Got questions? I’ve got answers.

Got questions? I’ve got answers.

Copyrights 2025 Amal Afzal, photo credits: Crystal Tseng

Frequently asked questions

  • After the initial consultation call and intake session, we develop a customized and realistic plan together to achieve your goals and meet your needs. I create a safe space for you to share your thoughts and feelings and listen attentively without judgment. I then use a trauma, culture, and identity-sensitive eclectic approach. This approach blends different evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and psychodynamic/analytic with simple talk therapy at a pace comfortable for you. 

    I aim to help you gain insight and awareness of the root cause of your issues and patterns, and equip you with the skills and techniques to overcome them through deep, structured sessions. You only share what you are comfortable with, and confidentiality is respected. You can expect to work on activities/exercises both in session and on your own afterwards to ensure mastery of the concepts and skills learned in therapy. 

  • Each session is 60 minutes in length to ensure we have sufficient time to address your problems and find solutions. 

  • Most of my clients prefer weekly sessions, and frequent sessions are important for consistent progress. You can expect to meet weekly in the beginning to build a therapeutic connection, trust, and a solid foundation. We can then talk about your preferred frequency at a later time if needed.

  • The out of pocket cost for 60-minute sessions is as follows:

    • Individual Sessions: $150 

    • Couple Sessions: $200

    • Group Sessions: $75

    ***** I offer a sliding scale if applicable. ***** 

    I also accept most major insurances, including: Aetna, Cigna, BlueCross and BlueShield, Carefirst, Carelon Behavioral Health, Sentara Health Plans, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic, Meritain Health, and Quest Behavioral Health.

    Please schedule a consultation to check your insurance eligibility via this link.

  • Yes, my schedule is very flexible and I am happy to offer evening and weekend slots. Sessions are available all 7 days of the week (Mon- Sun), anytime between 7am - 10 pm.

  • We initially determine if I am the right fit for you in our free 15 -20 minute consultation phone call, where you can ask me any questions regarding my approach or therapy practice in general. It is said that usually it takes about 4 - 6 sessions to know if the therapist is right for you. I encourage all my clients to voice their feedback and concerns at any point, so that I may adjust my approach for you. You also always have the right to change therapists if needed. 

  • Intake with me looks like a simple process of gathering information you are comfortable sharing, and that which will help in the treatment process. This may include your biological/medical, mental health, and social history, but nothing you do not feel ready to share, and confidentiality is respected. I take a soft, warm, and client-centered approach, as therapy should be a place where you feel safe and heard.

  • At the moment, I am only offering virtual/online therapy. However, in-person sessions may be scheduled on request occasionally if needed.   

  • Yes, I am required to maintain confidentiality as a licensed clinical social worker. The only times when I cannot guarantee confidentiality are if you plan to hurt yourself or another individual and police or court has to be involved. I also have Duty to Warn the other party if you plan to hurt someone. You will always be required to sign the confidentiality and informed consent forms before starting the services.

  • Paying out of pocket gives you more privacy, flexibility, and control over your therapy experience. When you use insurance, a mental health diagnosis and treatment details often need to be shared with your insurance company, which becomes part of your medical record. Private pay keeps your therapy confidential. The amount of sessions you can have or the type of therapy you can take part in may also be limited based on your insurance.

    Paying out of pocket allows you to choose the therapist who is the best fit for you—many highly qualified therapists don’t accept insurance due to restrictions and paperwork. You can focus on your goals at your own pace without limits on the number of sessions, and you can receive care for personal growth, stress management, or relationship support, even if these don’t qualify for insurance coverage.

    Ultimately, paying out of pocket supports a more individualized, flexible, and uninterrupted therapy experience, tailored to your needs rather than insurance requirements. Therapy is an investment in yourself, and you deserve the best.

  • After discussing your goals and needs, we develop a customized and realistic plan together. How long you need to be in therapy depends on these goals and your individual needs. The treatment goals are addressed in each session to stay on track, and every 3 - 6 months, we review your progress on set goals and revise the plan if needed. This helps us determine if additional sessions may be needed. 

  • Whether you are dealing with day-to-day stressors, big life transitions, challenges in relationships, or just feeling lost regarding your identity and life goals, therapy can be a good decision to gain a deeper understanding of your challenges and find solutions with the help of an expert. Therapy also provides you with support and guidance when all hope seems lost and a little motivation to pick yourself back up and take charge of your life again. Things may be difficult right now, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

    I understand that starting therapy can be a daunting task, especially if this is your first time. I am here to remind you that you are not alone and commend you for taking this big step. You are brave for even being on this page and looking into the process. I will ensure that you feel safe and comfortable during the entire process. Allow me to support you in the best way possible and feel free to schedule a consultation call today to get this process started.

  • With 7+ years of experience and training at top-tier clinics and hospitals in Maryland, I have mainly practiced modalities that target improvement in thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and ultimately, our reality. I have also facilitated research and intervention groups based on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). This intervention helps improve mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and social interactions. I have firsthand seen people make improvements in their self-esteem, coping skills, and relationships through practicing these techniques. I also address trauma using trauma-informed care and a modified form of exposure therapy, which is a little gentler on clients. Additionally, we consistently track your progress according to the treatment plan developed together. Hence, you can expect to see improvement in your symptoms in real-time. 

  • I was always the go-to person in my personal life for people to talk to when experiencing emotional distress, and I have been able to successfully navigate through some of my own similar challenges. I was also always interested in learning more about human psychology and behavior - why we do what we do and if we have any control over feeling better in our lives, regardless of the situations. While studying psychology and specializing in behavioral health in my master's program, I became interested in interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, internal family systems, and positive psychology. Moreover, seeing clients benefit from these evidence-based interventions has been the most rewarding.

  • Click on the book consultation button to schedule a free 15 - 20 minute call with me. During this call, you can expect a discussion about your unique challenges and situation that you are seeking help for. This helps us both determine if I will be a good fit for you. In case we determine that you may benefit from another specialist/ healthcare provider, I am happy to refer you as well. I will also be available to answer any questions or address your concerns regarding therapy or the process during this call. 

  • A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a document that outlines the expected cost of your therapy services before you begin treatment. It’s required by the No Surprises Act to help clients understand and plan for their care costs.

    Your estimate includes the projected fees for the services you’re interested in, such as individual or couples therapy, based on your provider’s standard rates. While actual costs may change if your needs or treatment plan evolve, the GFE gives you a clear idea of what to expect financially.

    You have the right to receive a written Good Faith Estimate before your first session or whenever you request one.

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