Frequently Asked Questions

  • The simple answer is yes. Therapy can help everyone. Life isn’t easy and we can use all the support we can get. You and I will work together on what you want and need from therapy.

  • Royal Oak, Michigan is a vibrant, walkable community where people show up for each other. We are grounded in connection, creativity, and progressive values that support people in living fully and authentically.  I am licensed to practice throughout the State of Michigan.

  • The first session is a little different than the rest. It’s the only time I’ll be taking notes while we’re together. After that, it’s just you and me, fully present.

    We’ll spend some time getting a general sense of what’s bringing you in and a bit about your life but this is not a deep dive into your entire history. We just met. There’s no expectation that you share everything all at once.

    If you’ve ever been to a medical appointment where you’re asked a long list of questions you feel like you have to answer, this is not that. You always get to choose what you share and what you’re not ready to talk about yet. It’s completely okay to say, “There’s more there, but I’m not ready to go into it today.”

    My goal is simply to begin getting to know you, at your pace.

    And just as importantly, this is a space for you to get a feel for me. You’re noticing: Does this feel like a place where I could open up? Could I talk about the harder things here, when I’m ready?

    We’ll also make time for any questions you have, so you can get a sense of how I work and whether this feels like the right fit for you.

  • I offer either 55 or 80 minute sessions. I schedule appointments Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm. Clients will have a standing weekly appointment, same day and same time, unless other arrangements are made. Some clients may come in more often based on their need and availability. As progress is made, clients may transition to biweekly sessions.

    There’s no one size fits all timeline here. Everyone’s healing unfolds at its own pace, in its own season.

    In my experience, many people start to notice shifts within the first few months. Often around the 3-month mark. For some, that’s enough. Others find that longer-term work feels more supportive, especially when we are gently working through deeper patterns or long-held experiences.

    We’ll keep checking in along the way. You don’t have to figure it all out upfront. We’ll find a rhythm and length of time that feels right for you.

  • Credit card, flex spending and health spending cards. I use Ivy Pay to process all payments. IvyPay is a HIPAA compliant and security safe card processor, ensuring protection of sensitive patient health information.

  • Life happens. If you need to miss a session, I’ll do my best to reschedule with you. If we can’t find a time, the regular session fee applies. You also have one grace waiver to use each year. You can find the full details of my rescheduling policy here.

  • I work with adults and teens once they have reached 14 years old. For minors, all parents/guardians will need to agree to therapy for their children. We can talk about the best way to do that for your situation. Your level of involvement as a parent or guardian will be unique to your situation and your teen’s needs.

  • Beginning April 1, 2026, my therapy practice will operate as a private-pay practice, and I will no longer participate as an in-network provider with insurance companies.

    My goal is to provide therapy that is compassionate, individualized and grounded in respect for each person’s story.

    This decision reflects my professional and ethical values. Over time, working within insurance systems has felt increasingly misaligned with the kind of care I want to provide. Insurance companies often require diagnoses and treatment justification that can interfere with privacy and the natural process of healing. A private pay model allows therapy to remain focused on the human experience.

  • We can talk through it. Many insurance plans offer out of network mental health benefits. If you have coverage, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement. I provide a detailed superbill after each session, which you may submit to your insurance company. I also recommend using a secure service like Thrizer that submits claims on your behalf and simplifies the reimbursement process. If you have questions about out-of-network benefits, or whether we are a good fit, I welcome those conversations.

    If you need or prefer to work with an in-network therapist, I am happy to offer referrals to trusted providers in Michigan who accept insurance.

  • You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges” under the No Surprises Act which explains how much your medical care will cost. I discuss the Good Faith Estimate Disclosure here.

  • This is a space where it’s just the two of us.  Focused, present and engaged.

    Sessions take place through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.  You’ll receive a private link that’s yours to use each time we meet.  All you need is a quiet, comfortable space with a reliable internet connection.  Somewhere you can speak freely and not worry about being overheard (and not while driving).

    You’ll also need to be physically located in Michigan, as that is where I’m licensed to practice.

    Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person work. Many people are surprised by how connected it can feel and appreciate the ease of showing up from their own space.

  • I respond to messages Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and may occasionally respond on Fridays during those hours if available.  I do not respond on weekends.  Messages are checked daily and returned within 48 business hours.  For the purpose of maintaining clear and therapeutic boundaries, communication outside of sessions is limited in scope.

    These methods are not for emergencies. If you need immediate support, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

A note about my rates

I am available to offer sliding-scale sessions depending on circumstances, particularly if there seems to be a good therapeutic fit and schedules align.

At times, we can also explore homework up front so as to schedule less sessions. I’m also always happy to recommend books, workshops, groups and additional resources to engage therapeutically outside of our sessions, too.

Woman with short brown hair, glasses, and wearing a black top, smiling and sitting at a white desk with a laptop, notebooks, and coffee mugs in a bright room with white curtains.

What’s the next step?

I provide tele-health sessions across the state of Michigan, Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm, and I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation for all new clients where we can talk through what you’re looking for and get a feel for whether this space feels like a good fit for you.

Finding a therapist whose approach aligns with yours, and where you feel comfortable showing up as you are, really matters.

If it feels like a good next step, you can reach out to schedule that call by filling out the contact form. You can also reach me at (248) 554-7398.

Contact me
@annabbeytherapy