Clinical social work services
About LICSW’s
As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the state of Massachusetts (MA) I provide therapy, wellness education & consultation services to MA residents only and adults 18+. I provide clinical social work services to individuals and couples.
About Therapy
Therapy is a treatment for a specific mental health condition diagnosed by a qualified healthcare professional such as a clinical social worker, psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychiatrist or psychologist. If you have concerns regarding your mental health and are not sure which professional to see you can consult with your primary care provider. Some common concerns that people seek therapy for include but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, adjustment reactions to stressful life events, and other mood or behavior changes or concerns. If you feel that any of these concerns are impacting your day to day life and relationships, it might be helpful to consult with a mental healthcare provider.
How can Therapy help me?
Working with a therapist can help you become aware of what needs to change in your life so you can start taking action to improve your health and wellbeing. Often, a small change can make a big difference. Other times, a larger change might be necessary. It could be a relationship, job or your housing that needs to be different in order for you to feel safe and supported. Your outside environment needs to reflect your inner values and what’s most important to you. Working with a therapist can help you recognize and take action towards what is within your control. With the help and support of a therapist you can work towards healing from emotional and psychological pain.
Where do sessions take place?
Online sessions are available for Massachusetts, USA residents only. Teletherapy sessions are provided via HIPAA compliant platform Simple Practice, which provides a simple, free and secure platform for video calls. Once you schedule an appointment, you will receive the intake and consent forms to complete digitally via my HIPAA compliant platform, Simple Practice.
Insurance Coverage:
I’m in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO, PPO and Indemnity Plans
Check with your specific BCBS plan regarding coverage for Telehealth sessions and your copays/deductibles/co-insurance for medically necessary clinical social work services such as individual or couple’s therapy (https://home.bluecrossma.com/coronavirus)
Please note, health insurance covers medically necessary therapy (individual or couples/family psychotherapy - CPT code 90847) in which there is mental health treatment provided for a specific diagnosis.
Private Pay/Out of Network: Fees
Is all stress bad?
Not all stress is bad. Good stress motivates you to take action. Stress also happens in response to positive changes. However, stress can become toxic. Toxic stress keeps you in fight, flight or freeze mode. Your body starts to react as if it’s in a life threatening situation, even if it isn’t. If you have a history of trauma you might experience difficult thoughts and feelings in the present. Certain sights, smells, sounds and other experiences can trigger a body memory that feels like the event is happening again, even if it isn’t.
In fight/flight/freeze mode it’s hard to think clearly and to stay calm. You might start yelling at those you love the most. You might avoid people and activities that usually bring you joy. You can get stuck in survival mode instead of achieving your highest potential. It might be hard to do things that are pleasurable, such as connecting with a good friend or preparing a healthy meal. Everyday activities might feel overwhelming and taking care of others might feel more like a burden than a pleasure.
Threats can include physical or emotional. For example, if you experienced a history of neglect or emotional abuse, you might have a hard time trusting others and connecting with people on a deeper level. You might get reactive or take other people’s actions personally. You might automatically interpret other people’s behaviors as malicious, even if not intended that way.
What do I mean by “Less stressing, MoRE flourishing?”
Less stressing, more flourishing means that you are able to feel safe in your physical environment and with the people around you. You are then able to thrive because you are giving yourself what you need and desire - safety, love and belonging. You feel valued and accepted for who you are on the inside. You don’t feel the need to impress others or be a version of yourself that you are not. You’re able to express yourself authentically, which is the best gift you can give to others.
What is mindful self-care?
Mindful self-care is about paying attention to what you need in this moment and taking action to meet those needs. It will help you build strength and resilience to work through life stressors and challenges. Mindful self-care helps you recognize where to put your energy so you can stop spinning the wheels of frustration. Instead, you learn to use that energy to move you towards your health and wellness goals.
Crisis Hotlines
For USA residents, if you are experiencing an emotional crisis or thoughts of suicide please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Please note: I do not provide clinical social work services for clients outside of the state of Massachusetts in the USA. For international crisis resources visit: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
What is the cancellation policy?
24 hours advance notice is required for cancellations, otherwise there is a $50 fee. Please contact me as soon as you are able as extenuating circumstances are taken into consideration.