What to Expect

Session Length

Sessions are 50 minutes in length, and can be in-person or virtual (if you are in the state of Missouri).

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Every journey at Arukah begins with a consultation – not a session. This first meeting is a chance for you to share a bit about what’s been weighing on you and what you hope to change. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about how I work and whether this feels like the right fit for you.

Together, we’ll explore the kind of support you’re looking for, and begin to outline what your path toward lasting change could look like. We will then collaborate on a potential plan of healing for your counseling journey.

Payments

My out-of-pocket rate is $150 per session. I accept cash, check, and all major credit cards, including FSA and HSA cards as forms of payment. I also can provide reduced rate services to a limited number of clients based on financial need. If this pertains to you, please discuss it with me prior to our first session.

At Arukah Counseling, we are in network with most Cigna and Aetna plans. All other insurance panels are considered out of network, but we are happy to provide a superbill for you to submit for out of network for reimbursement if it applies.

Cancellation Policy

I ask if you need to cancel your appointment, that you notify me of the cancellation at least 24 hours beforehand. Otherwise, you may be charged for the full rate of the session.

Hours & Location

My office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9am to 4pm. If you are in need of emergency/crisis services, please call/text the national crisis hotline at 988, or call 911 and/or go to your nearest emergency room.

My office is located at 1137 N Main St, Suite 2, O’Fallon, MO 63366.

FAQs

How do I get started?

Every journey at Arukah begins with a consultation—not a session. This first meeting is a chance to share what’s been weighing on you, what you hope to change, and get a sense of how I work.

From there, we’ll explore the kind of support you’re looking for and begin outlining what your path toward lasting change could look like. If it feels like a good fit, we’ll collaborate on a plan for your counseling journey and schedule your first session.

To schedule your consultation, click here.

Can I meet virtually?

All services are offered in-person, via telehealth, or a combination of both—accessible anywhere you have a computer or smartphone. Sessions take place on a secure, confidential telehealth platform similar to Zoom.

How is this different from talk therapy?

Many clients come to Arukah after years of talk therapy because they understand their story but still feel stuck in it. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) works differently. Rather than talking through memories alone, EMDR helps the brain and body reprocess them, so they no longer carry the same emotional charge.

This process engages both sides of the brain to help release stored trauma, calm the nervous system, and rewire old beliefs rooted in shame, grief, or fear. The result is not just insight, but lasting change – a felt sense of freedom, peace, and reconnection to who you truly are.

Do I have to be a Christian to work with you?

No. My practice is rooted in values of compassion, authenticity, and respect for each person’s story. While my Christian faith shapes the way I view healing and wholeness, I work with clients from all walks of life and meet each person with respect, compassion, and genuine care.

How long will I need therapy?

One of the beautiful things about the counseling setting is that it is tailored to the individual client and their needs. It’s not uncommon for appointments to fluctuate from weekly, to biweekly, to monthly. Some clients will close out counseling services after meeting their goals and then choose to return with new goals in mind.

There is no deadline that I can say someone will be “finished” with therapy. When working toward goals, evaluations of frequency and need of session are absolutely a part of our conversations. This discussion about the length of treatment can take place at any time!

What is the No Surprise Act

Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills

• When you get emergency care or are treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from balance billing. In these cases, you shouldn’t be charged more than your plan’s copayments, coinsurance and/or deductible. 

  What is “balance billing” (sometimes called “surprise billing”)? 

  When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, like a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible. You may have additional costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a health care facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network. 

  “Out-of-network” means providers and facilities that haven’t signed a contract with your health plan to provide services. Out-of-network providers may be allowed to bill you for the difference between what your plan pays and the full amount charged for a service. This is called “balance billing.” This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your plan’s deductible or annual out-of-pocket limit. 

  “Surprise billing” is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care—like when you have an emergency or when you schedule a visit at an in-network facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider. Surprise medical bills could cost thousands of dollars depending on the procedure or service. 

  You’re protected from balance billing for: 

  Emergency services 

  If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from an out-of-network provider or facility, the most they can bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount (such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles). You can’t be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you’re in stable condition, unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services. 

  Certain services at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center 

  When you get services from an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, certain providers there may be out-of-network. In these cases, the most those providers can bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount. This applies to emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory, neonatology, assistant surgeon, hospitalist, or intensivist services. These providers can’t balance bill you and may not ask you to give up your protections not to be balance billed. 

  If you get other types of services at these in-network facilities, out-of-network providers can’t balance bill you, unless you give written consent and give up your protections.

  You’re never required to give up your protections from balance billing. You also aren’t required to get out-of-network care. You can choose a provider or facility in your plan’s network. 

  When balance billing isn’t allowed, you also have these protections: 

  • You’re only responsible for paying your share of the cost (like the copayments, coinsurance, and deductible that you would pay if the provider or facility was in-network). Your health plan will pay any additional costs to out-of-network providers and facilities directly. 

  • Generally, your health plan must: 

    • Cover emergency services without requiring you to get approval for services in advance (also known as “prior authorization”). 

    • Cover emergency services by out-of-network providers. 

    • Base what you owe the provider or facility (cost-sharing) on what it would pay an in-network provider or facility and show that amount in your explanation of benefits.

    • Count any amount you pay for emergency services or out-of-network services toward your in-network deductible and out-of-pocket limit. 

  If you think you’ve been wrongly billed, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at (800) 368-1019. The federal phone number for information and complaints is: 1-800-985-3059. 

  Visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers for more information about your rights under federal law.