Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about therapy services, scheduling, insurance, and what to expect. Don't see your question? Reach out anytime—no question is too small.
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Getting Started
Start with the free 15-minute consultation by filling out the contact form or calling (919) 555-0123. During this call, we'll discuss what brings you to therapy and see if we're a good fit. If we decide to work together, we'll schedule your first full session at a time that works for you.
The consultation is a brief phone call where we discuss what brings you to therapy, see if we're a good fit, and go over logistics like scheduling and fees. There's no commitment required—it's just a chance to ask questions and see if this feels like the right space for you.
No, you don't need a referral to schedule therapy. You can reach out directly whenever you're ready. However, if you plan to use insurance for reimbursement, check with your insurance company about their specific requirements.
I'm licensed to provide therapy to clients who are physically located in North Carolina during our sessions. If you're temporarily outside NC, we'll need to pause sessions until you return. If you've permanently relocated, I can provide referrals to culturally affirming therapists in your new state.
That's a completely normal feeling! Many people start therapy unsure if it will help. The free 15-minute consultation is a low-pressure way to explore your questions. You can also try a single session to see how it feels before committing to ongoing therapy. You're always in control of the process.
About Cultural Affirmation
Culturally affirming therapy means your identity—including your race, faith, family structure, and cultural values—is centered as a strength, not something to fix or explain. You don't have to code-switch or translate your experiences. Therapy is built on the foundation of your cultural reality, not despite it.
No, you don't have to share my identity to work with me. I welcome all clients who resonate with culturally affirming care. However, my practice specializes in serving Black and Muslim communities because I understand the unique experiences of navigating predominantly white spaces, racial trauma, and faith-based identity.
Traditional therapy often requires marginalized clients to explain cultural context—why a microaggression hurt, why family dynamics look different, or why faith matters. Culturally affirming therapy removes that labor. You don't waste session time translating your reality. We start from shared understanding and get to the healing work faster.
I bring both professional training in cultural competence and lived experience as a Black woman navigating predominantly white spaces. I understand code-switching, microaggressions, family collectivism, and faith-based values because I've lived them. If there's something specific to your background I don't know, I'll ask with genuine curiosity, not make you educate me.
Yes, absolutely. Faith integration is optional but available for both Muslim and Christian clients. This might include discussing religious values, incorporating prayer or scripture when helpful, and respecting faith-based decisions. You decide how much or how little faith plays a role in our sessions.
Insurance & Payment
I'm currently an out-of-network provider, which means I don't bill insurance directly. However, I can provide you with a superbill (itemized receipt) that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Many PPO plans offer out-of-network coverage. I also offer a sliding scale for those who need financial flexibility.
Individual therapy is $150 per session (50 minutes). Couples therapy is $180 per session (90 minutes). Family therapy is $200 per session (90 minutes). I offer package discounts: 4-session packages save $40, and 8-session packages save $160. Sliding scale rates are available on a limited basis.
Yes, I reserve a limited number of sliding scale slots for clients with financial need. Sliding scale rates are determined based on your income and financial circumstances. To inquire about availability, mention your interest in the sliding scale during your free consultation or in your contact form message.
I accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, and bank transfers. Payment is due at the time of service and can be securely processed through the client portal. I also accept checks if preferred.
Yes! Therapy is typically an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). You can use your HSA/FSA card directly for payment, or pay out of pocket and submit the receipt for reimbursement. Check with your specific plan for any requirements.
Scheduling & Logistics
I offer sessions Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST. I have some evening availability for clients who need after-work appointments. Virtual sessions provide flexibility—you can attend from anywhere private with a good internet connection.
Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes. Couples and family therapy sessions are 90 minutes to allow enough time for all voices to be heard. The initial intake session may run slightly longer as we go over paperwork and your history.
Most clients start with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish trust. As you progress, we might space sessions to every other week or monthly for maintenance. The frequency is flexible and based on your goals, budget, and schedule. We'll check in regularly about what feels right for you.
I require 24-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice (or don't show up), you'll be charged the full session fee. This policy respects everyone's time and allows me to offer your slot to another client. Emergencies are handled case-by-case with compassion.
Yes, all sessions are conducted virtually via a HIPAA-compliant video platform. Virtual therapy provides privacy, convenience, and eliminates commute time. All you need is a private space, reliable internet, and a device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone).
Therapy Approach
I use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and EMDR for trauma. I also integrate the Gottman Method for couples and Structural Family Therapy. All approaches are adapted to honor your cultural context—evidence-based doesn't mean one-size-fits-all.
It depends on your goals. Some clients find relief in 8-12 sessions for specific issues like workplace stress or relationship conflict. Others benefit from longer-term support for trauma, identity exploration, or ongoing life challenges. We'll check in regularly about your progress and adjust as needed. You're always in control of how long you continue.
Yes, with a few legal exceptions. I'm required to break confidentiality if there's risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child or elder abuse, or if a court orders me to release records. Otherwise, everything you share stays between us. I won't even confirm to others that you're my client without your written permission.
You can end therapy at any time—no permission needed. However, I encourage a final "wrap-up" session if possible. This gives us a chance to review your progress, discuss what you've learned, and create a plan for maintaining gains. If the issue is our fit as therapist-client, I can provide referrals to other culturally affirming therapists.
Yes! Single-session therapy can be helpful for getting unstuck on a specific issue, processing a recent event, or just checking in during a difficult time. You're not required to commit to ongoing therapy. Many clients start with one session to see if therapy is right for them before deciding to continue.
Specialized Services
Yes, I provide couples therapy and family therapy in addition to individual therapy. Couples therapy addresses communication, conflict, intimacy, and relationship dynamics. Family therapy works with intergenerational patterns, extended family systems, and cultural family values. Both services honor the collectivist nature of Black and Muslim family structures.
Yes, racial trauma is a specialty area of my practice. This includes processing microaggressions, workplace discrimination, police violence, intergenerational trauma, and the cumulative impact of navigating predominantly white spaces. I use trauma-informed approaches and understand that racial trauma is real, valid, and requires culturally grounded healing.
Yes, I offer premarital counseling for couples preparing for marriage. This includes communication skills, conflict resolution, financial planning, family dynamics, and faith-based relationship values. Premarital counseling is especially helpful for intercultural couples navigating different family expectations or blending faith traditions.
No, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I cannot prescribe medication. However, I work collaboratively with psychiatrists and primary care doctors when medication might be helpful. If you're interested in exploring medication for anxiety, depression, or other concerns, I can provide referrals to culturally competent prescribers in the area.
I provide support for difficult moments, but I'm not a crisis service. If you're in immediate danger, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), or go to your nearest emergency room. For Black community-specific crisis support, call BlackLine at 1-800-604-5841. I can help you create a safety plan during regular sessions.
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Every question is important, and I'm happy to answer anything specific to your situation. No question is too small or too personal.