FAQ:

…Your therapy questions answered.

Does Dr. Heidel accept insurance?

Yes. Dr. Heidel contracts with several insurance panels (Anthem, Tricare, Sentara/Optima) and can bill insurance for you. However, some people prefer not to use their health insurance for a variety of reasons.

If you prefer not to use insurance, you are entitled to a “Good Faith Estimate” under the No Surprises Act. You can find information about the No Surprises Act here.

What’s it like to work with Dr. Heidel?   

Dr. Heidel is warm, accepting, hands-on, and collaborative. She is committed to helping you develop a sense of trust, safety, and comfort to share authentically and explore your self and your world in your sessions. This is facilitated by helping you develop clear direction and goals, developing a thorough understanding of your background, and prioritizing what feels most important and relevant to you.

How long is a therapy session?

Most therapy sessions are between 45 and 55 minutes.

How often should I schedule sessions?

This is your choice. After the first session, Dr. Heidel will make a recommendation based on your needs and concerns. She typically recommends beginning with weekly sessions while you build a working relationship together. Weekly sessions may help you begin to experience relief more quickly.

What should I talk about?

Most people are not sure what to expect when they first attend therapy. Dr. Heidel will provide some structure during the first few sessions so that you feel comfortable, safe, and welcome. Often, therapy begins with discussing your background so that Dr. Heidel can build an understanding of your unique identities and needs and tailor her approach to fit with your goals. By the end of their first session, Dr. Heidel’s clients report feeling hopeful and relieved.