A few frequently asked Q’s

  • What is therapy with you like?

    Therapy is an individual, collaborative experience that is unique to each client. That said, previous clients have described me as warm, inviting, and empathic, and they often share surprise with how quickly they become comfortable sharing difficult thoughts and feelings with me (sometimes doing so for the first time with another person). For me, empathy means meeting you where you are while also sharing with you my hope for what’s possible, and at times that will mean challenging you in our work together too. My hope is to bring a delicate blend of encouragement, challenge, insight, skillfulness, and levity to help you meet your goals and improve your life. Learn more about what to expect at the My Approach page.

  • What would beginning therapy look like?

    If you are interested in working together, we will begin by scheduling a free, brief consultation together to discuss your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and establish a plan for any next steps (e.g., scheduling our first appointment). Our first few sessions will be a consultation period, during which I will be taking the opportunity to learn more about your concerns and to develop a plan for treatment. I encourage you during this time to “feel me out” and, together, we will decide how best to move forward with our work together at the end of this period. You can reach out to me to schedule free phone consultation at my Contact page.

  • What's the best way to contact you?

    You may reach out to me directly through my Contact page, or by emailing me at drcollinvernay@gmail.com or by giving me a call at (202) 695-2596. However, since I am often in-and-out of sessions during regular business hours, email message tends to be the best form of communication. Otherwise, if you call me and reach my voicemail machine, please leave me a message with your name, a little bit about your interest in therapy, and how and when to best reach you for follow-up.

  • How often and for how long would we meet?

    Sessions are 50 minutes long (occasionally, extended sessions may be scheduled). Generally, sessions are scheduled weekly. The length of treatment varies for each individual and depends both on the nature of their concerns and their goals for treatment. Some clients begin therapy with specific issues that need addressing which can be remedied with a shorter treatment; others may have more numerous or broader concerns that require more time. Some may simply enjoy having therapy as a weekly opportunity to slow down, process their lives, and learn more about themselves and others! Psychotherapy is a collaborative process, and you will be an active participant in any decisions to end therapy.

  • What is your fee and how do I pay?

    My rate is $210 per session. However, you may be able to work with your insurance to receive reimbursement for 50-80% of that session cost. I require payment at the time of service by digital money transfer. Please see my Payment page for additional details.

  • Do you accept my insurance?

    Like most therapists in DC, I am an “out-of-network” provider and do not work directly with insurance companies. However, if your plan covers out-of-network mental health benefits (e.g., as it may with a PPO plan), you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for 50-80% of your session cost. Please see my Payment page for additional details.

  • I am not located in Washington, DC. Are we still able to work together?

    Generally, therapists are limited to working with clients who are physically located at the time of their appointments in the jurisdictions (such as states) in which they are licensed. For example, a therapist only licensed in DC can exclusively work with clients who are physically located in DC when meeting, even if they are residents of or live in another state.

    Fortunately, I am licensed both in DC and with PSYPACT, an interstate license that allows me to work virtually with clients in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington State, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. If you are located in any of these states, we would be able to meet online while meeting together, if telehealth is an appropriate fit for your needs. Similarly, I am able to continue working with clients who are generally located in DC but who wish to continue meeting while traveling, visiting family, or during a relocation to the previously listed states, when appropriate.

 

But do I even need therapy?

I get this question all of the time, and it’s arguably the most difficult question to answer without knowing the particulars of your situation and concerns (hence the extended description here). That said, I sometimes find it helpful to reframe this question less around whether you “need” therapy and more around whether you may benefit from it now. While there are certainly some individuals who need therapy (e.g., if you’re having any thoughts of hurting yourself or others, are experiencing significant impairment in your day-to-day life as a result of your mental health, or worry your mental health may quickly deteriorate without it), many people who seek out therapy are relatively able to go about their day-to-day lives, even if they may be feeling unhappy, anxious, unfulfilled, or downright miserable. The fact is, anyone can benefit from therapy, and many who seek out therapy do so not only to improve their lives but to enhance them.

Nonetheless, if you’re still unsure whether to pursue therapy now, it may be helpful to consider a few signs that you could benefit from therapy (from the American Psychological Association):

  • You feel an overwhelming, prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness

  • Your problems don’t seem to get better despite your efforts and help from family and friends

  • You find it difficult to concentrate on work assignments or to carry out other everyday activities

  • You worry excessively, expect the worst, or are constantly on edge

  • Your actions, such as drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, or being aggressive, are harming you or others

Still unsure? It may also help to complete a brief screener for depression, anxiety, or for a number of other concerns, though it will be important to work with a mental health professional when interpreting any of these results. It may also help to simply schedule a brief, free consultation with me, and we can begin to figure it out together.