What do people come to therapy for?

People often reach out for support when life becomes too much to handle on their own. Couples seeking therapy are often struggling with communication, lack of intimacy, or frequent conflict. Individuals coming to therapy might experience:

• Anxiety, Social Phobia, and OCD

• Body Image Disturbances and Low Self-Esteem

• Eating Disorders and Compulsive Dieting

• Unfulfilling Relationships, Codependency, and Loneliness

• Life Transitions and Grief

Are you in-person or virtual?

I am 100% virtual. I use a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. All you need to participate is a reliable WiFi connection and a device with a camera. Virtual therapy allows for greater flexibility with scheduling, eliminates the stress of commuting, makes it possible for those with busy schedules to participate, and makes therapy a reality for those who live far away or are unable to commute.

What’s the first appointment like?

There is nothing that you need to do to prepare for the first appointment, other than to fill out the initial paperwork. Ensure that you have a quiet, private space to join the virtual session. Expect to share a big-picture version of yourself and your story, and have an idea of what you’d like to work on while in therapy. Come with questions, if you have any. Remind yourself that there is no right or wrong way to participate in therapy - I will meet you right where you are. First appointments are usually 60 minutes.

How long are appointments? How often?

Standard therapy appointments are about 55 minutes. Couples therapy sessions are often 55-75 minutes long. Sometimes clients - both individuals and couples - desire longer sessions, which may be as long as 3 hours. It is not unusual for busier couples with limited time to commit to several, much longer sessions scheduled close together.

Appointments usually take place on a weekly or biweekly basis.

Do you accept insurance?

Meridian Vista Psychotherapy is an out-of-network provider. If you have out-of-network benefits, reach out for more information on submitting claims for reimbursement.

Because insurance companies require a medical diagnosis, couples therapy is rarely covered. In couples therapy, the relationship is the identified client so there is no diagnosis code. However, HSA and FSA spending accounts can be used for payment. 

If you have BCBS/Anthem, I also work at a group practice that is in-network with many of these plans. Reach out for more information.

What are your fees?

Individual Psychotherapy

• 60-Minute Session: $150

Couples Therapy

• 60-Minute Session: $225

What is your cancellation policy?

At least 24 hours’ notice is required. Unless you’ve experienced an emergency, late cancellation and no-show appointments are billed the full amount. Multiple missed sessions may result in termination from this practice.

Who can see you for therapy?

Whether you live in Fairfax County, the Hampton Roads area, Christiansburg, Galax, or Winchester, Dannica can see you virtually for therapy as long as you reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia.