Question 1

What are the hours of counseling?

Accepted Answer

At this time, I only offer sessions between 6PM EST and 11PM EST between Sunday and Thursday.

Question 2

What should you expect from a counseling session with Dr. Cindy Kao?

Accepted Answer

Please have your information sheet completed prior to the session so we have a way to troubleshoot prior to the appointment. I utilize end to end encrypted messaging through Signal and HIPAA compliant video sessions (e.g. doxy) for all appointments.   Our initial appointment is to gather information and to ensure we are a good fit. We will come up with a plan on what you want to work on and the steps for you to get there.   At the beginning, sessions are once weekly for the first 6 to 8 weeks. When quality of life begins to improve, you and I will discuss collaboratively a reduction of sessions (e.g. once every 2 weeks; once monthly; etc).   Please understand that it takes some time for new adaptive patterns of behavior to become habitual. Remember, this is a learning process, and what we do in session is a sliver of how you operate in your daily life. It is imperative that you take time to utilize what we discuss into your daily life for you to see maximum results in your daily life functioning.

Question 3

What do I need to prepare for before a session?

Accepted Answer

Please ensure you are in a private and confidential space (e.g. room with a closed door). You can use additional devices like a white noise app by a door, as well as head phones to ensure more privacy. If possible, limit internet streaming such as gaming or video streaming, since that can affect the bandwidth of your internet and thus the video and audio quality of the session.   You can check your internet connection by using the following site: https://tokbox.com/developer/tools/precall/   If you like, you can have a comforting object such as a blanket, warm tea, or water during session.   If need be, please give yourself some time before and after the session to center and ground yourself. We may talk about difficult topics and it might take some time to get back to your daily life.   Do not consume substances during the session (e.g. alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, etc). You want to be conscious and have clarity during our sessions.   You must be properly clothed for session. Sessions are treated as they would be in any other brick and mortar office.   Do not have a session while you are driving. You will not have the full capability to be focused on the road or the session, nor is it safe.

Question 4

How long do the sessions last?

Accepted Answer

Typically, the session lasts 50 minutes.

Question 5

What are your rates?

Accepted Answer

$160 per standard counseling session   $175 for Initial Intake counseling session  $250 for couples counseling session   Session fees may be subject to change beginning in January 2023.

Question 6

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

No.   However, I can provide an invoice to you (e.g. Superbill) that indicates the date, service, and amount charged. This may be used for submitting the charge to your insurance company.

Question 7

What is your no-show and cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I require at least 24 hours advance notice for appointment cancelations and rescheduling requests.  You will be responsible for the entire session fee if you provide less than 24 hours notice and the credit card on file will be charged. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you.

Question 8

How do you accept payment?

Accepted Answer

I accept all major credit cards as payment, including HSA and FSA credit cards. At time of completing intake forms I will ask that you input a credit card to keep on file in my secure portal. At the end of each session, your card will be charged. Sessions are not held until paperwork and card information is completed.

Dr. Cindy Kao

FAQ

What are your hours?

What to expect?