Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find several frequently asked questions from new clients including insurance, scheduling/cancellation policies, and getting started with therapy. If you don’t see an answer to your question below feel free to text, email or request a consultation.
Before you jump in I want to acknowledge that pursuing support can feel vulnerable at first — especially in a culture where mental health is still misunderstood or stigmatized. Reaching out for help does not mean that something is wrong with you. It means that you are brave, self-aware and introspective.
Everyone deserves support and in this space every part of you is welcome exactly how you are.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to your nearest emergency room. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7 support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental health concerns, or substance-use related crisis.
You can also contact:
Texas Local Mental Health Crisis Line
Texas Health and Human Services recommends contacting your Local Mental Health Authority crisis hotline for mental health crisis support in your country. Crisis lines are available 24/7 and can connect you to local resources.
Find your local crisis line line: Texas HHS Mental Health Crisis Services
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Free, 24/7 crisis support by text.
The Crisis Hotline Idaho
Local 24/7 hotline: 208-788-3596
Bilingual support: 208-578-4114
Additional 24/7 Hotlines:
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
Call or text 988
Chat online: 988lifeline.org/chat
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
24/7 confidential support.
Sexual Assault Hotline, RAINN:
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Also listed by the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault as a national 24/7 sexual assault hotline.
Eating Disorder Support:
1-800-931-2237
For eating disorder support and resources.
The LGBT National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
In a crisis or an emergency?
Rates, Fees, and Insurance
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Individual Therapy
Initial intake: 60 minutes, $165
Ongoing sessions: 50 minutes, $140
Couples Therapy
Initial intake: 90 minutes, $250
Ongoing session: 90 minutes, $220
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Yes, insurance is accepted for individual therapy sessions only for clients located in Texas.
Planted Abroad currently accepts the following insurance plans in Texas: Aetna, Cigna, Curative, Optum, United Healthcare, and Quest Behavioral Health.
Couples therapy is private pay only and is not miles through insurance.
Idaho clients are currently self-pay only. Texas clients who do not use one of the accepted insurance plans may request documentation for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on their plan benefits.
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I understand that therapy is an investment, and I never want cost to be the reason someone stops looking for support altogether.
Planted Abroad may have a limited number of reduced-rate spots available, but these spots are not guaranteed. If my current rate is outside of your budget, you are welcome to ask about availability or discuss a session frequency that may feel more manageable.
For clients needing a lower-cost option, I also recommend searching directories that allow you to filter by sliding scale, insurance, or reduced-fee providers, including Open Path Collective, Psychology Today, TherapyDen, Inclusive Therapists, and local university counseling clinics. Open Path specifically lists affordable therapy options, and Psychology Today and TherapyDen allow clients to search by insurance, cost, and other preferences.
Couples therapy is private pay only. Texas individual therapy clients may be able to use accepted insurance plans, and clients without accepted insurance may request a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
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Payment is collected electronically through the secure client portal.
For private pay clients, a card is kept on file and charged according to the practice payment policy.
For insurance clients, payment for copays, coinsurance, or deductibles is handled through Headway. Insurance benefits and estimated costs are reviewed through Headway before services begin.
Payment is due at the time of service unless otherwise stated in writing. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, HSA and FSA are all acceptable forms of payment.
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Possibly. If your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits, that means your insurance company may reimburse you for a portion of the sessions you pay for out of pocket, even if I am not directly in-network with your plan.
For example, you would pay for your session at the time of service, and depending on your benefits, your insurance may send reimbursement back to you after the claim is submitted.
To make this easier, I use Thrizer, a platform that helps clients check their out-of-network benefits and may assist with submitting claims for reimbursement. Instead of having to call your insurance company and decode insurance language yourself, you can use the benefits verification form below to instantly check whether your plan includes out-of-network coverage.
Please note that out-of-network reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your specific insurance plan, deductible, coinsurance, and insurance company rules. The verification form can give you a clearer idea of what your benefits may look like before starting sessions.
Use the benefits verification form below to check your out-of-network benefits and see whether you may be reimbursed for some of your out-of-pocket session costs.
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A superbill is a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance company to request possible out-of-network reimbursement.
It typically includes information such as the session date, service type, fee paid, diagnosis code, and provider information.
Superbills do not guarantee reimbursement. Your insurance company decides whether they will reimburse you based on your specific plan, deductible, and out-of-network benefits.
Session Information
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Your first session is designed to help us get clear on what brought you in, what you want support with, and what kind of care will feel most helpful for you.
For therapy clients, the first session is more structured than a typical ongoing session. We will review your current concerns, relevant history, goals, symptoms, and what you would like to be different in your life or relationships. This session also helps determine diagnosis, treatment focus, and whether this is the right clinical fit.
For Therapy-ish clients, the first session focuses more on your current season of life, adjustment stressors, goals, routines, relationships, identity, and the kind of support you are needing while living abroad or navigating transition. Therapy-ish is not therapy and does not include diagnosis or clinical treatment, but it does provide structured emotional support, reflection, and strategy.
You do not need to have everything perfectly organized before the first session. Just come ready to be honest about what has been feeling heavy, stuck, confusing, or ready for change.
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Most clients begin with weekly sessions so there is enough consistency to build momentum, understand patterns, and make meaningful progress.
Depending on your needs, goals, and availability, sessions may later move to biweekly once things feel more stable or you are in a maintenance phase.
For couples therapy, weekly sessions are strongly recommended at the beginning, especially when there is ongoing conflict, disconnection, trust concerns, or repeated communication breakdowns.
Session frequency is discussed during the first session and adjusted as needed based on your goals, progress, and clinical needs.Most clients begin with weekly sessions so there is enough consistency to build momentum, understand patterns, and make meaningful progress.
Depending on your needs, goals, and availability, sessions may later move to biweekly once things feel more stable or you are in a maintenance phase.
For couples therapy, weekly sessions are strongly recommended at the beginning, especially when there is ongoing conflict, disconnection, trust concerns, or repeated communication breakdowns.
Session frequency is discussed during the first session and adjusted as needed based on your goals, progress, and clinical needs.
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Sessions are conversational, collaborative, and focused on what is actually showing up in your life. We may process emotions, identify patterns, explore relationship dynamics, practice coping skills, work on boundaries, challenge unhelpful thoughts, or talk through decisions and life transitions.
My style is down-to-earth, honest, and supportive. I am not a “sit silently and nod the whole time” therapist, but I am also not here to judge or tell you how to live your life. The goal is to help you better understand yourself, feel more grounded, and make choices that align with the life you are trying to build.
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Yes, therapy is confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions. What you share in session stays private unless there is a concern related to safety, abuse, neglect, court orders, or another situation where I am legally required to take action or disclose information.
These limits to confidentiality will be reviewed with you during the intake process so you understand your rights and what to expect before we begin working together.
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Yes. This practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and committed to providing a space where clients can show up as their full selves without having to explain, defend, or minimize who they are.
Therapy should not be a place where you have to wonder whether your identity, relationship, family structure, pronouns, or lived experience will be respected. Whether you are navigating relationships, grief, identity, family dynamics, life transitions, or the everyday stress of being human, you deserve support that feels safe, grounded, and affirming.
My approach is down-to-earth, respectful, and collaborative. I do not believe in making assumptions about your life, your relationships, or what healing should look like for you. The goal is to create a space where you feel seen, respected, and supported without the fluff or judgment.
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Sessions require at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and missed sessions are subject to the full cancellation fee.
This policy applies to both private-pay and insurance clients. Insurance does not cover missed sessions or late cancellation fees, so clients are responsible for paying the fee out of pocket. Clients cannot be seen for another session until the outstanding cancellation fee is paid.
One late cancellation fee may be waived as a one-time courtesy. Emergency situations may also be considered for a waiver, with documentation, at my discretion.
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The length of therapy depends on your goals, consistency, needs, and the issues we are working on. Some clients come to therapy for short-term support during a specific life transition, while others prefer longer-term therapy to work through deeper patterns, relationships, grief, trauma, burnout, or ongoing stress.
We will check in periodically about your progress and whether therapy still feels helpful. The goal is not to keep you in therapy forever. The goal is to help you build insight, skills, confidence, and emotional stability so you can move through life with more clarity and support.The length of therapy depends on your goals, consistency, needs, and the issues we are working on. Some clients come to therapy for short-term support during a specific life transition, while others prefer longer-term therapy to work through deeper patterns, relationships, grief, trauma, burnout, or ongoing stress.
We will check in periodically about your progress and whether therapy still feels helpful. The goal is not to keep you in therapy forever. The goal is to help you build insight, skills, confidence, and emotional stability so you can move through life with more clarity and support.
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Therapy usually ends through a planned closing process. When you feel ready, we will talk about your progress, review what has changed, identify what tools and insights you want to carry forward, and discuss any concerns about ending therapy.
Sometimes clients take a break, move to less frequent sessions, or return later when a new life season brings up something different. Ending therapy does not have to feel abrupt or awkward. Ideally, it is a thoughtful transition that honors the work you have done
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No. I currently work with adults only. My practice focuses on adult clients navigating concerns such as relationships, grief, life transitions, stress, burnout, anxiety, identity shifts, and emotional wellness.
For children or adolescents, I recommend seeking a therapist who specializes in child, teen, or family therapy.
Miscellaneous and More
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Therapy is a licensed mental health service. It may include clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychotherapy interventions, crisis assessment, and formal mental health documentation. Because therapy is regulated by licensing laws, it generally can only be provided when you are physically located in a state or jurisdiction where I am legally authorized to practice.
For this practice, traditional therapy services are available to clients who are physically located in Texas or Idaho at the time of session.
Therapy-ish is different.
Therapy-ish is a non-clinical, coaching-style support service for adults who are outside of Texas or Idaho, including Americans living abroad, expats, digital nomads, frequent travelers, globally mobile adults, and people who want grounded emotional support but are not seeking formal mental health treatment.
It may feel therapeutic because we are still talking about real life, emotions, relationships, identity, stress, loneliness, routines, culture shock, major transitions, and the emotional side of building a life that looks different from what you expected. However, Therapy-ish is not therapy.
Therapy-ish does not include diagnosis, clinical treatment, crisis care, insurance billing, formal therapy records, or mental health treatment planning. Instead, it gives you a supportive space to process what you are experiencing, build insight, strengthen coping tools, and create more emotional stability while navigating life outside of your usual support system.
A simple way to think about it is this: therapy is clinical mental health treatment. Therapy-ish is structured emotional support for real life, especially when traditional therapy is not available through this practice because of location.
Therapy-ish is somewhat similar to coaching because it focuses on support, reflection, adjustment, goals, coping skills, and forward movement. But it is not the same as working with a random life coach who took a weekend certification and started giving advice on the internet.
As a trained and licensed therapist, I bring years of clinical education, professional experience, and therapeutic skill into the way I support you. That means I can use my knowledge of emotional regulation, communication patterns, attachment, boundaries, grief, stress, coping skills, identity development, relationship dynamics, and life transitions to help you think through what is happening in a deeper and more informed way.
So while Therapy-ish is not therapy, it is still thoughtful, structured, emotionally intelligent support provided by someone with actual clinical training.
Therapy-ish may be a good fit if you are functioning day to day, but feeling emotionally stretched, lonely, homesick, overwhelmed, disconnected, uncertain, or in transition. You may not need formal mental health treatment, but you may still want more than surface-level advice, motivational quotes, or generic “just journal about it” support.
Therapy-ish gives you a place to be honest about what life really feels like right now.
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Therapy-ish is available worldwide via secure tele-health platform.
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I am independently licensed to provide therapy in Texas and Idaho. Which means that I can provide therapy to clients who are located in Texas or Idaho at the time of the session.
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Not necessarily, but consistency matters.
For traditional therapy, many clients start with weekly sessions, especially if they are feeling overwhelmed, navigating a major life transition, working through relationship concerns, managing grief, or wanting to build momentum. Weekly sessions give us enough consistency to understand patterns, practice new skills, and actually make progress instead of spending every session catching up.
Some clients may move to biweekly sessions once things feel more stable or once they have made progress toward their goals. We can discuss what makes the most sense based on your needs, schedule, goals, and what feels clinically appropriate.
For Therapy-ish, weekly sessions are not always required. Some people prefer weekly support while adjusting to life abroad, navigating loneliness, rebuilding routines, or working through a major transition. Others may prefer biweekly or occasional check-ins for reflection, accountability, and grounded emotional support.
That said, sporadic sessions can make it harder to build rhythm and progress. Whether we are doing therapy or Therapy-ish, the goal is to create a schedule that feels supportive, realistic, and useful.
You do not have to commit to therapy forever. But showing up consistently gives the work a better chance to actually work.
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Phenomenal U PLLC is the legal business name of the practice. The practice now operates under the brand name Planted Abroad, which means you may see both names used in different places.
Think of it this way: Phenomenal U PLLC is the official legal entity, and Planted Abroad is the client-facing brand.
This means billing, insurance paperwork, business documentation, consent forms, or legal documents may reference Phenomenal U PLLC, while the website, marketing, and therapy experience may use Planted Abroad.
The care, provider, and practice remain the same. The brand name simply reflects the direction of the practice and the type of support offered: grounded, real-life therapy and Therapy-ish support for adults navigating relationships, grief, life transitions, identity shifts, and major changes at home or abroad.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars!
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Yes. To make sure clients receive the most appropriate care, there are some situations that may be outside the scope of this practice.
I currently work with adults only and do not provide therapy for children or adolescents. I also may not be the best fit for clients who are currently needing a higher level of care, such as intensive outpatient treatment, inpatient care, detox, crisis services, or frequent emergency support.
This practice may not be appropriate if you are experiencing active suicidal intent, thoughts of harming someone else, severe substance use concerns, active psychosis, untreated severe mental health symptoms, or safety concerns that require immediate or in-person support.
For Therapy-ish, I do not provide diagnosis, clinical treatment, crisis care, insurance billing, formal therapy records, or mental health documentation. Therapy-ish is not a replacement for therapy, psychiatric care, emergency services, or local mental health support.
I also may not be the right fit for clients who are looking for a therapist to simply tell them what to do, “fix” someone else, attend inconsistently, avoid doing the work outside of session, or use therapy only as a place to vent without wanting reflection, accountability, or growth.
My practice is best suited for adults who want grounded, honest, collaborative support and are willing to engage in the process both inside and outside of session.
I don’t work with couples who are experiencing domestic violence in their relationship
Other than this, I do see most clients but it’s about more than my criteria. It’s also about best fit. We can use the free consultation process to determine if this is a good fit for both of us. No strings attached!
“I feel happier just for being myself and letting others be themselves"
-Carl Rogers