Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What is a free consultation?

You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation through the “Schedule a Free Consultation” button below. The consultation call is a brief opportunity for us to connect, get a sense of what you’re looking for, and determine whether we may be a good fit to work together. We’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, what support you’re hoping for, and answer any questions you may have about the therapeutic process.

The consultation is not a therapy session and is not intended to provide treatment, assessment, or crisis support. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or need immediate assistance, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call or text 988 for immediate support.

The consultation is a space for you to ask questions, learn more about my approach, and decide whether working together feels like the right fit.

What can i expect during my first session?

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a foundation for our work together. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, what you hope to gain from the process, relevant history, and any questions you may have.

Together, we’ll begin exploring what support may be most helpful for you and how therapy can best align with your goals. There is no expectation to have everything figured out right away. We’ll take the process at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive.

What are the risks of starting therapy?

Therapy can be a meaningful and supportive process, but it is also an opportunity to explore parts of your life, experiences, and emotions that may feel difficult to revisit. For some people, this means that feelings or memories they have worked hard to manage or set aside may begin to come forward.

This can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially in the early stages of therapy. Growth is not always a straight path, and there may be moments of challenge as you develop new awareness, process past experiences, or begin making changes in your life.

You will not be expected to move faster than you are ready for. We will work collaboratively, at a pace that feels safe and manageable, while building the support and tools needed along the way.

How long are therapy sessions?

Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long.

How often will we meet?

Many clients begin with weekly sessions, as meeting consistently can help build a strong therapeutic relationship and create momentum in the work we’re doing together. However, the frequency of therapy can be adjusted based on your needs, goals, preferences, and what feels most supportive for your process.

Together, we’ll regularly check in about what is working best and make adjustments as needed.

Fees & Insurance

What are your fees?

Individual therapy sessions are $75 per session.

Do you accept insurance?

At this time, I do not accept insurance and operate as a private-pay practice.

If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide you with a superbill (an itemized receipt) that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your individual plan, so I recommend contacting your insurance provider to learn more about your out-of-network mental health benefits.

Choosing whether to use insurance for therapy is a personal decision. Insurance can make therapy more affordable and accessible. However, because insurance companies typically require a mental health diagnosis and documentation demonstrating medical necessity, information regarding such may become part of your medical record.

Many clients appreciate private-pay therapy because it offers greater flexibility in the therapeutic process. Without the requirements of an insurance company, treatment can be tailored to your unique needs and goals rather than what is considered medically necessary for coverage. This can be especially helpful for individuals seeking support with life transitions, relationship concerns, caregiver stress, grief, identity exploration, or personal growth.

My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and empowered to pursue the kind of growth and healing that matters most to you. If you have questions about fees, superbills, or whether private-pay therapy is the right fit for your situation, I'm happy to discuss your options during a free consultation.

Do you offer a sliding scale?

Yes. I believe that quality mental health care should be accessible and that financial circumstances should not be a barrier to receiving support. To help make therapy more affordable, I offer a limited number of reduced-fee appointments through the Open Path Collective.

Open Path is a nonprofit network that connects individuals with affordable mental health services. If the cost of therapy is a concern, I encourage you to reach out to discuss whether this option may be a good fit for your situation.

Everyone deserves access to compassionate, effective care, and I am committed to helping clients find a path forward that feels both supportive and sustainable.

What is your cancellation policy?

I understand that life happens, and sometimes appointments need to be rescheduled or canceled. I ask that you please provide at least 24 hours' notice by patient portal, phone, text, or email.

Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice, as well as missed “no-show” appointments, will be charged the full session fee.

This policy helps protect the time that has been reserved specifically for you and allows me the opportunity to offer that appointment time to another client who may be waiting for support. Maintaining a consistent schedule also helps foster continuity and progress in the therapeutic process.

I understand that unexpected situations can arise, and if you have questions or concerns about the policy, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Virtual Therapy

Do you offer virtual therapy throughout Florida?

Yes. I provide secure virtual therapy for adults located anywhere in Florida.

Is virtual therapy effective?

Yes, virtual therapy can be an effective way to receive support, and research has shown it can be helpful for many concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and navigating life transitions. Many clients appreciate the convenience, flexibility, and comfort of being able to attend sessions from a space that feels familiar.

While virtual therapy may look different than meeting in person, the foundation of therapy remains the same: building a trusting relationship, feeling heard, and working together toward your goals.

What technology do I need?

You'll need a reliable internet connection, a private space, and a computer, tablet, or smartphone with audio and video capabilities.

About Sarah

What is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern?

A Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSWI) is a pre-licensed therapist who has earned a Master’s degree in Social Work and is completing the supervised clinical experience required for independent licensure in the state of Florida.

I earned my Master of Social Work degree from FSU and have spent the past two years providing clinical services while accumulating the supervised hours required for licensure. Throughout this process, I receive ongoing clinical supervision and consultation from Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Sonica Sharma (#SW17107) to support high-quality, ethical care.

As an RCSWI (#ISW20512), I am qualified to provide psychotherapy with continued clinical supervision and am committed to helping clients navigate life's challenges in a supportive, compassionate, and professional environment.

Who supervises your clinical work?

My clinical work is supervised by Sonica Sharma, LCSW, #SW17107, in accordance with Florida Board requirements.

What is your professional background?

Before entering private practice, I worked in several areas of social work and mental health, including an unhoused youth shelter, outpatient community mental health clinic, crisis intervention support, and hospice care. Through these roles, I supported individuals and families navigating grief, life transitions, caregiver stress, mental health concerns, and other challenging circumstances. This diverse clinical experience allows me to bring a broad perspective and deep appreciation for the resilience people carry through difficult seasons of life.

Therapy Questions

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Therapy may be helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, stuck, anxious, grieving, or struggling to navigate a difficult life circumstance. It can also be a supportive space for personal growth, self-exploration, improving relationships, and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself.

Do I have to be in crisis to start therapy?

Not at all. Many people seek therapy for personal growth, support during life transitions, stress management, relationship concerns, or simply to better understand themselves. Therapy can be beneficial whether you're navigating a specific challenge or looking to improve your overall well-being. You don't have to wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out for support.

If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or need immediate assistance, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call or text 988 for immediate support.

How long does therapy usually last?

The length of therapy varies based on each person's goals and circumstances. Some clients benefit from short-term support focused on a specific concern, while others choose to engage in longer-term therapy.

What if I don't know exactly what I want to work on?

That's okay! Many clients begin therapy with a general sense that something isn't working or that they need support. Part of our work together can involve identifying goals and gaining clarity about what you need.