Choosing a therapist comes with a lot of questions, and rightfully so!
That’s why I put together this comprehensive list of questions about therapy with me so that you can be well-informed and ready to begin your journey to wellness with me!
Appointments & Scheduling
That all depends on you and your wants and needs. I meet with some clients every two weeks, some once a week, and others multiple times per week. Occasionally, I’ll meet with clients on a monthly basis, but that’s typically at the end of therapy, and these sessions serve as wellness check-ins.
Generally speaking, I like to have you commit to at least six to eight sessions to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. These sessions may be spaced out weekly or every two weeks. After that, if you need additional sessions, we can work out a schedule to suit your needs.
Third-party reproduction consultations or assessments are typically single sessions.
Typically, I can schedule your first session within two weeks of your inquiry.
In general, I tend to work Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasionally, I offer weekend and evening sessions.
We’ll arrange a session or sessions and charge the hourly rate.
Insurance & Fees
Excellent question! While my practice is out-of-network with insurance companies, some will reimburse a portion of your therapy fee with me. You are responsible for paying for the full session at the time of your appointment. But we can provide an itemized receipt (called a superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Just ask!
Ah, the age-old (and understandable) question about therapy. My pricing is as follows:
- Individual 50-minute session: $195
- Reduced cost rate: $125
- Extended 90-minute session: $300
- Group session: $65
- Gestational carrier evaluation (2.5 hours): $1000
- Donor candidate evaluation (2 hours): $600
- Intended parent meetings (2 hours): $500
- Joint meetings (1.5 hours): $400
- Recipient parent consult (1.5 hours): $325
- Weekend appointments are an additional $50 per hour
Yes. Both require the same amount of time for me, although online therapy is convenient for everyone!
I accept credit cards and HSA/FSA cards.
I understand. Things like emergencies and illness happen, and you have to cancel your appointment. Generally speaking, I ask for a 48-hour notice of canceled appointments. If you cancel within that 48 hours, you will be charged the full amount for the session. And if you don’t show up, you will also be charged the full amount.
Third Party Reproduction Assessments
The first step is to go online and schedule an appointment with me! We’ll then send you your intake paperwork, including questionnaires about yourself, consent forms, and a release of information.
Assessments take about two to two and a half hours to complete, including a clinical interview and psychological assessment with me, Dr. Christina Rush. We’ll focus on the why and how of being a donor or carrier, your mental health and family history, and a personality questionnaire to rule out current psychopathology and understand your personality better.
I will then write a report summarizing my findings and provide feedback to the clinic if you meet the Association of Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) guidelines for being a donor or carrier. These results are provided to the agency, fertility colonic, or agency within two weeks.
The first thing you have to do is schedule an appointment with me for your consultation. We’ll send you your intake paperwork, including questionnaires about yourself, consent forms, and a release of information.
This third-party reproduction consultation is not a test or evaluation. It is simply a consultation to discuss the complications that may arise from third-party reproduction and explore your desire for your journey ahead.
We will meet for 90-120 minutes to discuss general mental health and life stability. We’ll also talk about your fertility history, the decision-making process, your desired relationship with the donors or surrogate, and how to discuss your experience and needs with family, friends, and the child.
Joint meetings are only required for all gestational carrier arrangements and known donor arrangements.
Joint meetings allow both parties to discuss communication styles, diaries for their relationship, medical preferences, and possible complications, including dual relationships.
I understand. There are no guarantees. The cycle may not work. There might be a miscarriage. There might be a need for selective reduction. You may have to endure bed rest. Or, you may end up with a bundle of joy in your arms but still feel incredibly sad and anxious.
That’s why I’m here. I provide therapy to help you through any of these worries or experiences. If your circumstances require it or it’s easier for you, I’m happy to meet with you for our sessions via phone or online therapy.
General Questions
Absolutely. 100%. Everyone is welcome with open arms and without judgment.
Of course, if you ask! You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate under the No Surprises Act, effective January 1, 2022. If you ask for an honest estimate of what I believe you’ll have to pay for your services, I’ll provide one. That could include a “worst-case scenario” estimate if you’d like. But again, you must ask for one!
Under the Interjurisdictional Compact (PsyPact), I have the authority to provide therapy in 35 states and the Commonwealths, including my home state of North Carolina, via online therapy. The PsyPact states and Commonwealths include:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Are You Ready to Get Started?
Then let’s do this! My door is open, and I’ve saved the comfiest seat for you. Schedule your initial appointment and begin in-person therapy with me in Greensboro, NC, or online therapy in any of the PsyPact States.
