FAQs

Currently, my self-pay rates are $175 for the initial ‘assessment’ session and $140* for self-pay sessions.

I also have sliding scale spots available—please contact me so we can discuss options! You do not have to provide any specific documentation or proof of finances, it’ll just be an open conversation.

If you have any additional questions about fees, payment methods, or how to navigate your insurance benefits, please reach out!

North Carolina Residents: Yes, I am currently in-network with most Aetna, Cigna, and Optum (Oscar, Oxford & United Health Care) commercial plans. I currently bill these insurance plans through a third-party platform, which means your coverage may depend on your specific plan and benefits. I am not in network with any Medicaid plans at this time.

I am in network with BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina as of 3/26/26—I bill BCBSNC plans independently. Note: unfortunately I am not currently in network with BCBSNC with UNC Alliance / Blue Home.

Insurance coverage can vary by plan. Please contact your insurance provider directly to verify your benefits and check what your estimated out-of-pocket costs might be.

South Carolina Residents: I am self-pay only for South Carolina residents at this time!

This is a complex but necessary question, one that I am still figuring out myself. Colonialism is woven into the mental health field—I’m still operating this practice within the Medical/Mental Health Industrial Complex (MHIC), whether I accept insurance or not. That said, I am dedicated to continuous learning and finding action steps I can take until we are able to dismantle this harmful system.

I acknowledge the requirement for a DSM diagnosis by insurance companies very much clashes with truly anti-oppressive and non-pathologizing care. I hate it too. Since for many, including myself, therapy is only possible through insurance coverage, I work within the system. At the same time, I’m dedicated to actively working to challenge these labels internally and taking steps to decolonize my practice and act in values-aligned ways. I value transparency, and we’ll have open communication about diagnosis and other aspects as relates to insurance. Check the confidentiality question for more about insurance including limits of confidentiality and documentation!

That is totally okay, and honestly, it’s pretty common! Sometimes it’s helpful to have a low-pressure way to explore whether therapy (or working with me specifically) feels like the right next step. I offer free 15-minute consultation calls via phone or video where you can ask questions, share what you’re looking for, and get a sense of my style. While it’s impossible to know for certain in that short time, my hope is that it gives you enough clarity and comfort to decide what’s best for you. If you’d like to schedule a consult, visit my Sessions Health booking page to book directly or email me at amanda@moonrisepathways.com!

Your initial session is designed to begin to share your story—who you are as a whole person, not just your “symptoms” or struggles. During this 50–60 minute session, we’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, your background & history, and what you’re hoping to work on. Truthfully, it’s more structured than a regular therapy session because insurance requirements dictate a lot of the structure. I know it can be unnerving to try to fit so much of your life story into just an hour, especially with someone you’re only speaking to for the first time (or second if we had a consult). I do try to make it as smooth as possible, and you don’t have to share more than you’re comfortable with, even if I ask about it. Overall, the focus is on gathering important background information so we can begin to create a plan that’s personalized and meaningful to you. While this session doesn’t include in-depth talk therapy quite yet, it’s a key step in setting the foundation of our work together.

I know that beyond good rapport with your therapist, one of the most important things is knowing that what you say is going to be kept private. I take confidentiality very seriously, and the law protects the information you share in therapy. Generally, I cannot share it with anyone without your written permission. However, there are legal, insurance-mandated, and ethical limitations to confidentiality. These include legal requirements for mandated reporting (such as harm to self/others, suspected abuse), and insurance requirements which demand a diagnosis and occasional limited clinical information for payment purposes. Insurance companies can “audit” or request a record review, including session notes and treatment plans, to make sure that billed services “align with coverage” and that treatment is “medically necessary.” (Can neither confirm nor deny I rolled my eyes even typing that).

I am committed to actively learning how to navigate these systems with an anti-carceral and anti-oppressive lens, minimizing harm whenever possible. I recognize that these limitations, especially mandated reporting and required diagnoses, are rooted in harmful systems & practices, including carceral ones. I am mindful about what is included in clinical documentation and records, and provide the minimal information necessary during audits—if you have specific concerns about what may be included in your records, we can discuss this at any time! We will review all the limits of confidentiality during our first session, and it can always be revisited during our work together to ensure you feel safe, or at least informed.

I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Late cancellations or no-shows are subject to a $70 fee (not covered by insurance), as that time has been reserved for you. I completely understand that emergencies happen, just please reach out you reach out as soon as you can!