What happens next…

  • Who I Work With

    I work with adolescents and adults who are looking for thoughtful, trauma-informed support and a collaborative therapy experience. My approach is neurodivergent-affirming, strengths-based, and paced to support safety and sustainable change.

    I am a good fit for individuals who are navigating:

    ADHD and executive functioning challenges, including overwhelm, emotional regulation difficulties, time blindness, and burnout

    Complex trauma and PTSD, including childhood trauma, relational trauma, foster care involvement, and high ACE histories

    Perinatal and postpartum mental health, including pregnancy-related anxiety, postpartum mood disorders, birth trauma, and identity shifts related to parenthood

    Anxiety and chronic stress, especially when tied to trauma, neurodivergence, or life transitions

    Emotional dysregulation, people-pleasing, shame, or difficulty trusting your own needs

    Identity exploration, including LGBTQIA+ identities and life transitions

    Individuals seeking trauma-informed care, including EMDR-informed treatment when clinically appropriate

    I work collaboratively and at your pace. Therapy with me is not about “fixing” you—it’s about understanding what your nervous system has learned, building skills that actually fit your life, and creating space for healing that feels respectful and empowering.

    Who I May Not Be the Best Fit For

    I believe it’s important to be transparent about the limits of my practice so clients can access the level of care that best meets their needs.

    I may not be the best fit if you are seeking:

    Crisis or emergency services, including immediate safety concerns, active suicidal intent requiring constant monitoring, or a higher level of care

    Court-ordered treatment, forensic evaluations, custody evaluations, or compliance-based therapy

    Substance use treatment as a primary focus, including detox, residential treatment, or intensive outpatient programs

    Medication management, as I do not prescribe medications (though I can collaborate with medical providers)

    A highly directive or confrontational therapy style, or therapy focused on rapid change without attention to safety and stabilization

    Services outside my scope, such as neuropsychological testing, formal autism assessments, or parenting evaluations for court

    If I’m not the right fit, I will do my best to help you identify appropriate referrals or resources whenever possible.

    A Note About Fit

    Finding the right therapist matters. Therapy works best when there’s alignment in approach, expectations, and comfort level. You are always welcome to ask questions during the intake process to help determine whether this feels like a good fit for you.

  • How to Get Started

    Getting started with therapy at Wandering Minds Counseling & Consulting is designed to be straightforward, supportive, and transparent.

    Step 1: Submit a Referral or Inquiry

    Begin by completing the online referral form linked on this page. You may self-refer, or a referral may be submitted by a medical provider, school, DHS, or another professional.

    The referral form allows me to review your needs, insurance coverage, and scheduling availability to ensure clinical fit.

    Step 2: Review of Referral

    Once your referral is submitted, I will review it and follow up with you within two to four business days. If we are a good fit, you will receive next-step instructions, including scheduling information and access to intake paperwork.

    Step 3: Scheduling & Intake Paperwork

    If services move forward, you will be invited to schedule an intake appointment and complete required intake forms through a secure, HIPAA-compliant client portal. Intake paperwork includes informed consent, privacy practices, and brief questionnaires to support your care.

    All paperwork must be completed prior to your first session.

    Step 4: Insurance, Fees & Coverage

    This practice accepts Oregon Health Plan (OHP), including Umpqua Health Alliance, as well as limited private pay options.

    Details about:

    Accepted insurance

    Medicaid/OHP coverage

    Fees and payment policies

    are available through the links on this page and within the intake materials. If you have questions about coverage, those can be addressed as part of the intake process.

    Step 5: Intake Appointment & Next Steps

    Your first appointment is a comprehensive intake session where we will review your concerns, discuss goals, and determine appropriate next steps for ongoing care. From there, regular therapy sessions are scheduled based on clinical needs and availability.

    What Happens If Services Are Not a Fit

    If I am unable to offer services due to scope, availability, or level of care needs, I will communicate this clearly and, when possible, provide referral guidance to help you find appropriate support.

  • What to Expect

    Starting therapy can feel like a big step. My goal is to make the process as clear, supportive, and low-stress as possible—whether you’re self-referring or being referred by another provider.

    Step 1: Reaching Out

    You can get started by:

    Submitting a request through the website

    Being referred by a medical provider, school, DHS, or another professional

    Once I receive your inquiry, I’ll review it to make sure I’m a good clinical fit and that your insurance (including Oregon Health Plan / Umpqua Health Alliance) or payment option is appropriate.

    Step 2: Scheduling & Paperwork

    If we’re a good fit, you’ll receive:

    A link to schedule your intake appointment

    Secure online intake paperwork to complete before your first session

    This includes informed consent, privacy practices, and brief questionnaires to help me understand what you’re experiencing. Everything is completed through a HIPAA-secure system.

    Step 3: Intake Appointment

    Your first session is a 60-minute intake appointment. This is a space to:

    Talk about what’s bringing you to therapy now

    Review relevant history at a pace that feels safe

    Identify strengths, needs, and goals

    Ask questions about therapy, scheduling, or next steps

    There’s no pressure to share everything at once. We go at your pace.

    Step 4: Treatment Planning

    After the intake, we’ll work together to create a treatment plan that reflects:

    Your goals and priorities

    What feels manageable and supportive right now

    The approaches that best fit your needs (such as trauma-informed therapy, ADHD-focused support, EMDR preparation, or skills for regulation and stability)

    Therapy is collaborative, flexible, and adjusted as your needs change.

    Step 5: Ongoing Therapy Sessions

    Most clients attend weekly or bi-weekly sessions, either in person or via telehealth. Sessions are typically 60 minutes and focus on:

    Building safety and emotional regulation

    Increasing insight and self-understanding

    Developing practical tools and coping strategies

    Processing trauma when and if you’re ready

    You’ll work with the same therapist consistently to support trust, continuity, and progress.

    A Few Important Things to Know

    Therapy is not crisis care; if you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local crisis line

    You are always in control of what we work on and when

    Questions are welcome and encouraged at any point in the process

Referral

FAQs

  • Use of Insurance & Disclosure Requirements

    Wandering Minds Counseling & Consulting accepts insurance for medically necessary outpatient psychotherapy services, including diagnostic assessments and ongoing therapy sessions. Insurance coverage applies only to clinical services that meet medical necessity criteria.

    Even if you choose not to use your insurance for sessions, you are still required to disclose active insurance coverage during the intake process.

    Why this is important:

    • Insurance plans often require providers to bill insurance when coverage exists, even if a client prefers to self-pay

    • Failure to disclose active insurance can create billing conflicts, claim denials, or audit risk for both the client and provider

    • Transparency ensures compliance with Oregon Administrative Rules, Medicaid regulations, and ethical billing standards

    • It protects you from unexpected retroactive billing issues or insurance disputes

    This requirement supports ethical practice, accurate documentation, and informed financial consent.

    I currently am able to bill:

    • Oregon Health Plan (OHP)

      • Umpqua Health Alliance (UHA)

    • Optum

    • United Health Care

    • UMR

    • Surest

    • All Savers Plans

    • United Healthcare Student Plans

    • GEHA

    • Self pay

    • Super Bill

    • Sliding scale options (based on availability)

    What Insurance Covers

    Insurance (including Oregon Health Plan / Medicaid) typically covers:

    • Diagnostic intake evaluations

    • Individual psychotherapy sessions (45–60 minutes)

    • Medically necessary mental health treatment

    Coverage is determined by your specific plan and medical necessity criteria.

    What Insurance Does Not Cover

    Insurance does not cover non-clinical or administrative services, including but not limited to:

    • Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters

    • Academic advocacy

    • School-related support such as IEP or 504 consultation

    • Letters, reports, or documentation not required for treatment

    • Care coordination or advocacy outside of therapy sessions

    These services are not considered clinical treatment and therefore cannot be billed to insurance.

    Accessing Non-Clinical Services

    Non-clinical services may be accessed through:

    • Self-pay options, or

    • The donation-supported scholarship program, when available

    Details regarding fees, availability, and scholarship guidelines are provided during intake or upon request.

    Transparency & Ethical Practice

    Clear communication about insurance, fees, and service boundaries is part of ethical and trauma-informed care. This ensures:

    • No surprise billing

    • Clear expectations

    • Protection of your privacy and benefits

    • Compliance with state, federal, and payer regulations

    If you have questions about coverage or billing, these can be discussed during the intake process.

  • Telehealth appointments are available to clients located anywhere in Oregon. Sessions are conducted using a HIPAA-compliant, secure video platform accessed through your client portal.

    Telehealth offers flexibility and continuity of care while maintaining the same standards of privacy, professionalism, and clinical quality as in-person sessions.

    What You’ll Need for Telehealth

    To participate in telehealth sessions, you will need:

    • A private, quiet space where you can speak freely

    • A reliable internet connection

    • A device with video and audio capability (computer, tablet, or smartphone)

    • The ability to log in through your secure client portal at the time of your session

    Clients are responsible for ensuring their environment supports privacy and confidentiality during sessions.

    Important Notes About Telehealth

    • You must be physically located in Oregon at the time of your session

    • Telehealth is not appropriate for emergency or crisis care

    • Sessions may need to be rescheduled if privacy, safety, or connection issues interfere with clinical care

    Privacy & Compliance

    All telehealth services comply with HIPAA privacy standards, Oregon Administrative Rules, and applicable Medicaid/OHP requirements. Consent for telehealth is obtained as part of the intake process and may be revisited as needed.

  • Wandering Minds Counseling & Consulting provides outpatient mental health services and is not a crisis or emergency provider. Medicaid/OHP-covered services do not include 24/7 availability or on-call crisis response.

    If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or feel unable to keep yourself safe:

    • Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room

    • Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7)

    Use of emergency or crisis services does not affect your eligibility for ongoing outpatient therapy.

    What Is a Crisis?

    A mental health crisis is a situation where immediate support is needed to keep you or someone else safe. This may include:

    • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm with intent or a plan

    • Feeling unable to keep yourself safe

    • Thoughts of harming someone else

    • Severe emotional distress that feels unmanageable in the moment

    • Psychosis, mania, or dissociation that significantly impairs safety or reality testing

    • Situations involving immediate danger, abuse, or medical emergencies

    If you are unsure whether what you’re experiencing is a crisis, it is always okay to seek immediate support.

    If You Are in Immediate Danger

    If you are in immediate danger or feel unable to stay safe:

    • Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room

    • Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7)

    These services are equipped to provide immediate support and intervention.

    If You Are a Current Client

    If you are an established client and experiencing increased distress outside of session:

    • Use your safety plan if one has been developed

    • Reach out to crisis supports listed above if safety is a concern

    • You may send a non-urgent message through the client portal, understanding that messages are reviewed during business hours and are not monitored in real time

    Therapy & Crisis Care

    Outpatient therapy is designed for:

    • Ongoing support and skill-building

    • Trauma-informed healing over time

    • Emotional regulation and insight

    • Preparation for deeper therapeutic work

    When a higher level of care is needed, accessing crisis services is a supportive and appropriate step, not a failure of therapy.

    Commitment to Safety

    Client safety is always the priority. If at any point your needs exceed the scope of outpatient care, this will be discussed openly and respectfully, with support in identifying appropriate resources.

  • It’s normal to have questions before starting therapy. You’re welcome to reach out if you need clarification about services, scheduling, insurance, or the intake process.

    How to Ask a Question

    • Use the secure contact or referral form on this website

    • Current clients may send non-urgent questions through the secure client portal

    Messages are reviewed during regular business hours.

    What to Expect

    • Typical response time is two to four business days

    • Responses are intended for administrative or general information only

    • Clinical concerns are addressed during scheduled sessions

    For privacy and safety reasons, detailed clinical guidance is not provided via email or messaging.

    Important Note

    This contact option is not monitored in real time and is not appropriate for emergencies or crisis situations.

    If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support:

    • Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room

    • Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7)

    We’re Here to Help

    If you’re unsure where to start, submitting a referral form is often the best first step. Clear communication helps ensure appropriate care and a smoother start to services.