I offer a blend of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet your individual needs. Primarily, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve emotional regulation and develop personal coping strategies. Additionally, I incorporate aspects and techniques of Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), a structured approach designed to help individuals process and resolve the effects of traumatic experiences. This combination allows me to address a wide range of issues, including anxiety, trauma, and grief, providing a comprehensive path to healing and personal growth.

I work with individuals ranging from teens through adulthood who are open to therapy and motivated to engage in personal change. My practice is particularly focused on helping those dealing with anxiety, trauma, and grief. I also have a special place in my practice for veterans and anyone navigating significant life transitions, such as starting college, changing careers, or adjusting to an empty nest. My goal is to support you through these challenges by providing a safe, empathetic environment where you can explore your thoughts and emotions and develop effective coping strategies.

During your first session, we'll conduct an initial intake to gather essential information about your background and current concerns. If you're coming to me through a referral source, I may already have some preliminary information, allowing us to focus more on what's currently taking up your attention. My primary goal is to help you start addressing your issues as soon as possible. We'll spend our time together discussing what brought you to therapy, getting to know each other, and beginning to develop a strong therapeutic alliance. This session is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and feelings in a safe space, and for us to collaboratively set the stage for your journey toward healing and growth.

Therapy can be a beneficial resource if you're experiencing challenges such as anxiety, trauma, grief, or navigating life transitions. It's particularly helpful if you're open to exploring your thoughts and emotions and are motivated to make positive changes in your life. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unable to cope with certain aspects of your life, therapy can provide a supportive environment to gain insight, develop coping strategies, and work towards your personal goals. Ultimately, therapy is a personal journey, and if you're curious about how it might help you, I'm here to discuss your concerns and explore whether this path feels right for you.

The duration of therapy is a bit like a Netflix series—it depends on the storyline! Some clients find that a few sessions are like a satisfying mini-series, addressing specific concerns quickly. Others may embark on an epic saga, delving deeper into complex issues like trauma or major life transitions. We'll regularly check in on your progress, ensuring the plot is unfolding in a way that meets your goals. Whether it's a short story or a long novel, we'll tailor the journey to support your personal growth—and maybe even throw in some plot twists along the way!

I work with several insurance companies and also accept Medicaid and Medicare, so there's a good chance your plan might be covered. If your insurance is accepted, we can discuss the specifics of your coverage. For those whose insurance isn't covered, or if you prefer not to use insurance, I also accept private pay. I have a standard rate per session, but I offer a sliding fee scale to accommodate different financial situations. My goal is to make therapy accessible, so please feel free to reach out and we can find the best financial option for your needs.

I understand that life can be unpredictable, so I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. This allows me to offer the time slot to someone else who may need it. I offer one free cancellation per year to accommodate unexpected situations. However, if cancellations occur with less than 24 hours' notice beyond the one free cancellation, a $75 cancellation fee will apply. This policy helps ensure that I can continue to provide consistent and reliable services to all my clients.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of my practice, and I take it very seriously. All information shared during our sessions is kept strictly confidential in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines. I use secure systems for storing records and any digital communications to protect your privacy. There are a few exceptions to confidentiality, such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if required by law, but these circumstances are rare and will be discussed with you. My goal is to create a safe and trusting environment where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and experiences. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, please feel free to discuss them with me.

I use AI tools for note-taking during our sessions, which lets me focus my complete attention on you instead of drowning in paperwork. Think of it as having a digital assistant who's great at taking notes but won't interrupt us with coffee orders! This ensures our time together is as effective and engaging as possible, allowing me to be fully present and attentive to your needs. The AI technology I use is secure and designed to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of your information. If you have any questions or concerns about how AI is used in our sessions, please feel free to discuss them with me.

In the event of a mental health emergency, it's crucial to seek immediate help. Please contact emergency services by calling 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988, or visit their website at 988lifeline.org for 24/7, free, and confidential support. If you have a crisis plan that we've developed together, please follow the steps outlined there. Remember, your safety is the top priority, and there are resources available to support you in times of crisis. Once the immediate situation is managed, please feel free to reach out to me so we can discuss next steps in your care.

Getting started with therapy is a straightforward process. You can reach out to me via email at kara@ellisccp.com or call me at 410-913-3697 to express your interest and discuss any initial questions you might have. Keep in mind that if I don't answer I may be in a session but I will get back to you as soon as I can. If you're planning to use insurance, I work with the platforms Grow Therapy and SonderMind, which can help facilitate the insurance process. We can collaborate to verify your coverage and ensure a smooth start. Once we're set, we can schedule an initial appointment at a time that works for you. Before your first session, I'll provide you with any necessary forms or intake materials to fill out, which can help streamline our first meeting. During our initial session, we'll explore your goals for therapy and begin to develop a plan tailored to your needs. I'm here to support you every step of the way, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or to set up your first appointment. Alternatively please feel free to use the Contact me form below!