Licensed to practice in 6 states and accepts 40 insurances. Specializes in Couples Counseling, LGBTQ, Life Transitions and 4 more.
(she/her)
COUPLES-Please note that most insurances will not cover the cost of couples session unless the reason for counseling is related to the a mental health diagnosis for the insured partner so the sessions will be billed as self pay. I have over 20 years of experience helping adults and couples navigate life's challenges in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes that align with your values and goals. As a Certified Sex Therapist and CBT-certified therapist, I use an integrative approach to treatment, tailoring therapy to meet your unique needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) serves as one foundation of my work, I also incorporate evidence-based techniques from other therapeutic approaches to provide individualized care. I have experience working with clients facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, intimacy and sexual concerns, LGBTQIA+ issues, military-related experiences, and major life transitions. Whether you're navigating communication difficulties, rebuilding trust, managing stress, exploring your identity, or working toward greater emotional and relational wellness, I am committed to helping you develop practical skills and lasting insight. I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, authenticity, and compassion. Together, we will identify your strengths, explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop strategies to help you move forward with confidence. My approach is warm, direct, and solution-focused while honoring your pace and individual experiences. Seeking therapy is a courageous step, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients throughout their journey. I am passionate about helping people build healthier relationships, improve emotional well-being, strengthen resilience, and create fulfilling lives that reflect who they truly are.
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a strong foundation for our work together. My priority is to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable sharing your story at your own pace. During our first session, we'll discuss what brings you to therapy, the challenges you're currently facing, and what you hope to achieve. I'll ask questions about your personal history, relationships, mental health, and any other areas that may be impacting your well-being. This helps me gain a better understanding of your unique experiences and identify the best approach to support you. We'll also talk about your strengths, what's worked well for you in the past, and any concerns or questions you have about the therapy process. Whether you're coming in individually or as a couple, my goal is for you to leave the session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful. By the end of our time together, we'll begin identifying your goals for therapy and develop an initial plan that is tailored to your needs. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is to provide guidance, support, practical tools, and evidence-based strategies to help you move toward the changes you want to make. There is no pressure to share everything during your first session. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you while working together to build trust and create a therapeutic relationship where healing and growth can occur.
I believe one of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a space where clients feel safe, accepted, and free from judgment. I understand that beginning therapy can be difficult, so I strive to build genuine relationships rooted in trust, empathy, and authenticity. My clients often appreciate that I balance warmth and compassion with honesty and accountability, helping them feel supported while also challenging them to grow. I take an integrative approach to therapy, recognizing that every client brings unique experiences, strengths, and goals. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor treatment to meet your individual needs by drawing from evidence-based practices that best support your growth. As a Certified Sex Therapist, I am also passionate about creating an affirming space to discuss intimacy, sexuality, and relationships without shame or stigma. I value collaboration and believe that therapy works best when we work together as a team. I focus on helping clients gain practical tools they can use outside of our sessions while also exploring the deeper patterns and experiences that contribute to current challenges. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, or issues related to identity or intimacy, my goal is to help you feel empowered, understood, and equipped to create lasting change. Above all, I strive to help my clients leave each session feeling heard, supported, and one step closer to the life and relationships they want to build.
Through telehealth (video or telephone), I work with clients going through life transitions, relationship challenges, LGBTQIA issues, military issues, anxiety, and depression. *** Please note that insurance typically covers couples therapy only under specific circumstances. Coverage may apply if services are billed through Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits, or if the partner whose insurance is being utilized has a qualifying mental health diagnosis and the couples therapy is directly related to the treatment of that condition.***
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Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $150 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Ambetter Health
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
Evernorth
Florida Blue
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Washington
NC State Health Plan
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Regence BlueShield of Washington
Regence Group Administrators
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Eclectic
I utilize a blend of therapies including (but not limited to) CBT and Person Centered Therapy depending on what is appropriate for my client as an individual or what is best to address the issue at hand.
6 ratings with written reviews
April 16, 2026
Hands down the best therapist I have ever worked with.
February 16, 2026
Today I had my intake session. I am already impressed by her warmth and authenticity. She has a natural ability to make you feel comfortable without it feeling forced or clinical. Our conversation felt genuine, and I appreciate how present and engaged she was during our session. It’s clear she truly cares, and that makes all the difference in building trust.
February 12, 2026
we started couples therapy and were so scared until we met Nerissa, she is so warm and inviting in session and has an amazing balance of being able to laugh at our jokes but also guide us in ways we were unable to see needed direction!