Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Changing FACES?
Choosing to begin therapy takes a lot of courage and strength. The choice to do therapy is a choice to pursue self awareness, personal growth, healthy connection, and joy. It is a hard choice to make, but it is a good and rewarding choice. I respect the courage it takes to make this choice and show up for your journey. I also take my role as therapist very wholeheartedly. To be someone's therapist is an honor and privilege. I am dedicated to being open, understanding, and supportive. I value continuing my own education so I am always bringing knowledge and resources. I seek to understand the underlying needs that are causing unpleasant symptoms, and invest myself in each therapeutic relationship.
What is gender?
Gender has been defined may ways. I welcome all definitions of gender. The most important thing is discovering who you are. We will work together to explore self and find what fits and what does not.
Gender is a complex psycho-biosocial construct. It is deeply personal and a core part of everyone’s identity. There are stereotypical views of what it means to be masculine and what it means to be feminine. Media and culture often times define gender in hurtful ways. My goal is to help each individual to discover what gender identity means for them.
The goal is to be healthy, fulfilled, and embody all aspects of self in a mature and holistic way.
Do I provide professional referral letters for transitioning?
The short answer is yes, I can! The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) has a thorough standard of care that can explain these letters and their general requirements in more detail: https://www.wpath.org/ I follow their standards of care version 8 and provide letters as needed. People may use insurance benefits for sessions, or pay the self pay rate of $150 per session. If using insurance benefits there is a two session minimum before your letter will be completed. If self pay I do not require a minimum number of sessions before your letter will be completed.
Who do I work with?
I work with ages 18 and up. I welcome anyone who is open to going on a journey of self exploration. Whether you identify as transgender, non-binary, gender fluid, or wrestle with masculinity/femininity, I can help you explore that. To request a FREE 15 minute phone consultation email contact@changingfacesllc.org
Identity development and exploration is a hard and confusing part of growing up. It often comes with intense anxiety, depression, or anger. Along with gender identity we also work with the following:
Relational stress
Dissociation
Dysphoria
Self Esteem
Social Anxiety
Anxiety
Depression
Self harming
Suicidal thoughts
Anger
Internalized transphobia
Internalized sexism
Bullying
Abuse
Group work
How often do we meet?
The common structure of therapy is weekly 50 minute sessions. Due to the complex and deep work of identity exploration I believe it is best to have consistent weekly sessions. However, I am flexible and want to create a structure that works for you.
How long does therapy typically last?
Therapy can last anywhere between a couple months and several years. It depends on the person and their. goals. This type of work is challenging and requires work and commitment. Identity work takes time to develop, explore, experiment, grow, and heal. It can be a beautiful life changing journey would love to go on with you.
What types of therapy do you offer?
Individual therapy is aimed at helping you reach your identified goal(s) for change, and is tailored to your specific unique needs. Sessions are typically 50 minutes in length and scheduled on a varied or recurrent basis. Letters of support for gender -affirming medical treatment can be done as part of therapy. You may use insurance benefits for sessions, or pay the self pay rate of $150 per session.
Group therapy is where you will receive support, solidarity, psychoeducation and acceptance. You may use insurance benefits for sessions, or pay the self pay.
Do you take insurance?
Yes! I am waiting to be paneled with husky and Anthem insurances. I also offer private pay and what's considered out of network for other insurance providers. If you have out of network benefits I can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance regarding your coverage options.
United Healthcare
Anthem
Oxford Health Plans
Cigna
Aetna
UMR
Oscar
UHC Student Resources
All Savers UHC
Harvard Pilgrim
Meritain
Nippon
United Healthcare Shared Services
Allied Benefit Systems - Aetna
Surest (Formerly Bind)
Health Plans Inc.
United Health care Global
Christian Brothers Services - Aetna
Trustmark Health Benefits - Aetna
Trustmark Health Benefits - Cigna
Trustmark Small Business Benefits - Aetna
Health Scope - Aetna
Husky
What is a Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
As of January 1, 2022, under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Do you provide therapy for more than just gender identity?
Gender is my specialty, but gender is one aspect of identity. My goal is healthy mature identity and true grounded self expression. This includes exploring all other aspects of identity and self esteem as well.
What if I have had negative experiences with therapy in the past?
After having a bad experience in therapy it is really hard to give it a try again. I understand that coming to therapy takes a large amount of courage and strength, especially if you have had a negative experience with therapy in the past. It can be very scary to open up and be vulnerable with your needs. As a therapist I highly respect this courage and vulnerability and would love to hear about your past experiences. I take my responsibility very seriously and continually strive to provide you with the highest quality therapy.
*For questions about training, consulting or clinical support please email contact@changingfacesllc.org