Thinking about therapy?
you’re in the right place.
What is Therapy?
Therapy is a safe space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It's a journey of self-discovery and healing, guided by a professional who listens without judgment and helps you navigate life's challenges. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or just need someone to talk to, therapy offers tools and strategies to improve your mental well-being.
What is Therapy with Crystal Like?
When you work with me, you're not just getting a therapist – you're gaining a partner in your journey towards self-understanding and growth. As a late-diagnosed neurodistinct individual, I understand the unique challenges you face. Our sessions will be a blend of empathy, practical advice, and personalized strategies that resonate with your experiences.
What Can I Expect?
- Inclusive and Non-Judgmental Space: You'll feel accepted and understood, free to share your thoughts and feelings.
- Personalized Approach: We'll tailor our sessions to fit your unique needs and goals.
- Practical Tools: You'll learn strategies to manage stress, improve communication, and navigate relationships.
- Empowerment: Together, we'll work towards fostering self-acceptance and building a more fulfilling life.
Our sessions will be conversational, where you feel comfortable sharing your story. I'll share my experiences and insights, helping you see that you're not alone in this journey.
Join me in creating a supportive community where neurodivergent voices are celebrated and understood. Schedule your free consultation today, and take the first step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
All sessions are conducted via a HIPAA compliant video conferencing tool (either Zoom or SimplePractice), OR we can also utilize phone audio calls only, depending upon your level of comfort.
Late-Diagnosed Autism/ADHD in Adults
Many adults are coming to the conclusion that their main struggles aren’t just depression and anxiety. Coupled with the availability of psychoeducation via the internet, many are questioning if they are autistic or have ADHD, and have largely been “just getting through.”
I’m here to help you navigate possible formal or self diagnosis.
My specialties:
Gender & Sexuality
In addition to questioning how our brains work, many millennials find themselves questioning their gender and/or sexuality as they approach mid-life. While this is normal and typical for this stage of human development, it can feel scary and overwhelming to figure out where to start!
I’m here to provide a safe-space to ask the questions you’re hesitant to text your friends about.
Religious Trauma
As we ask more and more questions about ourselves, inevitably, questions around spirituality and our own religious upbringing may come up. I specialize in working with those who have experienced religious trauma and are looking to find out why and how it affects their lives today.
I’m here to help you navigate your feelings around religion, whether or not you decide to stay or leave.
Book an appointment.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Do you take insurance?
I take a select few insurances. Currently I take:
Oscar (Maine)
Magellan (California)
Aetna (CA and ME)
United Healthcare (CA and ME)
Oxford (CA and ME)
Carelon Behavioral Health (CA and ME)
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (ME only)
Cigna (ME only)
What if you don’t take my insurancE?
You can proceed paying out-of-pocket (also called private pay). I can also compile and email to you monthly Superbills you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. I don’t guarantee reimbursement, and you should contact your insurance to see if/how they reimburse out-of-network providers.
can I opt out of using insurance if I’m concerned about privacy?
Absolutely. I have an opt-out form you can fill out, and we can proceed with private pay. My hourly rate is $175/hour commensurate with local rates.
Why do some therapists opt to not take insurance?
Because honestly? The system is rigged. You pay a monthly premium for your right to have coverage, but then also have to pay a co-pay or meet a deductible before the insurance kick in a meaningful way. For therapists, every rate we have with an insurance company is negotiated. Wild right? We have to (or pay a 3rd party to) negotiate a price for our services that are determined by each insurance panel. These vary not only company to company, but also by state! For example, there are some that pay $60 to a therapist for their clinical hour with a client, and some that pay $120 per clinical hour. Many therapists have tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt, but the licensing boards require undergraduate and graduate degrees for clinical licensure (ability to see clients on their own). Therapists also have to pay for liability insurance (required by licensing boards), continued education units (required by licensing boards), and in my case, because I’m in California, I pay a lawyer yearly to renew my S-Corp status, that is required by my state. Some therapists simply cannot afford to take insurance because it pays so poorly sometimes. For myself, I have found a few insurance clients mixed with privately paying clients has worked well. Legally and ethically, you should always receive the same level of excellence and attention from your therapist, no matter how you’re paying them.
Why do some Clients opt to not Use their insurance?
In this political climate, as we’re seeing more and more marginalized communities targeted and suffering mental health consequences, many are concerned about privacy. If you utilize insurance, there must (required by law) be an extensive paper trail and documentation in order for insurance to pay out to clinicians. If an insurance company determines there is not sufficient documentation, they may not cover, or actually require a clawback and take back money already issued to a clinician. From the first session of an insurance client, a diagnosis must be assigned. If you are a privately paying client, I am not required by law to document as throurghally, as I don’t have to “prove” the severity or criteria in order to justify payment. I am able to document what I ethically must to be operating under my standards as an LCSW, but I am allowed to make my own clinical judgement as to how much detail is required. A diagnosis from session one for a privately paying client is not required.
Book an appointment.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.