NEW CLIENTS
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming — especially if it’s your first time. I’m here to make the process as comfortable and supportive as possible. Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or a space to be heard, I’m honored to walk alongside you. This page will guide you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how we can begin your journey together.
Getting Started: What to Expect & How to Prepare
Before your first session, you'll need to complete and submit initial intake paperwork. All forms will be sent to you through a secure link via SimplePractice, my online client portal. This allows us to begin our work together with a clear foundation and gives you the chance to share important background information at your own pace.
Your first session is a time for us to get to know each other. We'll explore what brings you to therapy, what feels stuck or painful in your life right now, and what you're hoping will change. This is your space to begin telling your story — at your own comfort level — and to start identifying goals for your healing or growth.
Together, we may reflect on questions like:
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What feels overwhelming or unmanageable right now?
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How do you hope your life might look one year from now?
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What are your dreams, your longings, or the parts of yourself you'd like to reclaim?
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What do you sense is getting in the way?
There’s no need to prepare anything formal — just come as you are. Whether you’re feeling nervous, unsure, or simply curious, our first session is about building connection and safety so we can begin your journey with care and intention.
You Don’t Have to Be an Artist
Art therapy is not about talent or creating something that looks “good.” It’s about expression, not perfection. The goal is to explore feelings, thoughts, and experiences through creative means — no artistic background required.
Art therapy offers a way to process emotions that can be hard to put into words. Using color, line, shape, or texture, you can express what's inside in a safe, nonverbal way. This is not an art class, and there’s no pressure to create in any specific way. We go at your pace, and creative activities are always tailored to your comfort level.
Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush or you’ve made art your whole life, the process is the same — it’s about connecting with yourself, discovering insight, and finding healing through creative expression.
Art therapy is for everyone. Your story matters, and creative expression can be a powerful way to tell it.
Fees, Payment & Insurance
Session Fee:
The standard fee for a 55-minute individual session is $130. A sliding scale is available for those who may need financial flexibility — please don’t hesitate to ask.
Insurance Accepted:
I currently accept the following insurance plans:
Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Humana, Optum, Oscar, and UnitedHealthcare.
Sessions for insured clients are processed through Headway, a secure platform that helps manage scheduling and insurance billing.
Booking an Appointment:
To view availability and book an appointment, please use the link below:
Book with Elizabeth Starnes on Headway
Free 15-Minute Consultation:
Let's connect for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your goals and whether we might be a good match for therapy.
Feel free to reach out through my Contact page to request a time that works for you.
