FAQs

GETTING STARTED

  • I practice throughout the state of Colorado via telehealth. Although you do not have to be a Colorado resident to work with me, you must be located in Colorado at the time of our appointment.

  • You can fill out the appointment request form or book a free 15-minute consultation through my profile on Headway. I look forward to working with you!

  • Your first therapy appointment can feel both exciting and scary. Here's what you can expect during our first session:

    Introduction: If this is your first time in therapy, I like to take some time to "demystify" the therapy process. I will also share a bit about my background, my credentials, and what I love about my job. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the therapy process.

    Confidentiality: I will explain the limits of confidentiality and discuss any circumstances under which I may be required to break confidentiality, such as if there's a risk of harm to yourself or others.

    Assessment and Exploration: Next we will transition into what brings you in for counseling. I often ask clients, "What makes therapy feel like a good choice today?" This may include information about your symptoms, relationships, family history, and past experiences.

    Goal Setting: Together we will work to clarify your goals for therapy. This might involve identifying specific areas you want to work on, defining what success would look like for you, and discussing how therapy can help you achieve your goals.

    Discussion of Treatment Plan: Based on your assessment and goals, we will collaborate to develop a treatment plan outlining the focus and direction of your therapy. This may include discussing the frequency and duration of sessions, as well as the therapeutic approaches or techniques that will be used.

    Next Steps: At the end of a session, I often provide some homework or recommendations for things to work on between sessions. I will also discuss scheduling your next appointment and any logistics related to billing, payment, or insurance.

    Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and it's okay to feel unsure or nervous during your first appointment. I am here to support you every step of the way and will work with you to create a positive and productive therapeutic experience.

  • I work with adults 25 and older, both individuals and couples/multiple partners. My clients come from a variety of backgrounds—all ages, cultures, hometowns, religious upbringings (or not), and relationship structures. I have special training on the lifespan and issues related to aging, as well as therapeutic modalities tailored to LGBTQ+ topics and polyamorous/non-monogamous couples.

    Generally, my clients are motivated, thoughtful, and curious about the therapeutic process. I love working with people who are entering therapy for the first time, and I'm also eager to work with people for whom therapy was a negative experience in the past.

  • I do not prescribe medications, nor are you required to take them to be in therapy! However, I have training in psychiatric medication management and connections to medication providers throughout Colorado if you would like to discuss treatment options outside of talk therapy.

SCHEDULING & APPOINTMENTS

  • You can fill out the appointment request form or book a free 15-minute consultation through my profile on Headway. I look forward to working with you!

    Returning clients will work with me directly to find a recurring session time that works with your schedule and needs.

  • Life happens. If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please reach out at least 48 hours in advance. This allows other clients to be seen.

    Cancellations within 48 hours or "no-show" appointments are charged a $75 fee. (Believe me, I hate doing that!)

  • Sessions are typically 50-55 minutes, with a little time reserved at the end to review or schedule your next appointment. Some clients who meet with me more regularly schedule 30-minute follow-ups as a sort of "mental health tune up."

  • I am an early bird! My schedule opens at 7 AM Mountain Time, and I typically schedule appointments throughout the day into the late afternoon. I typically do not offer evening or weekend appointments.

PAYMENT & INSURANCE

  • If you are using insurance, each plan varies. Some plans require a small copay for your visit, while others require that your deductible or coinsurance is met. I am happy to work with you and my insurance processor, Headway, to determine your estimated out-of-pocket costs.

    If you are not using insurance, a 50-minute session is $150. Thirty-minute appointments are billed at $75 per session.

    Couples counseling sessions are not able to be processed via insurance. However, the rate is the same for an individual or a couple ($150).

  • Yes! You can use your Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, United, Cigna, Oscar, and Oxford insurance plans to pay for our appointments, with more insurance partners coming soon.

  • Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not allow clinicians to submit insurance claims for couples therapy. However, my rate is the same for individual or couples sessions ($150).

  • I have partnered with Headway to accept insurance from most providers in Colorado. Headway makes it easy to check you benefits and determine how much you will pay per session. You can visit my Headway profile and select "Add Insurance" to start the process of verifying your coverage.

  • At this time I do not accept EAP benefits.

  • I accept all payments through Headway, which is an all-in-one platform for billing, scheduling, and telehealth. Headway allows you to keep a credit card on file to automatically pay for your session.

    At this time I do not accept checks, cash, or other forms of electronic payment (such as Venmo or CashApp).

  • Sliding scale is a method some therapists use to reduce the cash-pay cost of therapy for clients. Therapy can be expensive!

    I accept a wide range of insurance plans to help people receive the care that they deserve. However, I do not currently have a sliding-scale fee for cash-pay clients.

ABOUT NICK & THERAPY IN GENERAL

  • I received my master's in counselor education (M.Ed.) from Virginia Tech. Since then, I have become an LPC (licensed professional counselor), which requires 2,000+ hours of counseling experience under the supervision of an approved supervisor.

    I regularly complete continuing education programs on topics that help me to better serve my clients. I am trained in Gottman Levels I and II for couples therapy, and I have completed continuing education programs on sex therapy, phobias and OCD, and polyamory/non-monogamy, to name a few topics of interest!

  • Ultimately, the decision to pursue therapy is a personal one, and it's essential to consider your unique circumstances and needs. If you're unsure whether therapy is right for you, you're welcome to schedule a free consultation with me to discuss your concerns and explore how therapy may be helpful in addressing them.

    Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and therapy can be a valuable resource for anyone seeking support, guidance, or personal growth.

    Some common reasons that people seek therapy include:

    Emotional Well-being: Are you experiencing emotional distress, such as feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress, that are impacting your daily life and functioning? Therapy can provide support and coping strategies to manage these emotions effectively.

    Relationship Issues: Are you experiencing difficulties in your relationships, whether with romantic partners, family members, friends, or coworkers? Therapy can help improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.

    Life Transitions: Are you going through significant life changes, such as career transitions, loss or grief, relocation, or major life decisions? Therapy can offer guidance, perspective, and support as you navigate these transitions.

    Self-Exploration: Are you interested in gaining deeper self-awareness, understanding your thoughts and emotions better, and exploring aspects of yourself or your identity? Therapy can provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for self-exploration and personal growth.

    Coping Skills: Do you struggle with coping mechanisms or unhealthy patterns of behavior, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or avoidance? Therapy can help you develop healthier coping skills, build resilience, and make positive changes in your life.

    Support System: Do you feel isolated, unsupported, or lacking in social connections? Therapy can provide a supportive and empathetic relationship with a trained professional who can offer guidance, validation, and encouragement.

    Goal Setting: Do you have specific goals or aspirations for personal or professional growth that you're struggling to achieve? Therapy can help you clarify your goals, identify obstacles, and develop strategies for reaching your full potential.

  • As a counselor, I was trained to believe that therapy is about wellness, not illness—meaning, you don't have to have a formally diagnosed mental health condition to benefit from therapy.

    A lot of my clients are seeking guidance, encouragement, and support on a variety of issues that cannot be "diagnosed." These include issues related to life transitions (like parenthood, marriage, retirement, or coming out), relationship concerns, difficulty reaching goals, existential worries, and a feeling of being "lost."

  • It can feel scary to open up about certain topics with someone new. I aim to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients to talk about what matters most.

    I am a sex-positive and kink-allied therapist, and I have worked with clients who in the past have been shamed (even by therapists!) for their wants, desires, and backgrounds. I also work with clients who feel embarrassed by certain behaviors or thoughts that can feel uncomfortable or even unwanted.

    Let me be clear: You are welcome here.

  • All therapists negotiate boundaries with their clients to determine what is "okay" to disclose about themselves. I often describe myself more as an open door than a brick wall; meaning, I tend to believe that disclosing pieces of my own life, when done for therapeutic reasons, can actually enhance the process of therapy.