COMMON QUESTIONS
A little clarity before you begin.
Starting therapy can bring questions. Here are a few practical details to help you take the next step.
How do I get started?
The first step is a free 15-minute consultation call. This gives us a chance to talk about what's bringing you to therapy, answer any questions you have about my approach, and see if we're a good fit before scheduling a full first appointment. You can request a consultation through the Contact page or by emailing dramandaparlee@gmail.com
Who do you work with?
I provide individual and couples therapy for adults. My specialties include emotion dysregulation, trauma, eating disorders, along with anxiety, depression, and interpersonal concerns.
What can I expect during my first appointment?
During our first session, we’ll begin to understand what led you to seek therapy, what challenges you’re facing, and what you hope to be different. I’ll ask about your history, current stressors, relationships, coping patterns, and what has or hasn’t been helpful in therapy before. You don’t need to come in knowing exactly what you need or where to begin —we’ll figure that out together.
The first few sessions are typically focused on assessment and developing a treatment plan. When helpful, we may also use standardized assessment tools to gain greater diagnostic clarity. I’ll share my impressions along the way, and together we’ll decide what evidence based approach makes the most sense.
What is the session fee?
Initial intake appointment (60 minutes): $300
Individual therapy session (50 minutes): $260
Couples therapy session (50 minutes): $300
If skills phone coaching in between sessions is clinically indicated, this may be an added service for an additional weekly fee. Clients can pay with a credit card, FSA, or HSA. Clients are required to keep a credit card on file, which will be charged at the time of each session.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not participate in insurance networks or bill insurance directly. This allows for a more individualized approach to therapy, without treatment decisions being shaped by insurance authorization requirements or coverage limitations. For clients with out-of-network benefits, I can provide a monthly superbill upon request, which you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement according to your plan.
When and how are appointments available?
I tend to have openings in the mornings and early afternoons, although my availability constantly changes. Please reach out for current openings. Most of my sessions are online through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. Depending on your avialability, we may be able to meet in person at my office in Belmont, MA.
What is the difference between DBT-Informed Care and Comprehensive DBT?
DBT can be provided in different ways depending on your needs and treatment goals. DBT-informed therapy incorporates core DBT principles and skills into individual therapy, with a focus on areas such as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can be a good fit for clients who want to build specific skills or incorporate DBT strategies into treatment for concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or emotion dysregulation.
Comprehensive DBT is a more intensive, structured treatment that includes multiple components: weekly individual therapy, weekly group skills training, between-session phone coaching, and a therapist consultation team. It is designed for individuals experiencing more significant emotion dysregulation, suicidal behaviors, self-harm, or other high-risk behaviors.
In my practice, I provide DBT-informed individual therapy and do not offer comprehensive DBT. I can support individuals with a history of life-threatening behaviors or individuals who experience thoughts and urges about dangerous behaviors. If you are unsure whether DBT-informed individual therapy is the right fit for you, please schedule a consultation so we can discuss your needs and determine the proper dose of DBT to adequately meet your needs.