FAQs

  • What is the cost of a counseling session at Restoration Counseling?

    At Restoration Counseling, the cost of each counseling session may vary depending on your specific insurance plan and coverage. If you are using insurance, your co-pay or co-insurance amount is due at the time of service. For those choosing not to use insurance, I offer private pay options with a discounted rate when payment is made on the day of your appointment.

    To streamline billing and ensure timely payments, all clients are required to have a valid credit or debit card on file. This card will be used to process payments for sessions, including co-pays, deductibles, private pay balances, and applicable fees.

    Please note that I do enforce a late cancellation and no-show policy. If you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice or fail to attend your scheduled session, a $75 fee will be charged to the card on file. This policy helps protect time reserved for your care and ensures fairness for all clients.

    If you have questions about your insurance, out-of-pocket costs, or payment policies, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help clarify any details before your first appointment.

  • Initial Appointment & Attendance Policy

    At Restoration Counseling LLC, I value your time and strive to provide quality care to every client. To ensure fairness and consistency in scheduling, the following policies apply to all appointments:

    1. Initial Appointments

    New clients who no-show for their initial intake appointment (do not attend and do not provide notice) will not be rescheduled.

    If you need to cancel or reschedule your initial appointment, at least 24 hours’ notice is required to avoid being marked as a no-show.

    Failure to provide notice or attend your first session will result in your file being closed, and you may reapply for services at a later time, pending availability.

    2. Late Arrival Policy

    If you arrive more than 15 minutes late to any scheduled appointment, it will be considered a no-show and may be subject to the standard no-show fee as outlined in the financial agreement.

    Late arrivals under 15 minutes may still be seen at the therapist’s discretion; however, sessions will end at the originally scheduled time.

    3. Ongoing Appointments

    Repeated no-shows or late arrivals may result in termination of services or a requirement to prepay for future sessions.

  • Do you offer telehealth?

    At Restoration Counseling LLC, I do offer telehealth sessions as a convenient and accessible option for ongoing care. However, I strongly prefer in-person sessions whenever possible, as I believe they provide a more therapeutic environment, allow for deeper connection, and support more accurate observation of nonverbal cues and emotional responses.

    Please note:
    It is my policy that all initial diagnostic/intake appointments must be conducted in person. This first session is essential for building rapport, completing a comprehensive assessment, and ensuring the most accurate clinical understanding of your needs.

    After the initial session, telehealth may be considered for follow-up appointments on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions about this policy, feel free to contact me directly.

  • Session Length and Structure

    At Restoration Counseling, a standard counseling session typically lasts 53 minutes, which is the clinical hour recognized by most insurance providers. This time frame allows for meaningful therapeutic work while also ensuring that sessions remain focused and structured.

    In some cases, session length may be adjusted slightly—either extended or shortened—based on your specific needs, goals, or scheduling considerations. Extended sessions may be available upon request and can be especially helpful for couples therapy, intensive work, or complex issues requiring additional time.

    All session lengths and frequency will be discussed collaboratively and tailored to support your therapeutic journey in the most effective and personalized way possible.

  • What are some common issues that Restoration Counseling can help with?

    At Restoration Counseling, I provide compassionate, evidence-based support for a wide variety of emotional, psychological, and relational concerns. My areas of focus include, but are not limited to, attention-related challenges such as ADD/ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders including depression, and complex issues related to grief, loss, and life transitions.

    I also work extensively with individuals navigating the impacts of trauma, including those recovering from narcissistic abuse, emotional neglect, or other relational wounds. Therapy can also address addiction and substance use concerns, support personal growth and recovery, and explore spiritual or faith-based issues for those seeking deeper meaning or healing in that area.

    Whether you're struggling with day-to-day stress, facing significant relationship challenges, or searching for greater clarity and balance in your life, Restoration Counseling offers a safe, nonjudgmental space to work through what matters most to you.

  • Is Faith or Religion Required to Receive Therapy at Restoration Counseling?

    Absolutely not. At Restoration Counseling, all individuals and couples are welcome—regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs, or lack thereof. I work with clients from all backgrounds and belief systems, and I respect each person's unique values and worldview.

    If you prefer that faith or spirituality not be incorporated into your therapy, simply let me know. Your preferences will be fully honored and respected, and therapy will remain focused on your goals and comfort level.

  • Do you offer substance abuse counseling at Restoration Counseling?

    At Restoration Counseling, I bring over seven years of experience in addiction and substance use counseling and am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in the state of Iowa. While I am highly qualified to support individuals navigating recovery, it’s important to clarify the scope of services I currently provide.

    Although I hold a CADC, I am not presently licensed under the State of Iowa’s Substance Abuse Licensure for providing formal substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. As such, I cannot offer primary or court-mandated substance abuse treatment services at this time.

    However, I do offer aftercare counseling for individuals who have completed residential or intensive outpatient substance use programs and are seeking continued support in maintaining sobriety and addressing co-occurring mental health needs.

    Additionally, I am more than happy to assist you with referrals to the appropriate level of care, including early intervention, outpatient, intensive outpatient, or residential treatment programs.

    If you're in recovery and looking for support in the next phase of your healing journey, I would be honored to walk alongside you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to explore whether aftercare services at Restoration Counseling are the right fit for you.

  • Social Media Policy

    Restoration Counseling LLC maintains a professional presence on both Instagram and Facebook for the purpose of sharing mental health education, practice updates, and encouragement. Clients are welcome to follow and interact with these public pages at their discretion.

    However, in accordance with the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics, please be aware that as your clinician:

    I cannot and will not follow, friend, or search for clients on any social media platforms.

    I do not engage in personal or clinical conversations via social media direct messages.

    Social media interactions do not constitute a therapeutic relationship and are not monitored for urgent communication.

    This policy is in place to protect your privacy, maintain clear boundaries, and uphold ethical standards of care. If you have any clinical questions or concerns, please contact me directly through secure, professional channels.

  • What is a Good Faith Estimate (No Surprises Act)

    Starting on January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act1 (NSA) protects uninsured (or self-pay) individuals from many unexpectedly high medical bills.

    Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance (otherwise known as self-pay) an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

    You are entitled to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of what the charges could be for psychotherapy services provided to you. While it is not possible for a psychotherapist to know, in advance, how many psychotherapy sessions may be necessary or appropriate for a given person, this form provides an estimate of the cost of services provided. Your total cost of services will depend upon the number of psychotherapy sessions you attend, your individual circumstances, and the type and amount of services that are provided to you. This estimate is not a contract and does not obligate you to obtain any services from the provider(s) listed, nor does it include any services rendered to you that are not identified here.

    This Good Faith Estimate is not intended to serve as a recommendation for treatment or a prediction that you may need to attend a specified number of psychotherapy visits. The number of visits that are appropriate in your case, and the estimated cost for those services, depends on your needs and what you agree to in consultation with your therapist. You are entitled to disagree with any recommendations made to you concerning your treatment and you may discontinue treatment at any time.

    You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.

    Make sure your healthcare provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

    If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

    Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

  • Are My Sessions Protected Under HIPAA?

    Restoration Counseling LLC – Privacy & HIPAA Protection Policy

    At Restoration Counseling LLC, your privacy, confidentiality, and trust are top priorities. I understand that seeking counseling can feel vulnerable, and I want you to feel safe, supported, and fully informed about how your personal information is protected.

    Below is an overview of how your information is safeguarded under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the ethical standards of mental health professionals.

    Yes—Your Sessions Are Protected Under HIPAA

    All services provided at Restoration Counseling LLC are fully compliant with HIPAA regulations. This means that:

    Your identity,

    Your attendance in therapy,

    Any information you share, and

    Your written records

    are all legally protected and cannot be shared without your permission except in specific, legally required circumstances (outlined below).

    How Your Information Is Protected

    1. Confidential Therapy Sessions

    What you discuss in therapy remains confidential. I cannot disclose the content of your sessions to anyone—including family members, employers, or other providers—unless:

    You give written consent, or

    It is required by law.

    2. Secure Record-Keeping

    Your clinical records, assessments, and personal information are kept in a HIPAA-compliant electronic health record system with:

    Encrypted files

    Password-protected access

    Limited access

    Audit trails to prevent unauthorized entry

    3. HIPAA-Compliant Communication

    I use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms for:

    Telehealth sessions

    Client portals

    Scheduling

    Secure messaging

    Document storage

    Email and texting may be used for scheduling and administrative purposes only and are not appropriate for clinical discussions unless you sign a consent acknowledging the risks.

    When Information May Be Shared

    HIPAA allows or requires me to release information only under the following situations:

    1. Danger to Self or Others

    If you express clear and immediate intent to harm yourself or someone else, I must take action to ensure safety.

    2. Suspected Abuse or Neglect

    Iowa law requires mandatory reporting of:

    Child abuse

    Dependent adult abuse

    Abuse of vulnerable individuals

    3. Court Order or Subpoena

    A judge may legally compel release of records. I will release only the minimum legally required information and will notify you when possible.

    4. Coordination of Care (With Your Consent)

    You may choose to sign a Release of Information (ROI) allowing me to communicate with:

    Medical providers

    Schools

    Family members

    Psychiatrists

    Other professionals

    You have the right to revoke this permission at any time.

    Your Rights Under HIPAA

    You have the right to:

    Access your records

    Request corrections

    Limit the information shared with others

    Request confidential communication methods

    Receive a full copy of my Notice of Privacy Practices

    File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights were violated

    My Commitment to You

    At Restoration Counseling LLC, your confidentiality is foundational to your care. I am committed to providing:

    A safe environment

    Ethical and compliant care

    Transparent communication

    Protection of your most sensitive information

    If you ever have questions about your privacy or HIPAA protections, please ask—I want you to feel fully informed and empowered.