Frequently Asked Questions

Therapy helps when life feels overwhelming, relationships are strained, or you're not feeling like yourself. Common signs include persistent stress, difficulty sleeping, relationship conflicts, feeling stuck, or simply wanting to understand yourself better. If you're questioning whether you need help, that curiosity itself often indicates therapy could be beneficial. The free 15-minute consultation helps us determine if therapy is right for your specific situation.

Sessions are $150 for both individual and couples therapy. I accept several insurance plans which may cover most or all of your cost depending on your plan. I'll verify your benefits for you and provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. I also offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your options.

I'm in-network with several major insurance providers. Contact me with your insurance details and I'll verify your coverage and explain your benefits, including copay amounts and session limits.

The first session is about getting to know you. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, your background, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve. I'll explain how I work and answer any questions. It's a chance for us both to see if we're a good fit.

You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation by calling or texting (612) 562-9880, emailing mitch@axismentalhealth.com, or using the contact form on this website. During the consultation, we'll discuss your needs and schedule your first full session if we're a good fit.

This decision depends on your priorities around privacy, flexibility, and cost. Private pay offers complete privacy (no insurance records or required diagnosis), flexible session lengths, and straightforward billing. Insurance can reduce your per-session cost if you have good mental health coverage, but requires a diagnosis and involves insurance documentation. Many clients start with insurance and switch to private pay for greater flexibility. I'll help you understand your options during our consultation.

I use multiple evidence-based approaches tailored to your specific needs: EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) for couples, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for anxiety and depression, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) for emotional regulation, Clinical Hypnosis for anxiety and trauma, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based approaches, and Person-Centered therapy. We'll discuss which approach fits your situation best during our first session.

It varies by individual and your goals. Some clients see improvement in 8-12 sessions for specific issues, while others benefit from longer-term therapy. We'll regularly check in on your progress and adjust our plan together. You're always in control of the pace and duration.

Your privacy is protected by law. Everything discussed in therapy is confidential, with a few exceptions: if there's an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child or elder abuse, or a court order. I'll always explain these limits upfront and prioritize your trust.

Yes! Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions for most concerns. Many clients actually prefer it—no commute, more scheduling flexibility, and the comfort of your own space. All sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform (doxy.me).

Please provide 24-hour notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. This allows me to offer the slot to someone else who may need it. Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged the full session fee unless there's an emergency. I understand life happens—just communicate as soon as you can.

No, as a therapist (LPCC), I don't prescribe medication—only psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe. However, I'm happy to coordinate with your doctor or refer you to a psychiatrist if medication might be helpful alongside therapy. Many clients benefit from a combination of therapy and medication.

That's completely okay! The therapeutic relationship is incredibly important, and fit matters. If after a few sessions it doesn't feel right for either of us, I'll help you find a therapist who's a better match for your needs. Your growth and comfort are what matter most, not my ego.

Yes, absolutely. Many clients start with insurance and later switch to private pay for greater flexibility and privacy. You can make this change at any time by letting me know at least one week before your next session.

Yes! Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can be used for therapy sessions. This is a great option for private pay clients who want to use pre-tax dollars while maintaining complete privacy.

If you have a high deductible plan that hasn't been met, you may pay the full session rate out-of-pocket until your deductible is satisfied. In this case, private pay often becomes simpler—you pay a known flat rate ($150) without navigating insurance claims or uncertainty about coverage.

A superbill is a detailed receipt you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. If you choose private pay but have out-of-network benefits, I can provide superbills upon request. Reimbursement amounts vary by plan—check with your insurance to understand your coverage.

If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. If you're in immediate danger, call 911. I'm not available 24/7 for crisis situations, but these resources are.