FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Therapy with Dr. Jo
What are your credentials and experience?
I have a doctoral degree in clinical psychology (PsyD) and am licensed to provide therapy and evaluations in Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico, as well as all the PSYPACT states. I have been practicing psychology for almost 20 years. For more about me and my training, click here
Do you take insurance?
For many reasons, I DO NOT accept insurance.
Don't be discouraged! Sessions are often the same or even at times less than they might be if you used your insurance, especially if you have a high deductible and high specialist copays.
Also, if you use your insurance, you will have to be given a diagnosis and it will likely become part of your record with the insurance companies, along with other personal information, and it could be considered a pre-existing condition in the future. Insurance companies dictate how many sessions you are allowed and how often you can go to therapy, and at times they will refuse to cover therapy sessions at all. Sometimes using insurance can result in having to change therapists frequently, starting all over again with someone new each time insurance changes. By not accepting insurance, I can keep your information more private and spend more time focusing on you rather than on phone calls and paperwork, allowing me to offer lower rates to you and all my clients.
What about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)?
I happily accept FSA and HSA cards or can provide you the itemized receipts for you to file for reimbursement.
How much does therapy cost?
I offer a free 15-minute free consultation. If it feels like we’re a good fit, we’ll meet for your initial intake session, which is 60 minutes long (flat rate $175).
My standard rate is $150 for 45-minute individual therapy sessions. I do have a limited number of reduced-rate spots. Those who can pay a little more help out those who need the lower end of the scale, and it balances out.
If my rates are still out of your budget, there are other options that might be a better fit. You can find a list of affordable counseling resources via Open Path.
How much do evaluations for WPATH letters of support for gender-affirming surgeries cost?
Letter evaluations are offered on a pay-what-you-can basis, so you decide what amount works for you. My sliding scale works on an honor system. You get to decide what is sustainable for you--you are putting your trust in me by opening up to me about your problems, and I put my trust in you that you will pay what you are honestly able to afford. People have offered everything from $15 because they were on disability to $300 because they had a very well-paying job. There’s no wrong amount. (I wish I could do them for free, but that’s sadly not an option for me at this time.)
What happens in a 15-minute consultation for therapy?
We’ll meet on a Zoom video call. I’ll ask you to share a little about what led you to consider therapy at this time and what you would like to get out of therapy. You’ll have the opportunity to ask me whatever questions you have about therapy with me. At the end of the call, we’ll do one of two things. If we feel like it’s a good fit and that I can be helpful, we’ll schedule an intake appointment. If it doesn’t feel like I’m the best one to help you, I’ll look for referrals to other therapists who might be a better fit. My goal is to help you connect with the best care for your situation, whether that be with me or someone else.
How long do I need to be in therapy?
This varies for everyone and depends on the intensity and complexity of what you are working with. When we meet, we'll talk about your goals and the best ways to work towards them.
Everyone is different, but most research suggests that it takes approximately 12-15 therapy sessions to start to see clinically significant change. It may be longer if there are many issues you’d like to address and/or if they are complex.
My aim is to help my clients reach the point where they no longer need therapy as often or at all because they have gained the tools they need. Even after our main work together ends, you still have the option to schedule booster sessions if needed.
How often would we meet for therapy sessions?
Again, this also varies from person to person. If we’re just starting out, meeting once a week is ideal, especially if we’re dealing with intense feelings and memories. That frequency of sessions can get things rolling and give you as much support as possible. Meeting every other week is an option for less intense issues and can work especially well for people who like to do homework between sessions or who have done a lot of therapy in the past. As therapy progresses, it is possible to space sessions out even more to once every 3 or 4 weeks in order to give you more time to practice what you’ve learned.
How old do I have to be to see you for therapy or letter evaluations?
I see clients age 18 and older. Letter evaluations are for clients age 19 and older.
Can you prescribe me medications?
I’m sorry, but no, I can’t prescribe medications. I have a doctorate in clinical psychology, but I am NOT a medical doctor. For things like medical advice, prescriptions, medication evaluations, or hospital admissions, you need to see a licensed medical provider like an M.D. or D.O., or a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner who has the ability to prescribe.
Do you offer couples or family therapy?
No, I don’t. I work best with individuals, so I stick with that. There are many gifted couples and family therapists out there if that’s what you need. You can try searching online directories like Therapy Den, Inclusive Therapists, the Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, or Psychology Today to find one to fit your situation.
Do you do psychological testing?
Although I am trained to do many types of psychological testing, I am currently only offering therapy and evaluations for letters to support access to gender-affirming services. You can try searching Inclusive Therapists, Therapy Den, or Psychology Today to find a psychologist who offers testing services.
Can I meet with you in person for therapy sessions?
No. My services are all telehealth only (phone, messaging, or video). I began using telehealth even before the pandemic was a thing, and I’ll keep doing it. It is a better fit for me due to my chronic health conditions. It also allows me to reach clients who might not otherwise have a knowledgeable therapist nearby. Although it can take a little time to adjust to it at first, telehealth has actually been shown in studies to be just as effective as in-person therapy.
Through the wonders of technology and PSYPACT agreements between certain states, I can now offer video therapy sessions to the following US states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. (More states coming soon!) I also see clients internationally as long as regulations in your country permit it.
Can I see you for therapy if I live outside the United States?
I do see clients internationally, especially US expats, so check me with if you’re interested in working together. It depends on the regulations in your country. Sessions are in English since that’s the only language I’m fluent enough in to be able to do therapy.
I have seen you before for an evaluation for a WPATH letter for gender-affirming surgery or hormones. Now I need to get my letter updated or get a letter for another procedure. What should I do?
If we have already done an evaluation for a letter, you don’t have to schedule a whole new appointment. Please contact me so I can determine what we need to do, depending on how long it’s been since we last met and what you need.