Frequently Asked Questions
How can counseling benefit me?
Counseling helps you increase self-awareness and insight into our patterns. It is a safe space to vent, reflect, learn new skills, and build resilience. Counselors are here to help you figure out what you want more of and what you want less of in your life. No matter what goals you have, you will find support through counseling.
How can I make an appointment with you?
I ask that anyone who is interested in therapeutic services schedule a consultation with me here: Schedule Appointment with Kathryn Leachman (squarespacescheduling.com)
The link to schedule will allow you to choose to move forward with virtual counseling or in-person counseling and will prompt you to answer questions about what you are looking for from therapy so that we are best able to utilize our time together.
For other inquiries, you may reach me through the Contact Me button at the top of the page. Please allow me time to mindfully reply to each inquiry.
Do you see self-pay clients?
Yes, you may pay out-of-pocket in full over the course of our therapy sessions, at the time that services are provided. Session cost is $160 for 90-minute intake sessions and $140 for all 50-minute follow-up appointments. I offer a sliding scale in some cases as well, which is based on the need of the client.
Why self-pay? Insurance companies can often limit your options when you are looking for a counselor that fits your individual needs. Self-pay also allows you to have more control of your therapeutic process. Insurance companies can often limit the frequency or number of sessions and will sometimes discontinue coverage of services if they determine you are not benefiting from your sessions. Additionally, self-pay allows increased confidentiality of medical records.
Do you offer consultations?
Yes, I am available for a free 15-minute consultation via phone or video to see if we would be a good fit to build a therapeutic relationship. In order to schedule an initial consultation, you will need to answer several questions prior to choosing a time and date. You may schedule a consultation through the link below.
Schedule Appointment with Kathryn Leachman (squarespacescheduling.com)
Do you see clients of all ages?
I only see adult clients ages 20 and above.
How long are sessions? And how often should I go to therapy?
The initial session with me will be about 90 minutes. Sessions are 50-55 minutes. Frequency of sessions is up to you. If it’s available to them, many people choose to start with weekly sessions then reduce the frequency to bi-weekly as they see fit. However, it is up to you and what is available to you.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
Great question! But a tough one to answer. This depends on a person-to-person basis. Counseling is not meant to be forever, but the goal is that you leave counseling with more self-awareness, insight, and a toolbox of new skills. However, counseling will always be available to you as things come up in your life. The focus is not meant to be “How long until I’m fixed?” but based on spending the appropriate amount of time YOU need to fulfill your needs and wants.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, I currently accept the following insurance plans for counseling services:
United Healthcare (excluding Medicaid)
Blue Cross Blue Shield
UMR
Cigna
Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
What is my deductible?
Has my deductible been met?
How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
If you have an HMO: Is authorization required by primary physician?
What does it mean when you say you practice somatic therapy?
I have two years of training in Somatic Experiencing specifically. Somatic Experiencing is an alternative form of therapy that focuses on sensations in the body. It is aimed at treating trauma and stress-related disorders through bottom-up processing. The client's attention is directed toward internal sensations rather than toward cognitive or emotional experiences.
Feel free to read more about it here: SE 101 - Somatic Experiencing® International (traumahealing.org)
While a lot of work as a therapist is based on my somatic knowledge and training, I still practice a form of talk therapy. I believe both bottom-up and top-down approaches to therapy are beneficial.
What is a “Good Faith Estimate”?
A “Good Faith Estimate” in healthcare is an estimate of the cost for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the maximum expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.
In January of 2022, the No Surprises Act (HR133, Title 45 Section 149.610) began requiring providers to inform their clients that they have a right to a “Good Faith Estimate” to help them estimate the maximum expected charges that they may incur.
“Good Faith Estimate” Notice:
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health 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 expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a 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 a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.