Frequently Asked Questions

Logistics Questions

  • Schedule a free 15-minute consultation through Simple Practice or email me with your availability (info@transitpsych.com). In our first conversation, we’ll discuss your goals and see if my approach feels right for you.

  • No, TRANSIT Psychology is an out-of-network provider, which means we do not directly contract with insurance companies.  Many clients use their out-of-network benefits for partial reimbursement. I’ll provide a “superbill” you can submit to your insurer, and I can guide you on what questions to ask and how to file so the process feels less overwhelming. See my ‘Fees and Insurance’ page for details.

  • I offer a limited number of reduced-fee appointments, which are often full. You’re welcome to reach out to see if a spot is available.

  • No, not at this time.  I provide secure, HIPAA-compliant online therapy in AZ, ME, MA, NY, and all PSYPACT states.

  • No. As a clinical psychologist, I am not licensed to provide medication. If we decide medication might support your treatment, I can connect you with a psychiatrist or your primary care provider for an evaluation.

  • Sessions range from 50 to 80 minutes. The length depends on your preferences, goals, and the treatment approach we are using.

  • Ideally, sessions begin weekly. As treatment progresses and you feel more confident in your growth, we may transition to a “maintenance stage,” where sessions occur every other week or even once a month.

  • This depends on your therapy goals and the treatment modality (structured vs. dynamic). Individual structured treatments are typically 16-20 sessions, while dynamic, insight-oriented work can extend for a year or longer. Some individuals prefer to have ongoing monthly therapy as a way to “check-ins” with themselves and ensure they are engaging in preventative/ongoing care. Group therapy is typically 10-12 sessions.

  • Yes. Your session time is reserved especially for you. When appointments are missed or canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, clients are charged 50% of the service fee.

    Our 50% late-cancellation fee is not meant as a penalty, but as a way to:

    • Support consistency in your care, which is key for progress;

    • Respect the time and preparation that goes into each session; and

    • Help ensure timely access for all clients who need an appointment

    We understand that emergencies and unforeseen events happen, and we encourage you to reach out as soon as possible if you need to adjust your appointment.

Therapy Questions

  • I offer compassionate, evidence-based trauma therapy for PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. I also conduct psychological evaluations.

  • Trauma therapy helps the body and brain feel safe again. It’s not only about telling your story, but also about working with how trauma lives in the body—using movement, breath, and connection to help you feel calm, present, and able to fully engage with life. It is a process of recovery that unfolds in stages: first creating safety, then gently exploring and making sense of the traumatic experience, and finally reconnecting with yourself and with others. Trauma therapy is about restoring dignity, agency, presence of mind, and a sense of belonging.

  • No. In our first sessions, I’ll ask what type of trauma brought you to therapy (e.g., sexual violence, verbal abuse, car accident, attack, etc.) and what symptoms you’re experiencing—but not for detailed descriptions right away. We will start by creating safety and stability—emotionally, mentally, and physically—then move toward memory processing when you’re ready. This includes learning skills to calm the nervous system and build resilience, so that when we do begin working directly with your trauma story, you feel supported and in control. Processing memories and facing avoided situations is part of trauma recovery, but we’ll do it in a way that keeps you supported and in control.

  • Yes. Trauma can leave deep patterns in the brain and body, but research in neuroscience and psychology shows that healing is possible at any stage of life. The human nervous system is adaptable—it can learn new ways to respond, find safety, and build resilience, even if the trauma occurred long ago.

    Many people who come to therapy have lived with the effects of trauma for years, sometimes without realizing how much it has shaped their relationships, work, and sense of self. In our work together, we will start by building the skills and stability you need to feel grounded in the present. From there,  we work safely with the memories and patterns that have been causing distress, avoidance, and disconnection. 

    Healing doesn’t mean forgetting or erasing the past. It means loosening trauma’s hold (the space it occupies in your everyday life) so you can live with greater choice, connection, and ease. Whether you’re seeking relief from symptoms like anxiety, hypervigilance, or emotional numbing, or simply wanting to feel more alive and connected, therapy can help you move toward a future that feels more like your own.

  • Feeling overwhelmed is a normal response in trauma therapy. If it happens, we will pause, use grounding tools, and help your body return to the present moment before continuing. Body-focused strategies, mindfulness, and DBT skills can help regulate the nervous system, making processing feel manageable and non-retraumatizing. Therapy is always paced to protect your sense of safety.

  • Many clients come to me after previous therapy was not the right fit or did not address trauma in a safe, structured way. Sometimes therapy in the past hasn’t helped because it moved too quickly into the trauma or did not use approaches tailored to your needs.  Our work combines evidence-based trauma treatments with psychodynamic interventions and measurement-based care, allowing us to identify what is working and adjust as needed. I take an intentional approach—building stability, tailoring methods to your needs, and using feedback tools so we can adjust as we go. This helps make therapy both effective and sustainable. Click here for a list of treatments offered at TRANSIT.

  • We’ll track progress using both your own experience and measurement-based tools that monitor symptoms like anxiety, mood, and PTSD severity. You might notice feeling calmer in your body, sleeping better, being less reactive, or reconnecting with people you care about. We’ll review your goals regularly to ensure therapy is moving you toward the life you want and make adjustments in real time as needed.

  • Yes. Questionnaires are part of a treatment approach called measurement-based care. They give us a clear, objective way to track how you’re feeling over time—looking at things like mood, anxiety, sleep, and PTSD symptoms.

    Think of them as a snapshot of where you are each week or month. This information helps us identify patterns, measure progress, and adjust your therapy plan in real time to ensure it’s tailored to your needs.

    Many clients find it encouraging to see their scores change as therapy progresses—it’s a concrete reminder that healing is happening, even when change feels slow and gradual. Just as a doctor might use lab results to guide your physical health care, these questionnaires help guide your emotional and psychological care.

What is the difference between a life coach, counselor, therapist, psychologist, neuropsychologist, and psychiatrist?

Professional Education & Training Hours Focus & Specialty Typical clients Can diagnose?
Life Coach Informal training

0-300 hours

Unlicensed.
Goal-setting, motivation, accountability, career, or personal growth. Not trained to diagnose or treat mental health disorders. Individuals seeking motivation, direction, or accountability—not treatment for mental health concerns. No
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Master’s

2,000–3,000 hrs
Provides talk therapy for life transitions, stress concerns, and relationship issues. Individuals seeking therapy for specific concerns or life stressors. Limited
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) Master’s

2,000–3,000 hrs
Specializes in couples, family, and relationship-focused therapy to improve communication and connection. Individuals seeking therapy for relationship and family systems concerns. Limited
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Master’s

2,000–3,000 hrs
Offers therapy and resource support, addressing mental health and social challenges. Individuals seeking therapy for specific life stressors and resources for addressing social determinants of mental health. Limited
Counseling Psychologist Doctorate

5,000–6,000 hrs
Addresses emotional, social, and vocational concerns; trained in assessment and psychotherapy. Individuals seeking therapy, career counseling, or personal growth; less focus on severe mental illness. Yes
Clinical Psychologist Doctorate + 1-year fellowship

6,000–7,500 hrs

Can prescribe medication in certain states.
Expert in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions, including severe and complex disorders. Uses evidence-based therapies. Individuals seeking treatment for conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, or complex trauma. Yes
Neuropsychologist Doctorate + 2-year fellowship

7,500+ hrs
Specializes in brain–behavior relationships. Conducts cognitive testing for brain injury, neurological disorders, or developmental conditions. Individuals with memory issues, brain injury, dementia, learning disorders, or neurological conditions. Yes
Psychiatrist Medical school + residency

12,000+ hrs
Specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, can prescribe medication, may offer psychotherapy. Individuals needing medication management for mental health conditions, sometimes combined with therapy. Yes
Download The Professional Comparison Table