FAQ

My hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm and Sundays, from 9am-1pm PST.

Chief Counseling provides online services to Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Washington via the Zoom platform. I chose this because it’s easy to use and minimize the familiar frustrations of other online platforms.

Great question! I have found it to be just as good. There is something to be said for skipping the hassle of commuting and doing this challenging work in the comfort of your own space.

I strive to make the payment process as easy and convenient as possible through my online platform HelloAlma. You can securely add a credit or debit card for automatic payments. If this method doesn’t work for you, please feel free to discuss alternative payment arrangements with me.

Insurance Plans Accepted

I currently accept the following insurance plans, pending verification of your benefits:

• Aetna (ID, NM, NV, WA)
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (NV)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (NV, WA)
• Cigna (ID, NM, NV, WA)
• Meritain (NV, WA)
• Optum (NV, WA)
• Oscar (WA)
• Oxford (WA)
• Quest Behavioral Health (NV, WA)
• TRICARE West (ID, NM, NV, WA)
• UMR (NV, WA)
• United Healthcare (NV, WA)

I also accept out-of-network insurance benefits. If your insurance plan isn’t listed, please feel free to contact me. I may be able to add it in the future or help guide you through the out-of-network benefits process.

Additional Payment Options

• Self-pay 
• Superbills: Available upon request for submission to your insurance.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA): Accepted, but please ensure your information is up to date with your HSA provider.
• Alternative Payment Methods: We can discuss other payment options that best suit your needs.

I’m flexible because I know life happens and things come up. That said, 24-hour cancellation of services is required.

Sessions canceled with less than a 24-hour notice will be subject to a fee of no less than 25% of the 50-minute session rate. Sessions missed without a courtesy call to cancel will be subject to a fee of no less than 100% of the 50-minute session rate. If payments are made in cash, or there is no card to charge, then the additional amount will be due at the beginning of the following session and the normal session payment. Payment arrangements are available.

Again, life happens. All I ask for is a call or text.

We’ll first have a brief 20-minute consultation to ensure we’re a good match. Assuming we are, I’ll send a portal invitation via the online platform to your email. This is where everything regarding your treatment, including the link for online sessions, will be located. You’ll also use the portal to complete intake paperwork.

Our first session will be an hour-long intake session, where I’ll learn more about your history and what’s brought you to therapy. From there, we’ll schedule our first official session to begin therapy.

I love this!

We recognize our friends are there, and they want to support us as much as possible. However, without specific training, especially in the area of trauma, they run the risk of unintentionally retraumatizing you and worsening your symptoms. Also, you recognize your friends have their own lives and perspectives, which could lead to you feeling like a burden, judged, or embarrassed.

That said, I usually encourage my clients to develop or deepen the relationships around them because I’m only with you one out of the 168 hours in a week!

Great question! I could answer this by telling you about my years of training (both in life and academia), but I think my perspective on people might be the best answer.

When functioning at 100%, I believe people are capable of more than we can ever imagine. So, just imagine how much more capable we could be if we didn’t have the clouds of past trauma hanging around in our lives!

I attended the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky, where I earned a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It was a wonderful school and experience that laid the foundation for my work in the mental health field.

I am fully licensed in Nevada, Washington, and Idaho. My training includes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), all of which are widely used to address trauma, particularly in veterans and first responders.

Certifications:

• National Certified Counselor (NCC): A nationally recognized certification that signifies I have voluntarily met high national standards for counseling.
• EMDR Certified Therapist (CIT for EMDR): Specialized training in EMDR, a highly effective treatment for trauma.
• Clinical Military Counselor Certificate: Specialized knowledge and skills to support the mental health needs of military personnel and veterans.

Professional Memberships:

• American Counseling Association (ACA): A hub of counseling information and activity, especially on the topic of trauma and its treatment.
• Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International: Recognizing academic and professional excellence in counseling.
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Demonstrates my commitment to meeting high national standards for counseling.
• Military and Government Counseling Association: Focused on the unique mental health needs of military personnel and veterans.
• Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES): Supporting my ongoing commitment to counselor education and supervision.

My education, certifications, and affiliations are all geared toward providing the highest level of care to my clients, particularly those dealing with trauma and PTSD.

I have been practicing professionally since 2018. My experience, however, comes from more than just textbooks and classes. I have life experience which guides and influences my practice.

I’ve been told I have a calming voice and demeanor, which helps create a safe, supportive environment. While my training and education are important, I believe the ability to truly connect with clients is even more crucial. My approach is centered on empathy and genuine connection, meeting clients where they are without judgment.

With a focus on trauma, especially in veterans and first responders, I navigate difficult emotions with care and sensitivity. I’m committed to helping clients find strength and resilience, guiding them through their healing journey with patience and compassion.

I value transparency and collaboration, believing the best outcomes come when clients feel empowered and involved in their healing process. My goal is to provide the support you need to move forward with confidence and hope.

We live in an ever-changing world, and I do whatever’s called for in the moment.

Our overarching goal will be to work through your trauma. And as life happens, we’ll adapt.

My philosophy is summed in a quote by Cicero: “While there’s life, there’s hope.”

As long as we draw breath, there’s hope for a better tomorrow – a tomorrow in which there are no flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts.

My approach is trauma-informed and keeps you as the person at the center. Whether it’s intense work or a lighter recovery session, your needs are always central.

Absolutely! In fact, that’s what we recommend.

The free consultation is usually 10 to 20 minutes. During that time, we’ll share with each other a few important details to determine if we’re a good fit to work together.

It’s something like a brief interview to make sure I understand your concerns and can help. Also, I make sure your concerns are within my scope of training. For example, I’m not yet trained to work with children or do parental training.

My first answer is you’ll know by my ability to understand your concerns and create a plan to address them.

But more importantly, I think: Have you ever had a gut feeling about something? Trust your gut.

The work is challenging, but the results are fulfilling.

It brings me great joy to see clients walk out of the office with a completely different perspective on the world around them.

That and I rock-climb!