Questions you probably have but haven't asked yet.
Because you should not have to wonder about the basics before deciding if this is worth your time.
Getting started (less scary than you think)
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes. Availability changes, but the fastest way to find out is to book a free 15-minute consult. I do my best to update current openings monthly. If I am full, I will let you know and can sometimes offer a waitlist or a referral to someone I trust. You can also email brianne@beautifulmindsocd.com to verify availability.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
The short answer is that we figure that out together on the free consult. The longer answer is that if you are dealing with OCD, anxiety, panic disorder, or a specific phobia and you want treatment that actually targets the problem rather than just helping you cope with it, you are probably in the right place. If you are looking for open ended talk therapy or support around grief, relationships, or life transitions, I am probably not your person and I will tell you that honestly on the consult.
What happens on the free consult?
It is a free 15 minute conversation, not a therapy session. We keep it pretty low key. It is a chance to ask the logistics questions you have been sitting on, get a feel for whether talking to me feels right, and decide if you want to move forward. I will ask a few basic questions about what brings you here and we will figure out together if we are a good fit. If I am not the right person for what you are dealing with I will tell you that directly and point you somewhere that is. No pressure, no homework, no awkward silences.
Do I need a diagnosis before reaching out?
A lot of people come to me without a formal diagnosis and that is completely fine. We do a thorough assessment together at the start of treatment to understand what is actually going on before we start throwing interventions at it. That said, if you are planning to seek out of network reimbursement from your insurance, most plans will only reimburse you if there is a formal diagnosis on file. It is something worth keeping in mind as we work together, and it is a conversation we can have once we get started.
How long before I can get an appointment?
It depends on current availability, but most new clients can get started within one to two weeks of their consult. Availability varies, so the sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get you scheduled.
Insurance & payment
Do you take insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider, which means I do not bill insurance directly. However, many clients get reimbursed through their insurance plan using a superbill. I provide superbills upon request at the end of each month, and it is your responsibility to request them and submit them to your insurance company, either through Mentaya or your insurance portal. Out-of-network benefits vary by plan, so I recommend checking yours before we start.
Can I use my insurance at all?
Possibly. Many insurance plans have out-of-network benefits that cover a portion of therapy costs. I provide superbills upon request at the end of each month, which you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement through Mentaya or your insurance portal. You can check your specific benefits on our benefits page or call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask about out-of-network mental health coverage.
What are your fees?
Diagnostic assessment: $250. 45 minute therapy session: $200.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
I do not offer a sliding scale.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. Payment is collected through Jane, the secure platform I use for scheduling and sessions.
The boring but important stuff
Where are you licensed?
I am licensed to practice telehealth in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Nebraska. All sessions are virtual, so you can be anywhere in those states. You just need a private space, a screen, and a decent internet connection.
What platform do you use for telehealth?
I use Jane, which is a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. You will receive a link before each session. No special software required, just a device with a camera, a microphone, and a stable internet connection.
What if I have a bad connection or technical issues?
It happens. If the connection drops, I will try to reconnect. If we cannot get video working, we can switch to a phone session so we do not lose your time. Technology is imperfect. We will figure it out.
How do I schedule appointments?
All scheduling is done through Jane. Once you are an established client, you can book, reschedule, or cancel appointments directly through the platform.
Do I have to create a Jane account to book a consult?
You will need to enter some basic information when booking through Jane, but it is quick and straightforward. No lengthy intake forms before the consult, just enough so I know who I am talking to.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full session fee. If I need to cancel for any reason, you will not be charged.
What actually happens in therapy
What kind of therapy do you do?
I specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These are evidence-based approaches with the strongest research behind them for OCD and anxiety disorders. I chose them because they work, not because they are trendy. I do not do open ended talk therapy, psychoanalysis, or EMDR.
If you want to learn more about how ERP works specifically, the OCD page breaks it down in detail.
What kind of therapy do you NOT do?
I am not a generalist. I do not treat depression as a standalone condition, grief, trauma, relationship issues, or personality disorders. If OCD or anxiety is not the primary concern, I am probably not the right fit and I will tell you that on the consult.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on what we are treating and how severe it is. For OCD, most people see meaningful improvement within 12 to 20 sessions with ERP. Some faster, some slower. We will track progress with actual data so you will know whether it is working, not just whether it feels like it is working.
Is therapy going to make my anxiety worse before it gets better?
With ERP, yes, temporarily. That is actually how it works. You gradually face the things that trigger your anxiety so your brain learns they are not dangerous. The discomfort is short-term and intentional. The relief that follows is not. I will never ask you to do something without explaining why, and we will always work at a pace you can handle.
I have tried therapy before and it did not help. Why would this be different?
Most therapists are not trained in ERP or specialized anxiety treatment. Traditional talk therapy can actually make OCD worse by providing reassurance, which feeds the cycle. What I do is structurally different. We do not just talk about your anxiety. We systematically dismantle it. If your previous therapist was kind but things did not change, that is probably why.
Other questions
Do you work with children or adolescents?
No. I work exclusively with adults, ages 18 and up. If you are looking for a therapist for a child or teenager, I am happy to help point you in the right direction during a consult.
Do you work with couples or families?
No. I work with individual adults only.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
Under the No Surprises Act, healthcare providers are required to give uninsured or self-pay patients an estimate of expected charges. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including therapy.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit cms.gov/nosurprises.
Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?
I have opted out of Medicare and do not accept Medicaid. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you have the right to receive a private contract outlining the terms of our arrangement outside of Medicare. By agreeing to work together you acknowledge that no claims will be submitted to Medicare for our sessions and that you are responsible for full payment directly.
Are you trained in EMDR therapy?
I am not an EMDR therapist. My training and practice are focused on ERP, CBT, and ACT, which are the most evidence-based treatments for OCD and anxiety disorders specifically. If you are looking for EMDR, I can help you find someone who specializes in that approach.