Big Change Starts With a Small Message

Frequently asked questions

What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help?

Not all therapy approaches or therapists are the same. I go beyond just talking. Drawing from many types of therapy including experiential therapy like art and music, we uncover root causes, make mindset shifts happen and regulate your nervous system. Success in therapy looks different for everyone, which is why I'm person-centered. It's about you.

Is therapy just talking about feelings?

Therapy isn’t just venting, it’s about creating real change. I help clients understand the "why" behind their struggles, develop practical tools, integrate somatic (body focused) and experience based learning and rewire patterns that no longer serve them. Healing isn’t just about talking, it’s about transformation.

Do I need to have a major problem to start therapy?

Not at all. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Therapy is about helping you grow, heal and build confidence in yourself and your relationships—whether you’re struggling or just feeling stuck. Living in "I'm Fine" mode isn't thriving, it's surviving. Therapy is a great tool to get you to thriving.

What if I'm nervous to start?

That’s completely normal. Taking the first step can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to do this alone. Clients often say they immediately feel comfortable talking with me because I'm "real," genuine, warm, supportive, and pretty funny (seriously, I am, LOL). The hardest part is reaching out—the rest, we’ll navigate together.

What to Expect: Rates, Insurance and Payment Info

To give each client the attention and depth of care they deserve, I keep my caseload intentionally small.
This allows me to show up fully present and go deep — not just check boxes.

You have two options for paying for therapy:

Private Pay Therapy Session Rates

Individual Therapy (Telehealth, Hawaii residents only)
$160 per 60 minute session

Couples Therapy (Telehealth, Hawaii residents only)
$225 per 60 minute session

I accept the following insurance plans:

Kaiser Permanente of Hawaii, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Hawaii (HMSA), Carelon Behavioral Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Quest Behavioral Health, Cigna, Atena, Optum

Private Pay

Private pay or out-of-pocket pay clients receive the most flexibility and personalized care.

Choosing private pay means:

• No diagnosis required to receive care

• No session limits or insurance restrictions

• Full freedom to focus on your goals, your pace, and the work that truly matters

• A truly confidential space, free from third-party (insurance company) involvement

Insurance

I also accept some insurance plans through trusted platforms.

Using insurance may mean:

• Lower out-of-pocket costs depending on your coverage

• A diagnosis is required for sessions to be covered

• Potential limits on session length, frequency, or total number allowed

• Some restrictions in how we structure our work together

Insurance Therapy Session Rates

Your copay is determined by your insurance plan and can't be confirmed until your benefits have been verified.

Want to use out-of-network benefits?
No problem! It's like using insurance without the hassle of insurance. I partner with Thrizer to make using your out-of-network (OON) benefits simple and easy. Thrizer handles the billing directly with your insurance while I’m still paid my full private practice rate. Often, your cost ends up being similar to an in-network copay.

Location Info and Limitations

Empower Change Counseling is based in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi and offers telehealth-only services. I provide therapy to individuals and couples located on any island in Hawaiʻi.

Sessions are held via secure video and scheduled at a time that works for you, so you can get support that works for you, no matter where you're starting from.

You don’t have to do this alone. Support is just a click away.

Empower Change Counseling