The initial session is called an intake session. It is primarily a chance for us to get to know each other. We will discuss what brings you to therapy, your history, and what goals you hope to achieve. Think of it as a collaborative conversation to see if we are a good fit. You do not have to tell your entire story at once. We will move at a pace that allows you to feel comfortable as we begin identifying goals for our work together.

Therapy sessions are provided through a secure telehealth platform for clients located in Illinois. You will need a private location, a reliable internet connection, and a device with audio and video capabilities.

Because your session time is reserved exclusively for you, I require a 24-hour notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. If a session is missed or canceled with less than 24 hours' notice, you will be responsible for a $100 late fee. Please note that insurance companies do not reimburse for missed sessions

I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna. If you plan to use insurance, we will verify your benefits, but I always recommend calling your provider beforehand to confirm your specific copay or deductible responsibilities.

My standard fee is $175 for the initial intake session and $150 per subsequent 50-minute individual session. I can provide you with a monthly statement called a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

I accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards. Clients are responsible for confirming whether a particular expense is eligible for reimbursement through an HSA or FSA plan. Payment is collected at the time of service.

Contact the member-services number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

• Do I have outpatient mental-health benefits?

• Is Lauren Alexander, LCPC, or Route To Heal in-network?

• Do I have a deductible that must be met first?

• What is my copay or coinsurance for each session?

• Is there a limit on the number of sessions covered?

• Are telehealth sessions covered?

• Do I need authorization or a referral?

A deductible is the amount you may be required to pay toward healthcare services before your insurance begins contributing to the cost. When your deductible has not been met, you may be responsible for the contracted session rate rather than only a copay.

Because deductibles and benefits vary by plan, contact your insurance company for information about your specific responsibility.

A copay is a fixed amount you pay for each covered session, such as $30.

Coinsurance is a percentage of the session cost that you pay after meeting your deductible. For example, your plan may require you to pay 20% while the insurance company pays the remaining covered amount.

Your insurance plan determines whether you have a copay, coinsurance, deductible, or a combination of these costs.

Standard individual therapy sessions typically last 45 to 55 minutes (often referred to as a "therapeutic hour"). Initial intake sessions can sometimes run slightly longer, around 60 minutes.

Most clients start with weekly sessions to establish a strong foundation. Meeting consistently helps us establish trust, maintain momentum, and understand patterns as they emerge. Session frequency may change over time depending on your goals, progress, clinical needs, and availability. As you make progress, we may transition to bi-weekly or monthly check-ins. The total duration of therapy varies entirely based on your unique goals and needs. Some people find what they need in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support.

Route To Heal intentionally centers the experiences of Black women, mothers, high-achieving professionals, and adults navigating burnout, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and overfunctioning. Clients from other backgrounds are also welcome when their needs align with my experience, approach, and areas of practice.

The relationship between the client and therapist is an important part of effective therapy. Please share your concerns, questions, or feedback about the process. Sometimes adjustments can help us work more effectively. When another therapist would better meet your needs, I can discuss referral options with you.

We offer pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs. Please review our supervision and consultation page for more information.