FAQs

Is Dr. Ottero the right therapist for me?

My ideal client is open to exploring and learning about themselves, and motivated to make the most out of therapy. I appreciate a willingness to allow trust to form between client and therapist, and take a collaborative approach in identifying your needs and goals. I create space to process the intersectionality of the many identities you hold, and access parts of yourself that may have been dimmed, and others you haven’t fully realized yet. If you are looking for highly structured and skills only based therapy, such as pure Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I may not be the ideal fit for you. While I incorporate elements of CBT, I have an insight driven style that’s semi-structured, flexible, and based on exploring how previous experiences, relationships, and ways of thinking are influencing your present day.

How long will I be in therapy?

Your needs, goals, and history will influence how long you are likely to be in therapy. Even after immediate challenges are resolved, the benefits of therapy continue to evolve and deepen, and new areas of focus are often identified and addressed. Weekly sessions are recommended to ensure a strong therapeutic alliance is established and progress towards goals is consistent, but in some cases a less frequent cadence may be appropriate.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?

Please let me know via email, call, or text at least 48 hours in advance of needing to cancel or reschedule, otherwise you will be billed the full session fee. If we are able to find another time to meet that works for both of us during that same week, no cancellation fee will be incurred. Please note this does not apply to last minute cancellations or changes.

What if I’m late to a session?

I understand that sometimes we run late and things come up. I will wait for you to show up to an in person or virtual session for up to 10 minutes. After that, the session is considered missed. If missed sessions become frequent, we will work to find a new standing time that works best for your schedule, as regular and consistent attendance is vital to therapeutic success. Alternatively, on the rare occasion I need to cancel or am late, I may make up for that time on the back end of the session, or find a new time altogether to meet that same week.

What should I expect during my first appointment?

After we’ve had a brief phone consultation to ensure I’m a good fit for your needs, you’ll receive all necessary paperwork and policies via a secure email link to be completed prior to your first teletherapy session. All of your intake forms, appointments, and payments will be conducted through this secure client portal. The first 1-3 sessions will largely focus on getting to know you, learning more about what brings you in, and developing initial treatment goals.

How does confidentiality work?

All of our conversations are protected under state and federal privacy regulations. However, there are instances required by law in which I may need to break confidentiality and disclose information necessary to a third party. These situations include imminent danger to yourself or others, as well as child, elder, or dependent adult abuse, court orders, and coordinating with other healthcare providers. We will go over all of these limits to confidentiality during your first visit, and if one of these situations arises we will discuss how to proceed together.

Insurance FAQs

Can I use my insurance?

While I am not currently in-network with any insurance providers, I will gladly provide you with a superbill upon request to submit to your insurance for any out-of-network costs that may be covered by your plan. If you have a PPO, you may be able to get up to 80% of each session reimbursed after you meet your deductible.

Can I use my FSA/HSA?

Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) allow you to set aside pre-tax money for out of pocket health costs, which you can apply to your mental health care. Many companies have monthly stipends as part of employee wellbeing initiatives, and some have begun to provide Covid-19 related stipends that could likely be applied to your care.