Frequently Asked Questions

Click here, call, or email me. Once you reach out, we will schedule a fifteen minute phone consultation. During our consult, I hope to learn what's bringing you to counseling, and answer any of your questions. Following our conversation, if Monarch Therapy is appropriate and we mutually believe we are a good fit, we will find a day and time to book an appointment. I will then send you electronic paperwork to be completed before our first meeting

The fee for a 50-minute session is $135 and a 80-minute session (recommended for couples, dicernment counseling and intakes) is $205

Walk and talk sessions- $140

2 hour session upon request- $250

You can schedule a free consultation using the form provided on the “Get Started” page or reach out to me via email stating your desire to schedule a 15-minute consultation. I will reach out via email within 48 hrs with a few times you can choose from for the consultation.

The consultation is not a therapy session, but instead a way for me to personally introduce myself and to gain a brief understanding of what is leading you to therapy. During your consultation we will also discuss which meeting option is best for you and your specific needs.

The consultation is optional but recommended before proceeding your therapy journey with Monarch Therapy.

If you are looking for couple, family or discernment services I recommend all parties to be on the call during the contact but it is not a requirement; as I understand everyones schedule might not allow for that.

Walk and talk therapy is therapy outdoors! Walk and talk sessions are 50-minutes and weather permitted. If it is raining, storming we will move to a virtual session using a HIPPA complaint platform.

For walk and talk sessions you will choose from the locations provided (railroad park, Birmingham botanical gardens and Birmingham rotary trail) at the time of your scheduling.

Walk and talk sessions is a way to implement movement and influence mindfulness, making it easier to discuss emotions.

I do accept insurance. I utilize headway to support various insurance types such as BCBS, Aetna and Cigna.

Yes, per the No Surprises Act (see below), you have the right to an estimate explaining how much your mental health care will cost. You will be provided a Good Faith Estimate when you sign up for services and any other time you request one, including before signing up for services.

I recommend at least 5 sessions to begin seeing change, however, every client is different and I believe that based on the needs of specific clients, therapy will last until the symptoms alleviate or the client feels ready for termination. The average number of sessions at Monarch Therapy is 12, and the exact number you will need depends on your individual circumstances and needs.

“Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges” Under the No Surprises Act

Instructions Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises

After completing the intake session and necessary paper work, I typically recommend starting out with weekly or bi-weekly sessions based on your specific needs. It can be helpful to have a have a standing appointment day, and time, scheduled in advance. Real change will come from consistency and commitment to the process.

However, I am happy to accommodate to the best of my ability based on your needs.

If you are unable to keep your appointment, I require a 24 hour notice. Cancellations within the 24 hour window will be charged for the full session. I understand that life happens, so sickness and emergencies will be exempt under my discretion. I will not charge you without attempting to contact you first.

All information shared within our session will be held in the strictest confidence, unless you give written consent for me to share information with a third party. The exceptions to this policy are if I become aware that you are suicidal or homicidal, or if there is any instance of unreported child or elder abuse.

In person services are offered both in a office space and through walk and talk sessions.

Yes. Since no life is without loss and struggle a safe space to process and unpack emotional wounds can be beneficial for anyone.

If you find that my standard rate doesn't fit within your budget, don't worry! I offer a sliding fee scale with limited availability to accommodate different financial situations. Feel free to reach out to me if you'd like to apply or learn more about this option.

However, please note that if the sliding fee scale slots are already full or if it cannot meet your specific needs, I've got your back! I'll provide you with a referral list of therapists who offer similar programs or lower fees. Your mental health is important to me, and I'm committed to helping you find the support you need.

To apply for Monarch Therapy's sliding fee scale program, please follow these steps:

1. Send an email to katelyn@monarchtherapyandwellness.com using the subject header "Sliding Fee Scale Application".

2. Within 48 business hours, an application will be sent to your client portal for you to fill out.

3. You will be notified of your eligibility based on current openings within 72 business hours.

4. If there is availability and you agree to the scheduled fee assigned, you will be asked to sign an agreement.

5. Once the document is completed, email a copy over, and it will be uploaded to your client portal for reference alongside the assigned fee.