Are you accepting new clients?
I regularly update my status to reflect my availability. The current status is: Loading… Please reach out for details.
What do you treat, and who do you work with?
I work with individual adults and adolescents ages 14 to 18. I do not offer couples or family therapy, however I am happy to involve partners and family members in individual therapy to work on issues like communication, boundary setting, developing a stronger support system, and for help developing a clearer understanding of the big picture. The key difference is that the identified client is one individual rather than the couple or the family.
Common reasons people come in include trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and identity, attachment and relationship issues, borderline personality disorder, and the challenges of adolescence and parenting. I also offer supportive counseling and ASRM evaluations for people navigating fertility and assisted reproduction. If you are not sure whether your situation fits, reach out to schedule a consultation or send a brief email.
What kinds of therapy or approaches do you use?
I draw on several approaches and match them to the person rather than the other way around. These include psychodynamic and relational therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD. Some of the work is structured and skills-focused; some is more open-ended and exploratory. You can expect to discuss your goals and the best approach to therapy in the first few sessions.
How long are sessions, and how often?
Sessions are 55 minutes. Typically treatment starts with weekly sessions to establish a therapeutic relationship and shared understanding of our approach to therapy. After 4–6 weeks clients may re-evaluate session frequency. For clients with exceptional needs increased frequency may be available.
What happens in a first appointment?
The first appointment is an intake session. It is a chance to talk through what brings you in, your history, and what you are hoping for, and to start getting a feel for working together. Expect some questions about your background and current concerns, and room to ask your own.
Do you use artificial intelligence (AI) or record sessions?
Sessions are never recorded or shared with any third party. Big Mountain Mental Health, PLLC does not use AI with any client information in any way at any time.
Is what I say confidential?
For adults: Yes, what you share in therapy remains confidential except in circumstances where you provide written permission for me to share information with someone else for a specific purpose (for example, to discuss your treatment with your psychiatrist or a previous therapist), or as required by law in suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, if you make a credible threat against a specific person, in which case I have to warn them and contact law enforcement, an imminent risk of harm to yourself that cannot be managed within treatment, or a valid court order signed by a judge. In situations in which your privacy may be violated, I will make every effort to be direct and collaborative with you to avoid disclosure or allow you to participate in the information sharing process.
For minors: Your situation depends on your age. Parents and guardians of clients under 16 are generally considered part of the client relationship in Montana, and I will attempt to keep them informed of treatment progress in general terms while still protecting specific information shared in session. When a client is 16 or 17 and has consented to their own treatment, that confidentiality is theirs, and I share information with a parent only with the client’s authorization or where the law requires it. The limits of confidentiality are discussed with both the minor and their parent or guardian at the start of treatment.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. I am in network with several commercial and state plans. The Rates & Insurance page has the current list. Coverage details vary by plan, and not all plans cover all services. It’s a good idea to confirm your specific mental health benefits with your insurer before your first appointment.
How much does therapy cost?
The initial intake session is $180. Regular individual sessions are $160. If you are using insurance that I am in-network for, your plan will dictate what costs you are responsible for. A reduced cash-pay rate may be available for clients who need it. Please see the Rates & Insurance page for full details.
What is your cancellation policy?
At least 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged a $100 fee. Insurance does not cover missed sessions, so this is usually your responsibility. Some plans, including Healthy Montana Kids, don’t allow me to charge it, and in that case I won’t.
How do I get started?
The first step is a free 15-minute phone consultation. You can book one online directly from the Contact page — pick a time that works, fill out a short form, and you’ll get a confirmation email. You can also reach out by phone or email if you prefer. The consultation is a chance to ask questions and get a sense of whether working together is a good fit.
Do you work with couples or families?
I work with adults and adolescents, not couples. Family members and partners are sometimes brought into sessions when it supports the work, but the client is the individual, not the couple or family as a whole.
In-person or telehealth?
I offer in-person sessions at the office in Whitefish, and telehealth across Montana.
Do you prescribe medication?
No, as a clinical social worker I provide talk therapy, not medication. If you are currently working with a physician or nurse practitioner who is prescribing you medication I am happy to coordinate with them to provide you the best possible care. If you are interested in exploring a talk therapy + medication approach to your treatment I have extensive history with psychiatric providers in the Flathead Valley and would be able to help you get connected with a psychiatrist.