FAQ
What exactly is your therapeutic approach?
My style is warm and engaging. I use a compassionate and collaborative results-oriented approach that combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), The Gottman Method for relationships, and additional complementing modalities such as Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing. My goal is to provide you with Lifelong Tools that move beyond just “talking about the problem” to creating measurable, sustainable changes in your daily life.
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.
Is online therapy as effective as meeting in person?
Yes. Extensive research from the American Psychological Association and meta-analyses in the Journal of Affective Disorders confirm that online CBT and relationship therapy are as effective as in-person sessions. Studies on the therapeutic alliance show that the deep, trusting connection essential for progress is fully achievable (and often more consistent) via telehealth. For people in DC and Northern Virginia who have demanding careers and busy personal lives, the convenience of a digital office often leads to better outcomes by removing the stress and additional time of a commute.
Where are you located?
My practice is entirely online in Virginia and Washington DC and I use a secure and HIPAA compliant Telehealth platform for sessions.
What are your hours?
To accommodate busy schedules, I offer flexible workday, evening, and late night appointments. Please check with me about current availability.
What will counseling cost?
My rate is $225 per 50-minute session, which is paid at each session.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are 50 minutes long. We will meet for about 45 minutes and then save a few minutes at the end to plan homework and reflect about takeaways.
If there is a need for it, longer sessions may be scheduled by request in increments of 75 minutes for $340 or 100 minutes for $450.
What forms of payment do you take?
Payments are made automatically after each session with a securely stored and encrypted credit or debit card.
Do you take insurance?
My services qualify for out-of-network reimbursement for all insurance plans. After the end of each month, you’ll receive a superbill by secure email. It will have all of the necessary information on it for you to submit to your insurance company, and they will send reimbursement payments for any covered sessions directly to you.
While individual plans vary, those with out-of-network coverage typically are reimbursed between 40%-80% of the cost of sessions. Your insurance company will be able to give you the most accurate information about what your plan covers.
How do I submit an insurance claim?
Your insurance provider will give you an out-of-network reimbursement claim form (usually located on their website), and it will include instructions for submitting.
I email you a monthly encrypted superbill with the information you’ll need to complete your claim form, and then your insurance company sends the reimbursement payment directly to you for any covered sessions.
For those who want to outsource their out of network claims, I am a partnering provider with Reimbursify.
How do I set up an appointment?
You can request an appointment by emailing me at cheryl@heartmindinsights.com or by texting or calling me at (202) 964-4090.
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 less than 24 hours in advance, you will be charged the full rate for our session.
Will I have homework between our sessions?
Often, yes! Homework gives you a chance to practice new ideas and skills. While assignments will never be mandatory, choosing to do them will help change happen faster. If you prefer that your work remain limited to our scheduled session time, that is also okay.
What if I see you out in public?
The DC and NoVA region can feel like a small town sometimes! To protect your privacy and our therapeutic space, I follow a ‘silent lead’ policy. I won’t acknowledge you first, but if you choose to say hello, I’ll gladly return the greeting. Your confidentiality is my priority, no matter where we are.
Can we meet while I'm driving?
We are not able to meet while you are driving.
If you’re in your car when it’s time to meet and prefer to meet there or are otherwise unable to make it to your destination in time to meet, please make sure you are safely parked and that you have good enough reception for a video session before signing on.
Can my pet join the session?
Absolutely! Whether they are a planned visitor or just wandering through the frame, your pets are always welcome. Research shows that having a pet nearby can actually help regulate your nervous system during difficult conversations.
Is there anything I need to know about Telehealth?
Telehealth is a great option for anyone who prefers the privacy, convenience, and comfort of meeting from their own space. For many kinds of therapy, including CBT, Telehealth has comparable clinical outcomes to meeting in person. Many people who use Telehealth sessions appreciate being able to rest and care for themselves after a session rather than needing to go back through a waiting room and drive back home or to work.
