how can therapy help me?

Therapy can help you better understand yourself, your patterns, and your relationships. In addition to supporting specific concerns such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD, therapy can also help you:

• Learn skills to manage stress and reduce anxiety

• Improve communication in your relationships

• Set and maintain healthy boundaries with family and others

• Navigate life transitions such as college, marriage, parenthood, or career changes

• Strengthen your sense of self, self-compassion, and relationship with your body

• Process past experiences and trauma in a safe, supportive space

what is the first session like?

The first session, often called an intake, is designed to review your completed paperwork and introduce you to the therapy space.

This is a supportive, low-pressure environment where we will begin exploring your goals and identifying the strengths you bring into this work. This initial session helps lay the foundation for our collaboration, ensuring you feel comfortable, understood, and supported as we begin.

The intake session typically lasts 45–55 minutes.

what is the therapy process like?

After the first session, we will begin developing a treatment plan together. This plan focuses on your goals and helps guide how often we meet.

It is common to meet weekly or every other week at the beginning, as consistency helps build a strong therapeutic relationship—the foundation for meaningful progress.

Our early sessions will focus on getting to know each other and gaining a deeper understanding of what brought you to therapy. From there, we will continue to adjust our work together based on your needs and progress.

I aim to offer scheduling that works well for your life and will do my best to accommodate your availability.

how often do we meet?

We will determine session frequency during the intake. Most clients begin with weekly sessions.

Sessions after the intake typically last 45–53 minutes. Frequency may also be influenced by insurance coverage and medical necessity requirements.

what is medical necessity?

Medical necessity refers to whether therapy services are considered essential for addressing your mental health needs.

Insurance companies often require documentation showing that therapy is needed to improve or manage symptoms that impact your daily functioning.

We establish medical necessity by discussing your symptoms and how they affect your life, and by documenting progress over time. This helps ensure that your care is both appropriate and supported by your insurance provider.

how soon will I notice progress?

The timeline for progress varies for each person and depends on factors such as your goals, the nature of your concerns, and how often we meet.

Some clients begin to notice relief within a few sessions, while others experience more gradual change. Progress may show up as increased self-awareness, improved coping strategies, or greater emotional stability.

Therapy is a collaborative process, and your engagement between sessions can support meaningful growth.

There may also be times when progress feels slower—especially if you are navigating ongoing stress or difficult circumstances. In those moments, we may shift focus toward safety, stabilization, and support.

You are always encouraged to share concerns about your progress. Therapy is a space where those conversations are welcomed.

what if I am dissatisfied with therapy?

It is completely normal to have questions or concerns at different points in the therapy process.

Your comfort and trust are essential. If something does not feel right, we can talk about it openly and adjust our approach, goals, or focus as needed.

If we determine that a different therapist may be a better fit, I will support you in finding appropriate referrals. The most important priority is that you receive the care that best supports you.

do you prescribe medication?

No, I do not prescribe medication.

With your permission, I can collaborate with your psychiatric provider or refer you to trusted professionals for medication evaluation and management.

can anyone hear our sessions?

No. Your privacy is a top priority.

Sessions are conducted in a private space, and appropriate measures are taken to ensure confidentiality and security.

can I bring my baby or children to sessions?

Yes—babies are always welcome. Your comfort and ability to attend sessions matter.

As children get older, it can become more challenging to maintain focus during sessions. If needed, we can work together to find scheduling options that allow you to get the most out of your time.

what if I am on vacation when we are scheduled to meet?

I am licensed to provide therapy in the state of Iowa.

If you plan to travel, please let me know in advance so I can review the regulations of the state you will be visiting. Telehealth laws vary by state, and sufficient notice is needed to determine whether sessions can continue.

If arrangements cannot be made in time, the session may need to be canceled.

what if I have a mental health emergency?

As a solo practitioner, I do my best to be available. However, I am not an emergency service provider.

If you are unable to reach me during a crisis, please:

• Contact your prescribing provider

• Call the crisis line: 1-888-581-8111 or visit Your Life Iowa

• Go to your nearest emergency department

how do I pay?

Please email me at sarah@ahwtherapy.com for cash rates or assistance verifying your insurance benefits.

how is payment handled?

Any out-of-pocket costs are processed at the end of the business day using the card on file prior to your first appointment.

what if I am unable to pay?

If financial concerns arise, please let me know as soon as possible.

We can explore options such as adjusted session length or temporary payment arrangements.

what is your no-show or late cancellation policy?

I understand that unexpected situations come up.

If you need to cancel, please provide as much notice as possible via email, messaging, or the client portal.

A $125 fee may be charged for cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed appointments.

If multiple sessions are missed or frequently canceled, we may need to reassess whether this is the right fit and discuss next steps.

have questions?

Please reach out anytime at sarah@ahwtherapy.com.

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