FAQ

I offer virtual therapy only. Virtual therapy is available for individuals in Washington, D.C., and North Carolina.

Your sessions take place in a safe, encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platform that feels like a video call.

All you need is a solid Internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You will receive a link through text (if using a smartphone for the video call) or email if you prefer to use a computer or tablet. The secure call will open upon clicking the link, and we will connect.

Most sessions are 50 minutes. However, occasionally we may schedule longer sessions if using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to allow for additional time needed during the processing phase of EMDR. These sessions will likely be 60 to 90 minutes, with costs adjusted based on time.

Our initial session, which consists of a biopsychosocial assessment, typically requires 60 to 90 minutes.

No, I do not accept insurance. I am a boutique-style private practice that seeks to give you individualized attention and high-quality services not based on creating diagnoses to prove “medical necessity” if they do not exist.

My goal is to ensure confidentiality. Your therapy notes and treatment plans should remain between you and your therapist, not insurance auditors, to eliminate the risk of diagnoses impacting other areas of life, such as applying for life insurance. I want to give you the self-determination to decide when and how long you wish to work together.

I am out-of-network mental health provider, meaning I don’t bill insurance companies directly. Still, I can give you the medical receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if your plan provides coverage for out-of-network providers.

Here’s how it works: you pay at the time of each session. After each session, you will receive a receipt for the session in your client portal or via email. This receipt is itemized and has the proper medical codes and information your insurance company needs to process your reimbursement. Download and submit the receipt to your insurance company’s out-of-network coverage.

Your insurer will likely apply the amount you’ve paid toward your deductible or reimburse you a percentage if you’ve already met the deductible. Original Worth makes no guarantee that you will receive reimbursement from your insurance company.

I do not have a sliding scale. I believe therapy is an investment in yourself and your future, like a gym membership or savings for retirement. Counseling can provide a life-changing return on investment.

I understand not everyone can afford therapy at this time. I am happy to provide recommendations for community-based or sliding-scale practices that offer services at a reduced rate.

To start our work together, please get in touch with me by phone at (828) 672-3007 or email at sarah@originalworth.com, and we will schedule a free phone consultation.

The phone consultation is an opportunity for you to share a bit about yourself, your needs, and what you hope to experience in therapy. Based on your needs, we will determine if I am the best person to help you meet those needs.

During this time, you can share and ask any questions about the therapy process and my methodology. If I am not the best fit for your exact needs, I will work to help you find a great fit and provide a referral to a clinician who may be able to support you better.

The frequency of meetings is up to you. I tailor our sessions based on your individualized goals and treatment plan. Typically, we begin by meeting weekly. I provide evidence-based treatment to meet your goals, accommodate your schedule, and balance your financial needs.

In your first session, we will complete a biopsychosocial assessment. This assessment focuses on your personal history, background, relationships, life events, and current concerns.

While this may not feel initially therapeutic, gathering information about your history and current needs will provide a strong foundation and starting point, allowing for developing a treatment plan tailored to meet your goals and needs.