Frequently Asked Questions

Before scheduling your first therapy session, please review the information about our practice and logistical details below.

I want to begin my journey with Emily Cook Therapy. Where do I start?

Fill out your information on our contact page, and one of our staff will reach out to coordinate an initial consultation call and match you with your future therapist. Good fit is important to us!

When is my therapist available?

Our typical therapy schedule is below.

What types of appointments do you offer, and how long is each session?

We primarily meet with clients at our Bethesda office. We also offer HIPAA-secure telehealth therapy sessions, as well as phone and video check-ins. Sessions begin on the hour and half-hour.

Typically, individual and family sessions are 50 minutes each. Couple therapy sessions are either 50 minutes or 80 minutes each, depending on need and therapist recommendation. Initial play therapy appointments are also recommended for 80 minutes, to include individual play therapy time for the child, parental consultation, and assessment.  Continuing play therapy sessions last 50 minutes and include play therapy time for the child and parental consultation. Discernment counseling follows a specific format, including up to five 2 hour sessions. Two hour intensive sessions are available to anyone seeking additional time.

Do you offer therapy in languages other than English?

Kaitlin Doyle offers therapy in Spanish.

What accommodations are available for new parents?

Nursing mothers and lap babies are welcome in our office. Please arrange childcare during your appointments for children under the age of 12. Adolescents 13 and older may sit in the waiting room during your session, and parents may supervise siblings of a child attending play therapy in our waiting room.

How long is a typical therapy engagement with Emily Cook Therapy?

Adult clients typically begin to feel relief within three to five sessions, and many continue attending weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly sessions to continue progressing towards goals and more satisfying relationships. Children and adolescents may experience relief within one to two months of therapy. You and your therapist will work together to schedule appointments at a frequency and duration that meets your goals and accounts for constraints of time, budget, and availability.

How much does therapy cost, and how do you take payment?

Each member of the Emily Cook Therapy team, who are independent licensed marriage and family therapists, sets her own fees. Learn more about each of our areas of expertise on our individual profile pages. As of January 2023, the fees for a 50 minute session are:

• Chris Hartsock: $200
• Dr. H. Shawn Kim: $195
• Jocylynn Stephenson: $185
• Kaitlin Doyle: $185
• Anna White: $185
• Sammi Steininger: $185
• Ioanna Galani: $180

For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards and HSA accounts with check/debit capability. Appointments are charged per session length, not by service type. There is no surcharge for weekend or evening appointments. Reduced fees may be available to clients with demonstrated financial need.

Do you accept insurance?

Our practice does not work with insurance directly on your behalf. We can provide you with a Superbill to submit for reimbursement for out-of-network coverage. Most of our clients who submit Superbills receive 60–80% of out-of-pocket costs back; however, this submission does require a mental health diagnosis. Due to parity laws, both in-person and telehealth therapy services are reimbursed at the same rates. You may also use your HSA/FSA checking account/debit card as a credit card to pay for therapy with pre-tax money set aside for health care expenses.

Good Faith Estimates and the No Surprises Act

Standard Notice: “Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges” Under the No Surprises Act

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.