Frequently Asked Questions

Mike provides individual therapy for preteens, teens, and adults. He works with people facing a variety of emotional, behavioral, and life challenges, tailoring therapy to each person's age, needs, and goals.

Mike works with concerns including anxiety, depression, substance use, problematic pornography use, gambling, addictive or compulsive behaviors, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and sports performance.

He also works with co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns, sometimes called dual diagnosis.

A free consultation is a 15–20 minute introductory conversation with Mike. You can briefly share what you're seeking help with, ask questions, and learn about the services he offers.

It's an opportunity for both of you to consider whether working together would be a good fit before scheduling an initial therapy appointment.

The first session focuses on getting to know you and understanding what brings you to therapy. Mike will ask about your current concerns, relevant background, and what you hope to accomplish.

You'll also review important information about confidentiality, the therapy process, and any necessary intake paperwork. Together, you can begin identifying goals and discussing how to move forward.

You don't need to know exactly what to say or have everything figured out before your first appointment.

Mike will help guide the conversation, answer questions, and work with you at a manageable pace. It's okay to feel uncertain or nervous about starting therapy.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that explores the different parts of ourselves. For example, you might notice a part that worries, a part that criticizes, or a part that tries to avoid uncomfortable feelings.

IFS encourages curiosity and compassion toward these parts, helping people understand their roles and develop a different relationship with them. Mike incorporates IFS-informed principles into his work.

Mike draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and strength-based approaches.

He adjusts his approach based on the person's needs and goals, combining practical skills with opportunities for reflection and greater self-understanding.

No. You don't have to share experiences before you're ready. Therapy can focus on present-day challenges, goals, relationships, or practical coping strategies.

Exploring the past may be helpful at times, but you and Mike can discuss whether and when that makes sense for your work together.

Yes. You don't need to have a definite goal of abstinence before seeking support.

Mike can help you explore your relationship with substances, understand your concerns and motivations, and consider what changes, if any, you want to make. His approach emphasizes collaboration rather than judgment.

Research suggests that online therapy can be similarly effective to in-person therapy for many common mental health concerns.

The best format depends on your preferences, circumstances, treatment needs, and access to a private space. Mike can discuss whether telehealth is appropriate for your situation.

Information shared in therapy is generally confidential. There are exceptions required or permitted by law and professional ethics, including certain safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, and some legal proceedings.

Mike explains confidentiality and its limits during intake, including how your personal information is protected.

Young people need space to speak openly during therapy, while parents and guardians also have important roles in supporting treatment.

Mike will discuss confidentiality, safety, communication with parents, and the applicable legal requirements at the beginning of treatment. The specific arrangements depend on the young person's circumstances.

Parents or guardians may be involved when appropriate to the teen's needs and treatment goals.

Mike works to balance family involvement with the young person's privacy and ability to build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Expectations around communication and participation are discussed early in treatment.

Yes. Mike welcomes clients of all genders, identities, backgrounds, and life experiences.

He aims to provide a respectful, nonjudgmental space where clients can speak openly and feel accepted.

LCMHC-A stands for Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. LCAS-A stands for Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate.

These are associate-level professional licenses in North Carolina. Professionals holding these credentials provide clinical services under applicable supervision requirements while progressing toward full licensure.

Individual therapy is $165 per session, with sessions generally lasting 50–55 minutes.

Fees for other services, including IFS Intensives, may vary and are discussed before scheduling.

Mike is an in-network provider with Aetna. Credentialing with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is still pending, and BCBS in-network participation has not yet been confirmed.

Coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your individual plan and benefits. Please confirm your current insurance benefits before your appointment.

Depending on your insurance plan, you may be eligible for reimbursement for out-of-network therapy.

Mike can provide a superbill, an itemized document you can submit to your insurer for possible reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your plan's benefits, deductible, and requirements.

Contact your insurance company directly to verify your coverage.

Payment arrangements are confirmed before your first appointment. Standard credit and debit card payment options are anticipated.

Mike can provide details about accepted payment methods and how payments will be processed when you schedule.

Mike plans to offer a limited number of sliding-scale appointments based on financial need and availability.

If cost is a concern, you can ask about current sliding-scale availability before beginning therapy.

Under the federal No Surprises Act, uninsured clients and clients who choose not to use insurance are generally entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of expected healthcare costs.

This estimate provides information about anticipated charges before receiving services, under applicable requirements. It is an estimate, not a guarantee of the final amount billed.

You can ask Mike for more information about your estimate and expected therapy costs.

Mike provides secure virtual therapy to eligible clients throughout North Carolina.

In-person therapy in Burlington, North Carolina is coming soon.

You'll need a reliable internet connection, a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, and a quiet, private location where you can speak comfortably.

Sessions take place through a secure telehealth platform. Mike will provide instructions for connecting before your appointment.

Most clients begin with weekly or every-other-week sessions.

Frequency depends on your goals, needs, availability, and treatment plan. You and Mike can discuss adjustments as therapy progresses.

Evening appointments may be available upon request, depending on scheduling.

Mike does not currently offer weekend sessions.

Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours' notice can be changed without a late-cancellation fee.

Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice and missed appointments are generally charged the full session fee.

Exceptions may be considered for genuine emergencies or unexpected illness. Mike will review the full policy during intake.