Frequently Asked Questions

Fees & Financial Options

  • To guarantee your complete clinical privacy, bypass restrictive insurance diagnostics, and protect your permanent medical records, I operate strictly as an independent, private-pay specialist.

    • Standard Session Fee: $125 per session

    • Initial Consultation: Free (15-Minute Phone Session)

      Please note that I proudly reserve a dedicated number of select, reduced-fee sliding scale slots within my weekly schedule. If the standard investment represents a barrier to your healing journey, please view our sliding scale guidelines below or mention it during our call so we can explore a sustainable arrangement.

  • Yes, absolutely. I firmly believe that premier, compassionate clinical support should remain accessible to our community. I proudly reserve a dedicated number of select, reduced-fee sliding scale slots within my weekly schedule specifically for individuals experiencing financial transitions or constraints. If standard fees represent a potential barrier to your healing journey, please let me know during our initial consultation call so we can seamlessly explore a customized arrangement that feels sustainable for your lifestyle.

  • At this time, I do not accept commercial health insurance panels. Choosing private-pay therapy ensures your mental health care remains completely flexible, confidential, and tailored entirely to your personal goals without corporate charting oversight.

  • 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.

Getting Started

  • You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation through the “Schedule a Free Consultation” button above. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long.

  • 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.

in-Person & Virtual Therapy

  • Yes. I provide dedicated in-person therapy sessions at my office in Winter Park, as well as secure virtual therapy for adults located anywhere throughout the state of Florida.

  • Yes, virtual therapy is highly effective. Research shows that online sessions provide the same clinical quality and positive outcomes as meeting face-to-face. It is a proven way to receive support for anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and major life transitions. Many clients appreciate the convenience, flexibility, and comfort of attending sessions from a private space that already feels familiar. Ultimately, whether we meet in person or online, the foundation of therapy remains exactly the same: building a trusting relationship, feeling heard, and working together toward your goals.

  • For virtual therapy, you will simply need a reliable internet connection, a private space, and a computer, tablet, or smartphone with functioning audio and video capabilities. I utilize a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform to ensure your complete privacy.

About Sarah

  • A Registered Clinical Social Work Intern (RCSWI) is a post-graduate therapist who has earned a Master’s degree in Social Work and is fulfilling the advanced 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 comprehensive clinical services. Having fully completed the rigorous multi-year postgraduate advanced clinical training and supervision frameworks required by the state, I specialize in providing high-quality, ethical psychotherapy to help adults navigate complex life challenges. Throughout this process, I receive ongoing clinical supervision and consultation from Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Sonica Sharma (#SW17107).

    As an RCSWI (#ISW20512) registered under my legal name, Rosaria "Sarah" Valentino, 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.

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

  • 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. I’ve also received extensive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) training through the Beck Institute. These diverse clinical and educational experiences allow me to bring a broad perspective and deep appreciation for the resilience people carry through difficult seasons of life. You can learn more about me and my background here.

Therapy Questions

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.