FAQs

Are you the right therapist for me?

Finding a therapist is hard! I offer free, 15-minute phone consultations to discuss your therapy goals and what you are looking for. Speaking over the phone allows us to get to know a little more about each other to determine if we are a good fit. Currently, I am licensed in Connecticut and Massachusetts, meaning I can work with clients in both states.

Do you take my insurance?

I accept some insurances (Aetna & Optum/United Health Care), but please contact me to verify specific plans.

What are your session fees?

My current sessions fees are $160 for adults and $175 for couples. I can provide a receipt that might help you seek reimbursement from your insurance companies. You have the right to a Good Faith Estimate (see below) regarding the cost of healthcare services provided to you.

Do you offer a sliding scale fee?

I have a limited number of sliding scale appointments available based on financial need. Contact me to discuss more!

Do you have a cancellation policy?

If you must cancel an appointment, 48 hours notice is required. If you do not provide 48 hours notice, you will be charged a cancellation fee equal to the cost of your session.

How can I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment by contacting me at meagan@meaganmullentherapy.com. If you are a prospective client, I will have you complete brief screening forms and we will complete the 15-minute phone consultation to determine if we are a good fit. You can also schedule a phone consultation by clicking here.

What is teletherapy? Is it as helpful as in-person therapy?

Teletherapy is defined as mental health counseling that occurs over the phone or via video conferencing and can be extremely helpful for clients who lack childcare, transportation, or live in remote areas. Teletherapy existed before the COVID-19 pandemic, but has risen to popularity to allow clients to continue receiving mental health care from the safety of their own homes.

Teletherapy is very similar to in-person therapy and there is research that shows it is just as effective as in-person therapy. Check out this article from the American Psychological Association for more on teletherapy.

What does a phone consultation entail?

A 15-minute, free phone consultation is a time for us to get to know each other and for me to learn more about your therapy goals/why you are seeking therapy. I'll ask you some general questions to get a better sense of what you're looking for, and we can chat more about my therapy style and what working together would look like if we're a good fit.

How do I know if I need therapy?

People seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Some people contact me because they've been struggling with body image or disordered eating, others reach out because they're experiencing a life transition that's causing a lot of stress. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, disconnected, or just stressed out, scheduling a 15-minute consultation can be a great place to start. My goal is to help you feel better emotionally!

Do you have an office?

My psychotherapy practice is currently remote only.

What is your educational background?

I have a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. I previously worked at a non-profit community mental health center treating eating disorders as a Clinician and Community Outreach Specialist. More recently, I worked at Monte Nido & Affiliates Eating Disorder Center of Boston in the Partial Hospitalization Program and the Intensive Outpatient Program as an Individual and Group Therapist. I also hold a Bachelor's Degree in Counseling Psychology. In order to obtain licensure in both Connecticut and Massachusetts, I had to complete upwards of 3,000 hours of supervised work and pass a national exam.

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are physical and mental illnesses in which someone experiences a disturbance in their relationship with food, body, and sometimes exercise. There are many different types of eating disorders, and you can read about them here. Please remember that you do not have to meet the criteria for an eating disorder to be struggling with disordered eating or body image.

How do I know if I have an eating disorder?

Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, cultures, races, and sizes. They do not discriminate! While it's hard to determine if someone has an eating disorder without working with them, a good question to ask yourself is: how much time each day do I spend thinking about food, my body, exercise, or related topics? You can utilize the screening tool from the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to determine if you are experiencing signs/symptoms of disordered eating. You can also reach out to the Multi-service Eating Disorders Association to schedule an online assessment to determine what next steps to take.

What should I do if someone I love has an eating disorder?

Eating disorders often affect loved ones of the person struggling, and it's hard to determine how best to support someone who is sick. There are many great resources for loved ones, including NEDA's "How to Help a Loved One" page and the SupportED Group from MEDA. Additionally, I offer Loved One Coaching for the family, friends, partners, or parents of someone with an eating disorder. You can read more about these sessions here.

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

In 2022, a new law was passed to ensure that patients are aware of the charges they may accrue for healthcare services over a 12-month period. This bill was intended to help consumers avoid surprise bills and charges from hospitals or large healthcare clinics who might be out-of-network with your insurance. As a licensed healthcare provider I am required to provide you with a Good Faith Estimate if you are paying privately for services or if you do not plan on submitting documentation to your insurance company for reimbursement. I will do my absolute best to ensure you do not receive any surprise charges, as the session cost and cancellation policy is always agreed upon by both the therapist and client before services are rendered. If you believe you have been charged beyond your GFE, you have the right to dispute these charges. Click here for more information about Good Faith Estimates.

More questions? Reach out here.