Starting therapy — or finding a new therapist — can bring up a lot of questions. Here are honest answers to the ones I hear most often. If something isn't covered here, please reach out. I'm always happy to talk things through before you decide to book.
Frequently asked questions
Therapy in Kansas City, MO
getting starteed
The Therapy Process
There isn't a set timeline for therapy. How long we work together depends on what brings you in, what you're hoping for, and what feels supportive to you. Some clients come to therapy for a few months around a specific challenge or transition. Others stay longer as they explore deeper patterns in themselves and their relationships. We'll check in along the way about how therapy is feeling and what you need. My goal isn't to keep you in therapy for a certain amount of time. It's to support you for as long as it feels helpful.
How long will therapy take?
The clients I work with are in all kinds of places in their lives. Some are navigating a specific challenge or transition, while others are noticing patterns in themselves or their relationships that they want to understand more deeply. If you're feeling anxious, disconnected, lonely, uncertain, or longing for something to feel different, therapy can be a space to explore that. You don't need a perfect explanation for why you're seeking support. A sense that something isn't working, or a curiosity about yourself and your experiences, is often enough.
How do I know if I'm ready for therapy?
Our first session is mostly about me getting to know you: what brought you in, what you're hoping for, and a bit about your history and life context. I won't push you to share more than you're ready to. We'll build from wherever you are. For individuals, it's a conversation not an intake form read aloud. For couples, I'll want to hear from both of you, and I may schedule brief individual sessions early on so I can understand each person's perspective privately. For families, we'll start with the full group and talk through what you're hoping to work on together. By the end of the first session, we'll have a shared sense of what we're working toward, and you'll have a feel for whether I'm the right fit for you.
What should I expect for my first session?
Cost
Paying for therapy
Yes — I accept payment via HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards. Therapy is typically an eligible expense under both, though it's worth confirming with your plan administrator if you're unsure.
Do you accept HSA or FSA payments?
Individual therapy sessions (50 minutes) are $120. Couples and family sessions (50 minutes) are $120.
Your session fee covers more than the time we spend together. It reflects the preparation, clinical reflection, ongoing supervision, continuing education, and care that surrounds every session. I take all of it seriously.
How much do sessions cost?
I am not currently in-network with any insurance plans and work on a private-pay basis, which means payment is made directly for each session. This allows for more flexibility in the therapy process, including the pace, frequency, and focus of our work. It also means your care is not tied to insurance requirements such as diagnosis or session limits. If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide a superbill that you may submit for possible reimbursement depending on your plan.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. I reserve a limited number of sliding scale spots to help make therapy more accessible. If cost is a genuine barrier, please bring it up during your free consultation and we can talk through what's possible. I'd rather find a way to make it work than have cost be the reason you don't get support.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
Paying for therapy
Superbills
What is a superbill?
1. Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
This is the most important question. If the answer is no, your plan won't reimburse for out-of-network sessions.
2. What percentage of the session fee does my plan reimburse?
Some plans reimburse 50–80% after your deductible is met. Others reimburse a flat 'usual and customary' amount.
3. What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much has been met?
You may need to pay out of pocket until your deductible is reached, after which reimbursement kicks in.
4. Does my plan cover couples or family therapy?
Many plans do not cover couples therapy specifically — it's worth confirming before assuming reimbursement is available.
5. How do I submit a superbill?
Most insurers accept them via an online portal or by mail. Ask for their specific process.
Questions to ask your insurance company
Once you have that information, I'm happy to provide superbills on a monthly basis. Reimbursement is sent directly to you, not to me — so you pay the full fee upfront and receive reimbursement from your insurer afterward.
A superbill is an itemized receipt I can provide after your sessions that includes everything your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network reimbursement claim — session dates, service codes, fees paid, my credentials, and a diagnosis code if applicable.
If you have out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be able to submit your superbill to your insurer and receive partial or full reimbursement directly. The amount depends on your specific plan.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy originally developed for trauma and PTSD, now widely used for anxiety, grief, phobias, and the lasting effects of difficult life experiences. It works by helping the brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional charge — without requiring you to talk through every detail of what happened.
I integrate EMDR into individual therapy when it's a good fit. If you're curious whether it might be helpful for what you're working through, we can discuss it during your free consultation.
What is EMDR?
MODALITIES
Therapy approaches
EFT is a structured, evidence-based approach to couples and family therapy that focuses on strengthening emotional bonds and attachment security. It's built on decades of research into how people connect — and disconnect — in close relationships.
At its core, EFT helps partners or family members understand the negative cycles they get caught in (the pursuer-withdrawer dynamic, the mutual shutdown, the argument that's never really about what it's about), the deeper attachment needs and fears underneath those cycles, and how to break the cycle and reach for each other from a more vulnerable, connected place.
Research shows that 70–75% of couples who complete EFT move from relationship distress to recovery. It's one of the most well-supported approaches in couples counseling — and it tends to produce lasting change, not just temporary symptom relief.
What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?
IFS is an approach to individual therapy that views the mind as made up of distinct 'parts' — each with its own perspective, role, and history. You might recognize some of yours: the part that's always anxious, the inner critic, the one that shuts down under pressure, the part that takes care of everyone else before taking care of you.
Rather than trying to silence or fight these parts, IFS helps you build a compassionate, curious relationship with all of them — including the ones that feel most difficult. Most people find that when their parts feel heard rather than battled, they start to shift on their own.
IFS is particularly well-suited for anxiety, self-criticism, people-pleasing, trauma, and any pattern that feels hard to change even when you know it's not serving you.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy?
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My office is located at KC Well Co., inside the historic Helzberg Building.
There is ample street parking, or our private parking lot just south of the building entrance.
KC Well Co. | 3130 Troost Ave, Suite 202, Kansas City, MO 64109
sarah@sarahrichardsoncounseling.com | 913-601-7280
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June 2025 | sarahrichardsoncounseling.com | Sarah Richardson Counseling, LLC
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Sarah Richardson Counseling, LLC
June, 2025
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION.
You may have additional rights under Missouri law. If you have questions about your rights, you are encouraged to seek advice from an attorney licensed in your state.
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), you have certain rights regarding the use and disclosure of your Protected Health Information (“PHI”). This Notice explains those rights and my legal duties.
I understand that your health information is personal and confidential. I am committed to protecting your PHI and maintaining its privacy. I create and maintain records of the care and services you receive to provide quality treatment and to comply with legal requirements. This Notice applies to all records of your care created or maintained by this practice. I am required by law to: Maintain the privacy of your PHI, provide you with this notice of my legal duties and privacy practices, abide by the terms of this Notice currently in effect, notify you in the event of a breach of unsecured PHI. I reserve the right to revise this Notice at any time. Any revision will apply to all PHI I maintain. The updated Notice will be available in my office and on my website.
I. How I May Use and Disclose Your PHI
The following categories describe ways I may use and disclose your PHI. Not every example is listed, but all permitted uses fall within these categories:
1. Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations: I may use and disclose your PHI without written authorization for: to provide, coordinate, or manage your care. This may include consultation with other healthcare providers, to obtain payment for services provided. This may include billing insurance companies or providing documentation required for reimbursement.To support business operations such as scheduling, quality assessment, supervision, licensing requirements, and administrative functions. Disclosures for treatment are not limited to the minimum necessary standard, as providers may need full access to records to ensure quality care.
2. Legal Proceedings: If you are involved in a lawsuit or legal matter, I may disclose PHI in response to a court order. I may also respond to subpoenas or lawful requests if proper legal procedures are followed.
II. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Written Authorization
Certain uses and disclosures require your written authorization.
1. Psychotherapy Notes: I maintain psychotherapy notes as defined by HIPAA (45 CFR §164.501). These notes are kept separately from your clinical record. I will not use or disclose psychotherapy notes without your written authorization except: for my use in providing treatment, for training or supervision, to defend myself in legal proceedings initiated by you, for compliance investigations by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, when required by law, to avert a serious threat to health or safety.
2. Marketing: I will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes without your written authorization.
If you provide a testimonial or review and it contains identifiable health information, I will obtain a signed HIPAA authorization before publishing it. You may revoke authorization in writing at any time. Revocation will not affect prior disclosures made in reliance on the authorization.
3. Sale of PHI: I do not sell your PHI.
III. Uses and Disclosures That Do Not Require Authorization
Subject to legal limitations, I may use or disclose your PHI without authorization for: Appointment reminders, information about treatment alternatives or services, when required by federal or Missouri law, public health activities (e.g., reporting abuse or neglect), health oversight activities (audits, licensing), judicial or administrative proceedings, law enforcement purposes, to coroners or medical examiners, to prevent or lessen a serious threat to health or safety, workers’ compensation claims, specialized government functions
IV. Disclosures Requiring Opportunity to Agree or Object
You have the right to decide whether I may share information with family members, friends, or others involved in your care or payment for care. In emergency situations, I may share relevant information if necessary to prevent serious harm.
V. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI
You have the following rights:
1. Right to Request Restrictions: You may request limits on how I use or disclose your PHI. I am not required to agree to all requests. 2. Right to Restrict Disclosure to Health Plans: If you pay for services out-of-pocket in full, you may request that I not disclose related PHI to your health insurer. 3. Right to Confidential Communications: You may request that I contact you in a specific way (e.g., at a certain phone number or address). I will accommodate reasonable requests. 4. Right to Access Your Records: You may request an electronic or paper copy of your records. I will respond within 30 days. A reasonable fee may apply. 5. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of disclosures made for purposes other than treatment, payment, or operations within the past six years. 6. Right to Request Amendment: If you believe your PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you may request a correction. I may deny the request but will provide a written explanation within 60 days. 7. Right to a Copy of This Notice: You may request a paper or electronic copy of this Notice at any time. 8. Right to Appoint a Personal Representative: If someone has medical power of attorney or is your legal guardian, they may exercise your rights. 9. Right to Revoke Authorization: You may revoke any authorization in writing at any time. 10. Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20201, Phone: (877) 696-6775, Website: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
VI. Changes to This Notice
I reserve the right to modify this Notice at any time. Revised notices will apply to all PHI maintained by this practice and will be made available in the office and on the website.