What we talk about in your sessions is private and confidential. This means I will not share what you tell me with anyone else without your written permission.

The only times I may have to share information—because I am legally or ethically required—are if:

• You are in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else.

• There is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult.

• I am required by a court order to release information.

Outside of these situations, your personal information and what we discuss will stay between us. If you want me to share information (for example, with a doctor, school, or family member), you will need to sign a release form first.

Your trust is important to me, and protecting your privacy is a core part of our work together.

We understand that life happens, but to keep our schedule fair for all clients, we have a firm cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, we require at least 24 hours’ notice.

If a session is canceled or rescheduled less than 24 hours before your appointment time, a mandatory automatic cancellation fee will be charged. This fee is equal to the full out-of-pocket rate for the service that was scheduled, and there are no exceptions.

However, if you’re able to make time to attend at least 17 minutes or so of your scheduled session—whether in over the phone or virtually—the fee will be waived or reduced to a nominal amount.

This policy allows us to reserve your time and make it available to others if you can’t attend, while still giving you the chance to get some benefit from your reserved session.

Yes! We do accept out-of-pocket payments. Just let our team know if that’s your preference, and we’ll walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Private Pay allows us to focus on personalized, high-quality care without the limitations often required by insurance companies.

Many clients choose private pay because it offers:

• Greater privacy and confidentiality

• More flexibility in treatment and no limitations on the length or quantity of sessions

• A focus on your goals. Not insurance requirements

There are no diagnosis requirements, session limits, or restrictions on the type of work we can do together. This often leads to deeper, more meaningful progress.

Yes, through a superbill.

A superbill is a special receipt we can give you that lists the details of your therapy sessions—like dates, fees, and the service codes insurance companies use. You can send this document to your insurance company to see if they will pay you back for some of the cost of therapy.

When you can use it:

• If we are out-of-network with your insurance, a superbill may help you get partial reimbursement for sessions.

• You’ll usually need to submit it yourself to your insurance company (often through their online portal or by mail).

Why you might want to use it:

• It could lower your overall cost of therapy if your plan offers out-of-network benefits.

Why you might not want to use it:

• Your insurance company may require a mental health diagnosis to process the reimbursement.

• They may not cover the services at all, depending on your plan.

• Using a superbill means your insurance company will have certain details about your therapy in their records.

• Its more work on your end.

If you’d like to learn more about how superbills work, check out our video on the Smooth Stone Counseling YouTube channel for a step-by-step explanation.

Just look at the one above lol.

No. You get to choose your own therapist—you do not need a doctor’s referral to work with me. If you’d like me to communicate with your doctor, I’m happy to do so with your written permission through a signed release form.

If your insurance plan requires a referral for psychotherapy services, you can simply let your doctor know you’d like to see me. You are not required to pick from their list, as long as I am in-network with your insurance.

No—you are never locked into therapy. You are in charge of your own therapy journey (unless services are court mandated). You can discontinue services at any time. While it’s preferred that you let your therapist know if you’d like to end therapy so we can have a termination session and wrap things up in a supportive way, it’s always your choice.

You’re also welcome to restart services in the future, as long as it makes sense for your needs and there is availability. Finding the right therapist is important, and we understand that we may not be the best fit for everyone. My goal is for you to feel supported and empowered—whether that’s with us or with someone else who’s a better match for you.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, so we want you to know what to expect—and just as importantly, what you won’t experience with us.

At Smooth Stone Counseling, we:

• Go at your pace. We won’t push you to learn new skills or talk about things before you’re ready.

• Keep family sessions safe. We don’t blame one person or “pick sides.” Our focus is on understanding, not pointing fingers.

• Believe therapy should be a choice. No one should be forced into it—real progress happens when you’re ready and willing. Court-mandated therapy can be tough, but we’re committed to partnering with you so it’s a productive and respectful experience.

• Prioritize safety for everyone. We work hard to make therapy a positive experience, especially for children and teens.

• Are honest about the process. Therapy isn’t magic—it takes time, consistency, and bravery to see change.

• Value communication. We can’t read your mind, so we encourage you to share what you’re feeling and needing along the way.

• See you as whole. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—you are not broken. It’s about growth, healing, and building tools for life.

We’re here to walk alongside you, at your pace, with compassion and respect.

If your thoughts, emotions, or stress levels are starting to impact your daily life, relationships, or sense of well-being, therapy can help. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Many people start therapy simply to better understand themselves and feel more in control.

The first session is a conversation where we get to know you! What’s been going on, what you’re hoping for, and what feels important to focus on. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out. You can go at your own pace.

That’s completely normal. Many people come in unsure of where to start. Part of the process is helping you identify patterns, thoughts, and experiences that may not be obvious at first.

It depends on your goals, but many clients begin noticing shifts within a few sessions. Therapy is not just about talking, it’s about learning practical tools and ways of thinking that create real change over time.

Yes. Therapy can help you understand why your mind gets stuck in anxious loops and teach you strategies to manage overthinking, reduce stress, and feel more grounded.

Anxiety often comes from patterns in the brain that are designed to protect you, even when there isn’t a clear threat. Therapy helps you understand these patterns and learn how to respond differently so anxiety doesn’t take over.

Yes. We provide secure virtual therapy sessions, making it easy to access support from the comfort of your home.

That’s okay. In addition to therapy, we offer educational resources, workshops, and courses designed to give you practical tools and insights you can use at your own pace.

These options are a great starting point if you:

• Want support but aren’t ready for weekly therapy

• Prefer learning independently

• Are looking for specific tools for anxiety, stress, or personal growth

Our courses and workshops are designed to be practical, accessible, and grounded in real-life challenges. You’ll learn tools and strategies you can start using right away to better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Yes. Many people who appear successful on the outside still experience anxiety, overthinking, or burnout internally. Therapy can help you feel as good internally as you appear externally.

Absolutely. Starting therapy is a new experience, and it’s normal to feel uncertain. Most clients find that those feelings ease quickly once they begin talking.

Not all therapy experiences are the same. The right approach and fit can make a significant difference. If previous therapy didn’t help, we can explore what was missing and take a different approach.

Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or scheduling page, and we’ll guide you through the next steps. Whether you’re ready for therapy or exploring other resources, we’ll help you find the right fit.