FAQ
Everything you want to know about working together before you reach out.
About working together
Who do you work with?
I work with individual adults and people in dating, partnered, or married relationships. This practice welcomes everyone as they are.
What is your therapeutic approach?
My style is warm, engaging, and collaborative. I use a compassionate, results-oriented approach grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with additional modalities including the Gottman Method for relationships, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Brainspotting, and Motivational Interviewing — tailored to what works best for you.
The goal is to move well beyond “talking about the problem” toward building practical, durable skills that create meaningful, sustainable change in your daily life.
Will I have homework between our sessions?
Often, yes! Homework gives you a chance to practice new skills between our meetings – and choosing to do it helps change happen faster. That said, assignments are never mandatory. If you prefer to keep the work within our scheduled session time, that’s completely fine too.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
I have a 24-hour cancellation policy for all scheduled sessions. If you miss a session or reschedule with less than 24 hours’ notice, the full session fee applies.
What if I see you out in public?
The DC and Northern Virginia area can feel like a small town sometimes! To protect your privacy and our therapeutic relationship, I follow a “silent lead” policy: I won’t acknowledge you first – but if you choose to say hello, I’ll happily return the greeting. Privacy and confidentiality are always my priority, wherever we are.
Can my pet join the session?
Absolutely! Whether they’re a planned participant or just wandering through the frame, your pets are always welcome. Research shows that having an animal nearby can actually help regulate your nervous system during difficult conversations. Consider them an unofficial co-therapist.
Rates & Insurance
What is your current rate?
My rate is $225 per 50-minute session, payable at each session.
If a longer session would be helpful, extended sessions are available by request:
- 75 minutes — $340
- 100 minutes — $500
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payments are made automatically after each session with a securely stored and encrypted credit or debit card.
Do you accept insurance?
My services qualify for out-of-network health insurance reimbursement. I am also a certified out-of-network provider for Tricare.
At the close of each month, you’ll receive a superbill by secure email containing everything you need to submit for reimbursement. Payments are sent directly to you.
Individual plans vary, but clients typically receive reimbursement between 40–80% of the cost of sessions. To find out your exact out-of-network coverage for therapy, contact your insurance provider directly.
Appointments & Logistics
What are your hours?
I offer flexible weekday, evening, and late-night appointments to accommodate busy schedules. Please reach out to check on current availability.
How do I book an appointment?
The easiest way is through the secure, HIPAA-compliant new client inquiry form.
You can also reach me by:
- Email: hello@heartmindinsights.com
- Phone or text: (202) 964-0490
Where is your office located?
My practice is entirely online. I see clients across Virginia and Washington DC via a secure, HIPAA-compliant Telehealth platform – no office visit required.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are 50 minutes. We spend the first 45 or so in focused work, and reserve a few minutes at the end to reflect on takeaways and plan any between-session practice.
About Telehealth
Is online therapy as effective as meeting in person?
Yes – and the research is clear on this. Studies confirm that online CBT and relationship therapy are as effective as in-person sessions. The deep, trusting connection that’s essential for good therapeutic work is fully achievable via Telehealth – and for many people, it’s actually more consistent, because there’s no commute, no rescheduling around traffic, and no waiting room.
For busy professionals in DC and Northern Virginia, removing those logistical barriers often leads to better outcomes. And one underappreciated benefit: after a meaningful session, you can simply close your laptop and take care of yourself – rather than having to navigate rush hour on the way home.
Is there anything else I should know about Telehealth?
Telehealth is a great fit for anyone who values privacy, convenience, and the comfort of meeting from their own space. The platform is secure and HIPAA-compliant, and works on your computer, tablet, or phone. If you’ve never tried it before, most people find it feels natural very quickly, and many end up preferring it.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Cheryl Zandt
Telehealth Counseling in Washington DC and Virginia
Cheryl Zandt is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing online therapy to individuals and couples in Virginia and Washington DC. With more than 20 years of expertise and a warm, down-to-earth approach, she helps clients living with life-limiting anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, and life transitions. In a practice that blends research, emerging science, and genuine human connection, clients feel truly heard, understood, and equipped to make meaningful changes.
