FAQs · Online therapy anywhere in Washington
Frequently asked questions
What to expect, how sessions work, and what therapy costs. If your question isn't here, I'm happy to answer it directly.
Getting started
Starting therapy
How do I get started?
Reach out through my contact page, by phone at (360) 948-1980, or by email at mark@covenanttherapy.org. We'll start with a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can ask questions and we can see if we're a good fit. Whether you're seeking support individually or as a couple, I'm here to walk with you on your path toward clarity, growth, and connection.
What can I expect during my first session?
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, what you'd like to work on, and any goals or concerns you have. It's also a chance for you to ask questions and get a sense of whether the therapeutic approach feels like a good fit. For couples, we'll talk through the structure of our work together and begin identifying the relationship dynamics that may be impacting connection and communication.
Services
What I help with
What types of therapy do you offer?
I work with individuals and couples in four main areas:
- Couples therapy using the Gottman Method, which focuses on improving communication, managing conflict, and deepening emotional connection.
- Grief and loss counseling for a death, a pregnancy loss, a diagnosis, or a loss others don't seem to see.
- Faith-integrated counseling for Christians who want their beliefs to be part of therapy, as much or as little as they choose.
- Divorce counseling for people living through a divorce, including one they didn't choose.
For individual therapy, I use a blend of Structural Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, helping you understand underlying patterns and create practical change.
Is couples counseling only for relationships in crisis?
Not at all. Couples counseling is beneficial at any stage of a relationship, whether you're facing serious challenges, navigating a transition (like marriage, parenting, or retirement), or simply looking to strengthen your connection. Seeking support early can prevent larger issues down the road and help you build a more resilient partnership.
What if my partner is hesitant about couples counseling?
It's common for one partner to feel unsure. I encourage open, honest conversations about what counseling involves and how it can benefit both of you. Sometimes, starting with an initial session together can ease concerns and offer clarity about the process. I'm also happy to speak briefly with either partner beforehand to answer any questions and help you both feel more comfortable.
Sessions
How therapy works
Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?
I currently offer virtual sessions.
What states do you work in?
I'm licensed in Washington, so I can see clients who are physically located in Washington during their sessions.
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, the nature of the concerns you're addressing, and your preferences. Some people find meaningful progress in just a few sessions, while others choose to work together longer-term for deeper exploration and ongoing support. We'll regularly check in on your goals and progress so therapy remains aligned with your needs.
How often will we meet?
Most clients begin with weekly sessions, especially at the start. Over time, depending on your goals and progress, we may shift to biweekly or another frequency that works for you. For couples counseling, consistency is especially important in building and maintaining momentum.
Is what I share in therapy confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship. What you share in therapy is private and protected by law, with a few exceptions: suspected abuse or neglect that I'm required by law to report, risk of serious harm to yourself or others, and certain court orders. We'll review these limits in your first session so you feel clear and comfortable.
Fees & insurance
Cost and payment
How much does it cost?
My private pay fees are:
- Individual session (50 minutes): $175
- Couples session (50 minutes): $185
- Couples session (80 minutes): $265
If cost is a barrier, I offer a sliding fee scale on a case-by-case basis. Reach out and we can talk about what works for you.
Do you accept insurance?
I'm currently private pay. I'm in the process of joining insurance networks and will update this page as that changes.
Why might I choose private pay over using my insurance?
Using insurance for therapy isn't always the right fit for everyone. When you use insurance, your therapist is required to submit a mental health diagnosis to your insurance company with each claim, and it becomes part of your claims record. Some people, particularly business owners and professionals in licensed fields, prefer to keep that information out of their insurance records. Private pay removes that requirement.
Private pay also means no session limits imposed by your insurance company, greater flexibility in how we structure your treatment, and confidentiality without insurance company involvement (the standard legal and safety limits still apply). Nobody outside our sessions determines how many visits you need or what we work on.
Can I get reimbursed by my insurance if I pay privately?
Possibly. If your plan has out-of-network mental health benefits, I can give you a superbill. These benefits are common with PPO plans and less common with HMO or EPO plans. A superbill is a detailed receipt with what your insurer needs to process a claim: session dates, service codes, fees paid, and my license and NPI numbers. I provide superbills monthly. You submit them to your insurance company, and they reimburse you directly according to your plan. I don't submit claims for you, and reimbursement isn't guaranteed.
One thing to weigh: a superbill must include a mental health diagnosis. Submitting one puts that diagnosis in your insurance record, the same as using insurance directly. If privacy is part of why you're choosing private pay, you may decide not to submit.
Before you start, call the member services number on your insurance card and ask:
- Do I have out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits?
- What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much of it have I met?
- What percentage do you reimburse, and is there a per-session limit?
- Is couples therapy (CPT 90847) covered, and under what conditions?
Does insurance pay for couples therapy?
It depends on your plan. Insurance may cover couples sessions when one partner has a diagnosed condition and the sessions are part of treating it. Relationship concerns on their own usually aren't covered. Contact your insurance company to confirm your benefits.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you're paying for therapy yourself, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of your expected costs before we begin. You can read the full Good Faith Estimate notice and how it applies in my practice.
Still have questions?
Sessions are online, available anywhere in Washington. I offer a free 15-minute consultation, so you can ask questions and see if we're a good fit.
If you need help now
What if I'm in crisis?
If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911. Please don't wait for a reply from me; I may not see messages right away.