Therapy FAQs
It’s normal to have questions when considering therapy. Below are answers to common questions about the therapy process, online sessions, EMDR, insurance, and policies. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out!
General Therapy Questions
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating a difficult transition, therapy can offer support. You don’t need a diagnosis or a specific goal to begin.
How often are sessions?
Most clients attend therapy weekly or biweekly. Frequency is flexible and based on your needs and goals.
What are some benefits of therapy?
There are many potential benefits to therapy including improved relationship with yourself and others, better mind-body connection, new coping skills, reduced stress, a deeper understanding of yourself and improved physical health.
What is the cost of mental health therapy?
Most insurance plans include coverage for mental health services. I also work with clients paying out-of-pocket for mental health care. I am happy to verify your insurance benefits. More information on what insurances I accept, out-of-network clients, superbills and self-pay options can be found on the Rates + Insurance page.
Online & Virtual Therapy
Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person therapy for anxiety and trauma?
Yes! Research shows online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns, including anxiety, chronic stress and trauma-related work.
Depth and healing come from the therapeutic relationship, not the physical office. Many clients find that being in their own environment helps them feel more regulated, open, and able to integrate what we discuss into daily life. Virtual therapy can also improve consistency, with fewer missed sessions due to illness, weather, or logistics.
Are there benefits to doing therapy from home?
Yes. Many clients appreciate:
No commute or waiting room
Easier integration of skills into daily life
Feeling more regulated in familiar surroundings
Greater consistency in attendance
For trauma and anxiety work, this can be especially supportive.
Is virtual therapy a good fit for women’s mental health concerns?
Virtual therapy can be an excellent fit for women navigating anxiety, trauma, and health-related stress, especially during demanding or transitional life stages.
Many women appreciate telehealth therapy because it offers:
Flexibility around work, caregiving, and appointments
Greater privacy and comfort
Support without needing to leave home during pregnancy or postpartum periods
Consistency during hormonal or health-related changes
Therapy is tailored to your unique experiences, values, and nervous system. I never take a one-size-fits-all approach.
What do I need for online therapy?
You’ll need a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. If EMDR is a part of your mental health care, you may also need headphones.
Do you offer virtual EMDR therapy in Idaho and Washington?
Yes. I offer EMDR therapy virtually to clients located in Idaho and Washington. EMDR can be safely and effectively adapted for telehealth (in fact, I was specifically trained in virtual EMDR!). We will pay careful attention to preparation, pacing and nervous system regulation during treatment.
What is the cost of online therapy?
Many insurance plans cover online therapy just like they would in-person therapy. Some insurance plans charge a lower co-pay for telehealth services than in-person services, saving you money. Learn more about rates and insurance here.
What if I live or work outside of Boise? Can I still work with you?
Yes. While my practice is based in Boise, I offer virtual therapy to clients throughout Idaho and Washington, as long as you are physically located in one of those states at the time of your session.
Telehealth allows clients outside the Boise area to access specialized care for anxiety, trauma, EMDR, and women’s mental health without the need to travel.
EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps process distressing experiences and reduce emotional reactivity without requiring detailed retelling of events, leading to more positive feelings about the distressing experiences and yourself.
How does virtual EMDR therapy work?
Virtual EMDR looks very similar to in-person EMDR therapy. Before beginning EMDR, you will get to choose how you would like to reprocess experiences and beliefs - using headphones, tapping, or following a dot on your screen. I was specifically trained in virtual EMDR, so you will be in good hands if you choose to incorporate EMDR into our work together.
Is EMDR effective for anxiety and trauma?
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy shown to be effective in treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and negative core beliefs. It helps reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming in daily life. Most clients experience 60-90% symptom reduction with successfully completed treatment.
Do I have to relive traumatic memories in EMDR?
No. EMDR is paced carefully, and you are never required to share details you’re uncomfortable discussing. Reprocessing happens rapidly in EMDR, so even if you are thinking about something distressing, it usually only lasts a few seconds.
Policies & Scheduling
What is your cancellation policy?
I value our time together and appreciate as much notice as possible when changes are needed. Please provide at least 24 hour notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling.
Late Cancellation Fee (less than 24 hour notice): $50
No-Show Fee: $100
A no-show occurs when you do not attend your scheduled session without prior notice. If two consecutive sessions are missed without notice, I will no longer be able to hold your reserved appointment time. These policies help ensure consistent availability for all clients receiving virtual EMDR and talk therapy in Boise, Idaho and Washington.
When should I complete my intake paperwork?
To best prepare for your first therapy session, all required paperwork must be completed at least 24 business hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
Initial intake sessions will be cancelled if paperwork is not received at least 24 business hours in advance. Completing paperwork ahead of time allows us to use our session effectively and begin therapy without delay.
Does Crescent Creek Therapy provide emergency or crisis mental health care?
No. Crescent Creek Therapy provides outpatient telehealth therapy services and does not offer crisis or emergency mental health care.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, including thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or harm to others, please seek immediate assistance by:
Calling 911
Going to your nearest emergency department
Contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or using chat via 988lifeline.org
These services are available 24/7 and provide immediate support.
For additional local and national resources, please visit the Crisis Resources page.
Therapy for PCOS
How can therapy help with PCOS?
Therapy can help address the emotional and psychological impact of PCOS, including anxiety, depression, stress, body image concerns, and the overwhelming emotions that often come with managing a chronic condition. Many people with PCOS experience mental health symptoms at significantly higher rates than those without PCOS. Therapy provides tools to cope with these challenges, improve quality of life, and support both emotional and physical wellbeing.
Why are anxiety and depression more common in people with PCOS?
Anxiety and depression are more common in people with PCOS due to a combination of hormonal changes, increased cortisol (stress hormone) levels, inflammation, and the emotional impact of symptoms such as weight changes, fertility concerns, and body image distress. Research shows that people with PCOS experience anxiety and depression at rates three to five times higher than those without PCOS, which can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life.
Can CBT help with PCOS-related anxiety and depression?
Yes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression associated with PCOS. CBT helps individuals recognize unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and improve emotional regulation. These skills can be used long-term to manage stress, mood changes, and the ongoing challenges of living with PCOS.
Can therapy help with managing PCOS symptoms beyond mental health?
Therapy can support self-management of PCOS symptoms by improving stress response, increasing consistency with lifestyle changes, and enhancing overall quality of life. Studies show that when CBT is combined with medical care, nutrition, and movement, individuals with PCOS may experience improved emotional wellbeing, better adherence to treatment plans, and increased confidence in managing their health.
Do I need a therapist who specializes in PCOS?
Not necessarily. While it can be helpful to work with a therapist familiar with PCOS, CBT and other evidence-based therapies are effective even when the therapist does not specialize exclusively in PCOS. What’s most important is working with a therapist who understands the mind-body connection and can support anxiety, depression, stress, and self-esteem concerns related to chronic health conditions.
Is there hope for feeling better emotionally with PCOS?
Yes! While PCOS is a chronic condition, emotional wellbeing can improve significantly with the right support. Therapy offers practical tools, lasting behavioral changes to help manage symptoms, emotional validation, and a supportive space to navigate the challenges of PCOS. Many people experience reduced anxiety and depression, improved self-confidence, and a greater sense of control over their lives with therapy support.