F.A.Q - Creative Pathways

Do you offer counseling by ZOOM or internet/Telehealth? Do you take my health insurance or Medicare?

At this time (2025) clients see me in person only. This has proved to be the most effective way to make progress. It's possible that in the future I will expand to remote appointments, but those are not available at this time.

Creative Pathways is private pay only, and we do not handle any health insurance issues. This keeps the service provided you totally confidential (no records shared with any other persons or offices, and no "official" record of your treatment) and also limits administrative costs.

I've never had counseling before--is this like psychoanalysis?

Counseling is not the same as psychoanalysis. If you want to explore psychoanalysis or if you find that you need medication, I make a referral for those needs. Because I am a professional mental health counselor, I've been trained in a variety of theories in counseling but primarily use Cognitive Behavioral principles in my approach. Sessions and approach will be tailored to your goals and your unique emotional needs. More about this at your first session.

How much do you charge for counseling? Do I need to do paperwork before we meet?

The hourly rate for counseling at Creative Pathways is $106.00 per 50minute session ($6.00 covers current NM gross receipts tax), payable by credit card via website (nmcreativepathways.com) or in person at the time our session begins. There is not a low- or fixed-income sliding scale option.

Required paperwork, including HIPPA forms and Informed Consent, will be done at our first session and may take about 10 minutes of our time.
After you make your first appointment, you'll have the option of completing and submitting an intake information form before our session. Having the form submitted in advance helps me know a bit sooner where we might begin. Otherwise, we will complete the intake information together at first session, and that's fine too.

What if I'm not sure if I have a serious problem or even need counseling?

A strength in my approach to counseling is that at each session we collaborate on what you need and can adjust our approach to your situation accordingly. If some issues that are bothering you become clarified in our first meeting or two, you are under no pressure of obligation to continue. I celebrate your improvement and can see you again at whatever point you find helpful.