Everything You Need to Know About Leap Well Counseling Services

Services Overview & How to Work Together

Services Offered

Individual Therapy

For adults seeking support with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, cultural identity, life transitions, personal growth, and more.

  • Session Length: 50 minutes (standard), 90 minutes (intensive)
  • Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly

Couples Therapy

For partners seeking to improve communication, heal wounds, rebuild trust, or deepen their connection.

  • Session Length: 60 minutes, 75 or 90 minutes
  • Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly
  • Who We Serve: All relationship structures, LGBTQ+ affirmative

Youth Therapy (Ages 6-17)

Supporting youth through academic pressure, family conflict, cultural identity, anxiety/depression, and peer relationships.

  • Session Length: 50 minutes
  • Frequency: Usually weekly
  • Parent Involvement: Initial consultation + occasional family sessions

Clinical Supervision for Therapists

Supporting pre-licensed and licensed therapists in their professional development, especially minority clinicians.

  • Individual Supervision: 60 minutes, weekly or bi-weekly
  • Group Supervision: 90 minutes, bi-weekly (4-6 participants)
  • Specialties: EMDR, Trauma-Informed Practice, Cultural Responsiveness, Arts Integration

Life Coaching & Creative Expression

For individuals seeking personal growth, clarity, and creative exploration (not struggling with mental health crises).

  • Session Length: 50-60 minutes
  • Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly
  • Approach: Integrating drama therapy, creative modalities, and coaching methods

Insurance & Reimbursement

State of New York, USA

Insurance:

  • I can accept Aetna insurance.
  • If you're not with Aetna, I can provide out-of-network service.
  • I also accept HSA/FSA accounts.


Why Out-of-Network?

This allows me to:

  • Focus fully on your care without insurance company interference
  • Maintain your complete privacy (insurers don't access your records)
  • Offer flexible, individualized treatment
  • Avoid diagnosis requirements that may not fit your situation

Ontario, Canada

Most extended health insurance plans cover psychotherapy.

  • I provide detailed receipts for you to submit to your insurance
  • You pay me directly, then get reimbursed by your insurer
  • Check your plan for: coverage amount, number of sessions, any restrictions

Common Insurance Providers That Cover Psychotherapy:

  • Manulife
  • Sun Life
  • Great-West Life
  • Canada Life
  • Green Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Equitable Life
  • Many others

Insurance for Specific Services:

Individual Therapy: Usually covered
Couples Therapy: Sometimes covered (check your specific plan)
Adolescent Therapy: Usually covered
Clinical Supervision: Generally not covered by health insurance (may be reimbursed by employers or professional development funds)
Life Coaching: Not covered by health insurance
Group Therapy: Sometimes covered (check your specific plan)

How to Book & Get Started

01

Schedule Free 15-Minute Consultation

Before committing to therapy, let's have a brief, no-pressure conversation to:

  • Discuss what's bringing you to therapy
  • Determine if we're a good fit
  • Answer any questions you have
  • Explain how the process works

This consultation is:
✓ Completely free
✓ No obligation to continue
✓ Confidential
✓ Available via phone or video

02

Book Your First Session

If we both feel it's a good fit, you can book your first appointment:

  • Online Booking: Use the scheduling link to see available times and book directly

Current Availability:

  • Typical wait time: 1-2 weeks for first appointment
  • Weekday evenings and weekend slots available
  • If you need sooner, mention it in your consultation—I'll do my best
03

Complete Intake Forms

Before your first session, you'll receive secure links to complete:

  • Basic Information & Contact Details
  • Health History & Current Concerns
  • Symptom Assessment Questionnaires (brief)
  • Informed Consent & Privacy Agreement
  • Payment Information

Time needed: 15-20 minutes
All forms are HIPAA/PHIPA compliant and securely stored.

04

Attend Your First Session

Your initial session (usually 60 minutes) will include:

  • Understanding what brings you to therapy
  • Discussing your goals and hopes
  • Exploring your history and context
  • Answering your questions
  • Beginning to build our therapeutic relationship

By the end of 1-2 sessions, I'll share my clinical assessment and recommendations, which may include:

  • Recommended treatment approach
  • Suggested frequency and duration
  • Any additional resources that might help
  • Whether online therapy is the best fit for your needs
05

Begin Regular Sessions

Ongoing therapy sessions are typically:

  • 50 minutes in length
  • Weekly or bi-weekly (we'll discuss what's right for you)
  • Scheduled at a consistent time when possible
  • Conducted via secure, encrypted video platform

Confidentiality & Communication

Confidentiality & Privacy

What Stays Private: Everything you share in therapy is confidential, with these legal/ethical exceptions:

I Must Break Confidentiality If:

  1. You are at imminent risk of harming yourself
  1. You are at imminent risk of harming someone else
  1. A child is being abused or neglected
  1. An elderly or dependent adult is being abused
  1. A court orders release of records (rare)
  1. Other situations required by PHIPA (Ontario) or state law (New York)

In these situations:

  • I'll discuss with you first whenever possible
  • Only minimum necessary information is disclosed
  • Your safety is always the priority

Your Records:

  • Stored securely in HIPAA/PHIPA-compliant SimplePractice system
  • Encrypted and protected
  • Only I have access
  • Retained for 7 years (Ontario), 6 years (New York) as legally required

Communication Between Sessions

For Scheduling/Administrative Questions:

  • SimplePractice secure messaging
  • Response time: Within 2 business days

For Brief Clinical Check-ins:

  • SimplePractice secure messaging preferred
  • Keep messages brief—detailed discussions belong in sessions

Social Media: I don't communicate with clients via social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) to protect your privacy and maintain professional boundaries.

Ending Therapy

You're Always in Control:

  • You can end therapy at any time
  • No judgment, no penalty
  • I'd appreciate a final session for closure, but it's not required

Planned Endings:

When you and I agree you've met your goals, we'll plan a thoughtful ending:

  • Review progress and growth
  • Discuss maintaining gains
  • Address any concerns about ending
  • Leave door open for future support if needed

If I Recommend Ending:

Rarely, I might recommend we end or transition you to another provider if:

  • I'm not the right fit for your needs
  • You'd benefit from a different specialization
  • There's a conflict of interest

In these cases, I'll provide appropriate referrals and support the transition.

Questions Not Answered Here?

I'm happy to discuss any questions or concerns you have.

Ready to Get Started?

The first step is simple: a free, no-pressure 15-minute consultation.