About Online Therapy
Teletherapy (also called telehealth, online therapy, or virtual therapy) is professional psychotherapy delivered via secure video or phone from the comfort of your own space. Sessions follow the same clinical standards as in-person care.
We use a HIPAA-compliant video platform. You will receive a private link before each appointment. All you need is a device with a camera, audio, a reliable internet connection, and a private space.
I provide services to individuals, couples, and families located in Texas, Washington, Illinois, and Vermont. Because therapy is legally considered to occur wherever you are at the time of your session, you'll need to be physically in one of those states when we meet.
If you travel outside those states, just let me know ahead of time — we may need to reschedule until you're back. This isn't a bureaucratic hurdle; it's simply the law that governs licensed practice.
Coaching and consulting services are not restricted by state lines. If you are seeking coaching, please contact empower@liberation.works.
Research consistently shows that online therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person care for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. The therapeutic relationship — which research identifies as the strongest predictor of good outcomes — forms just as naturally through video.
That said, online therapy isn't the right fit for every situation. If you're navigating an acute crisis or have concerns that might be better supported in person, we'll talk about that together and I can help with referrals if needed.
Getting Started
New clients start with a free 20-minute discovery call. It's a relaxed conversation — no paperwork, no pressure — just a chance for us to meet, for you to share a little about what's bringing you to therapy, and for both of us to get a feel for whether we'd work well together.
You can book a discovery call directly through my online scheduler. If that time doesn't work or you'd prefer to reach out first, you're also welcome to send me a message through the contact form.
For secure messaging between sessions, I use Spruce Health — a HIPAA-compliant app designed specifically for healthcare communication. Once we begin working together, you'll receive an invitation to set up your Spruce account. It works like texting, but your messages are encrypted and private.
Please note that Spruce is not for emergencies. For urgent concerns outside of our sessions, see the crisis resources below.
Fees & Payment
See the rates page for more information.
I'm a private-pay practice and do not bill insurance directly. This is an intentional choice that keeps our work focused on your goals rather than insurance-defined diagnoses and session limits, and it protects your privacy since insurance companies have access to your records when claims are submitted.
Some clients use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for sessions — check with your plan to confirm eligibility. I'm happy to provide a superbill (an itemized receipt) that you can submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Benefits vary widely by plan, so it's worth a quick call to your insurer to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits before we begin.
Good Faith Estimate (No Surprises Act): You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected costs before your first appointment. As a private-pay practice, all clients receive a written Good Faith Estimate. The estimate explains the cost of services expected over your course of care. If your actual charges are $400 or more above the estimate, you may dispute the bill. For questions, contact me directly or visit cms.gov/nosurprises.
Privacy & Security
Everything you share in our sessions is confidential. I use HIPAA-compliant technology for video sessions, secure messaging (Spruce Health), and client records. Sessions are never recorded without your written consent.
Like all therapists, I'm required by law to break confidentiality only in specific circumstances — primarily to prevent serious harm to you or someone else, or when required by a court order. I'll walk you through these limits in detail during our first session.
For Washington clients: confidentiality standards for mental health counselors, MFTs, and social workers were updated in July 2025 under RCW 70.02, Washington's Uniform Health Care Information Act. Your therapist will explain how this applies during intake.
For Vermont clients: Vermont law requires that your records be retained for at least 7 years after your last session (or until you turn 18, if you were a minor), and 10 years if you're covered under Medicare Advantage.
Technology is usually reliable, but sometimes it isn't. If your video drops, I'll try reconnecting through the platform first, then call you at the phone number on file. It helps to have a backup number handy before each session.
If we lose a significant chunk of time due to a technical issue, we'll figure out together how to handle the session and billing. I'll always be reasonable about it.
Emergencies & Crisis Support
Online therapy isn't set up for crisis response, and I'm not available 24/7. If you're in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
For mental health crisis support at any hour, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. Both are free, confidential, and available around the clock.
Please make sure I have your current address on file so that emergency services can be dispatched to you if needed during a session.
State Specific Information and How to File a Complaint
Licensing: Texas requires a provider to hold a Texas license to deliver services to any individual located in Texas. My license is issued by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) and can be verified at bhec.texas.gov/verify-a-license.
Requesting your records (HB 4224, effective Sept. 1, 2025): You have the right to access your health care records. To request them, send a written, signed, and dated request by secure message through Spruce Health or by mail. Please include your full name, date of birth, and the records you're requesting. Requests are processed in accordance with Texas law and HIPAA. A reasonable, cost-based fee may apply for copying.
Licensing authority: The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) oversees my license. Website: bhec.texas.gov — Phone: (800) 821-3205 or (512) 305-7700 — Address: 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, TX 78701.
Filing a complaint with BHEC: The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct committed by marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, psychological associates, social workers, and licensed specialists in school psychology. Although not every complaint involves professional misconduct, BHEC will provide information about how to file. Complaints must be submitted on BHEC's complaint form and can be emailed to Enforcement@bhec.texas.gov or mailed to the address above. Call 1-800-821-3205 for more information.
Filing a consumer complaint with the Office of the Attorney General: You may also file a complaint about billing, deceptive practices, or unfair treatment with the Texas OAG Consumer Protection Division at texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection.
Licensing: Washington law requires a Washington state license to provide therapy to anyone located in Washington. My license is issued by the Washington Department of Health and can be verified at fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch.
Session format: Washington requires a real-time audio and video connection for telehealth. Audio-only sessions are available only in specific, limited situations. If an audio-only session is needed, I'll discuss that with you before the session and confirm your consent to any billing for it.
Complaints: The Washington Department of Health handles complaints against licensed mental health professionals. Visit doh.wa.gov or call 360-236-4700.
Licensing: Illinois requires providers to hold an active Illinois license to deliver therapy to anyone located in the state. My license is issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and can be verified at idfpr.illinois.gov/LicenseLookup.
Practice standards: The same ethical, clinical, and documentation standards that apply in person also apply to online sessions — Illinois doesn't treat them differently.
Complaints: IDFPR handles licensing complaints. Visit idfpr.illinois.gov or call 1-800-560-6420.
Licensing: Providers without a full Vermont license must hold a Vermont Telehealth Registration to see Vermont clients online. I hold a Vermont Telehealth Registration issued by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). Registration can be verified at sos.vermont.gov/opr.
Required disclosure: Vermont law requires me to provide you with a written disclosure statement including my credentials, areas of practice, the definition of unprofessional conduct, and how to file a complaint. You'll receive this before or during our first few sessions and will be asked to sign it.
Complaints: Vermont OPR handles complaints. Call 802-828-1505 or visit sos.vermont.gov/opr.