What is the difference between Mental Health Therapy and Personal Growth Coaching?

Though very similar in format and nature, I like to distinguish Mental Health Therapy and Personal Growth Coaching as two separate partnership types:

I am an actively Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania and Colorado, and therefore anyone with residence in PA can enter into a Mental Health Therapy Partnership with me to address specific mental health related goals, in addition to other wellness goals. You can read more about my therapeutic approach here!

In a Personal Growth Coaching Partnership, I do not practice under my counseling license, as this would limit our ability to connect across state lines. These sessions, therefore, are NOT able to be reimbursed by insurance. This flexible approach to coaching allows us to connect anywhere, which is especially beneficial for those who frequently move or find themselves temporarily out-of-state, such as college students seeking consistent guidance during this season of rapid change. Unlike mental health treatment, coaching focuses on nurturing overall wellness, including emotional, relational, spiritual, and intellectual aspects of one's life. With this holistic approach, clients can explore and enhance various areas of their lives to achieve comprehensive personal growth.

However, please understand that if mental health becomes a primary concern of someone in a coaching partnership and I do not have an active counseling license in your current state, our primary goal will be to find the best mental health specialist in your region to support you!

Are Walk + Talk sessions still confidential?

Yes! All sessions, regardless of partnership type, are confidential and follow HIPAA guidelines. Prior to your onboarding session, you will be asked to consent to and understand the limitations of confidentiality due to the public nature of the Walk + Talk format. You will also be instructed to create a plan that you will use in case you or I bump into a friend, family member, or acquaintance while walking. That way, you can rest assured that if you would prefer not to disclose that you are actively in a therapy session, you and/or I can divert the conversation appropriately.

What should I expect during a Walk + Talk session?

You'll receive details for the Waypoint Walk + Talk session through SimplePractice secure messaging. Dress comfortably and be prepared for the weather. Wear comfy shoes, especially if you're coming during lunch or outside of work hours. You can decide how much you want to walk during the session. Remember to bring water, but please leave your pets at home at this time.

What happens in the case of inclement weather for Walk + Talk sessions?

Uncomfortable with the weather forecast? No worries - we have options!

1. I intentionally choose places with at least one area of coverage so that we can take cover from the elements, if needed. (Side note: a walk in the rain can also be quite therapeutic with the appropriate gear). If that isn’t your cup of tea, we can shift to an open pavilion in the park or community space we were originally set to meet.

2. Pivot to a telehealth session format seamlessly by contacting me on the SimplePractice client portal secure messaging line (via app or online).

3. I may decide to pivot the entire day to telehealth sessions if a significant storm is forecasted. I will contact all clients to make them aware of this shift.

Weather will not be a factor for missing session!

What insurances do you take?

Waypoint Partnerships accepts private-pay only and does not accept insurance at this time.

However, we do provide clients in the Mental Health Therapy Partnership a monthly superbill for insurance reimbursement, which may cover some or all of your expenses. Please contact your insurance company to inquire more about their reimbursement process.