No Surprises Act?
As of January 1, 2022, under the Public Health Service Act, all health care providers and health care facilities are required to ask if you have health insurance and if so, if you intend to submit a claim for reimbursement. All healthcare providers must inform patients who do not have insurance, or who are not seeking to file a claim with their insurance, of their right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges for medical and mental health services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items 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 one 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.
- For questions or more information about your right to receive a Good Faith Estimate or to learn about the dispute resolution process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.