Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the right therapist is an important decision. Below are answers to the questions I'm asked most often by prospective and current clients. If you don't find what you're looking for, please call 303-351-2251 or email rachael.stclaire@hush.com.
About My Practice
Who do you work with?
I provide psychotherapy for adults across the lifespan — from emerging adults through older adulthood. I specialize in anxiety disorders, OCD and intrusive thoughts, depression, chronic worry and rumination, psychological adjustment to chronic illness, sleep disturbance related to anxiety or mood, and life transitions. All sessions are conducted via secure video telehealth throughout Colorado, including the Denver metro area.
Do you offer in-person sessions?
No. All sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video telehealth. This allows me to serve clients throughout Colorado regardless of location. You'll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection and a private space for your session.
What are your available days and hours?
Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To check current availability or request a consultation, call 303-351-2251 or email rachael.stclaire@hush.com.
What makes your approach different from other therapists?
I practice from a Process-Based Therapy (PBT) framework, which is a modern approach that goes beyond diagnostic labels to identify the specific psychological processes — such as avoidance, rumination, emotional rigidity, or disconnection from values — that are keeping you stuck. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all treatment protocol, I draw from multiple evidence-based modalities including ACT, CBT, ERP, and mindfulness-based approaches to create a treatment plan tailored to how your mind and behavior actually work. I am one of few psychologists in Colorado trained in PBT.
Therapy Approaches
What is Process-Based Therapy (PBT)?
Process-Based Therapy is a cutting-edge, evidence-based framework that targets the underlying psychological processes maintaining your distress rather than treating a diagnostic label. Instead of asking "What disorder do you have?" PBT asks "What patterns are keeping you stuck, and where is the most effective place to intervene?" This approach is especially helpful for people who have tried therapy before without achieving the results they hoped for, or who experience overlapping concerns like anxiety and depression together.
What is the difference between ACT and CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that maintain distress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) takes a different approach — rather than trying to change difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT helps you develop a more flexible relationship with them while moving toward a values-driven life. Both are evidence-based and effective. I integrate both within a process-based framework, selecting the strategies that best match your specific needs.
What is ERP and how does it help with OCD?
Exposure and Response Prevention is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. In a safe, gradual manner, you're guided to face feared thoughts, images, or situations while resisting the urge to perform compulsive rituals. Over time, this retrains your brain to tolerate uncertainty and significantly reduces the anxiety that drives obsessive-compulsive cycles. ERP has the strongest research support of any therapy for OCD.
Can therapy help with health anxiety and chronic illness?
Yes. I specialize in the psychological adjustment to chronic illness, including health anxiety, emotional exhaustion, identity shifts due to illness, and managing medical uncertainty. I have extensive experience working with individuals facing autoimmune disorders, organ transplantation, cancer, and other serious medical conditions. Therapy can help you manage the emotional impact of illness while building resilience and maintaining quality of life.
Insurance and Fees
What insurance do you accept?
I am in-network with Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Kaiser Permanente Colorado. If you are covered by one of these plans, your session rate is based on the contracted rate between my practice and your insurer, which is typically lower than the private pay rate. Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your plan's copayment or coinsurance. I recommend verifying your behavioral health benefits with your insurance company before scheduling.
How much does therapy cost without insurance?
Private pay rates are:
Mental Health Diagnostic Evaluation — $250;
Individual Psychotherapy — $200 per session;
Family/Couples Psychotherapy — $200 per session.
I also offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation at no charge. I accept HSA and FSA accounts, and I provide a detailed statement of services for out-of-network reimbursement.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation before we begin working together. This gives us both an opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and determine whether we're a good fit — before you commit any time or resources.
Getting Started
How do I schedule my first appointment?
Call me at 303-351-2251 or email rachael.stclaire@hush.com to request a consultation. After our initial phone consultation, we'll schedule a full Initial Assessment session and I'll provide you with access to the secure Client Portal.
What happens in the first session?
The first full session is a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. We'll review practice policies and consent forms, discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, and begin to understand the nature and history of your concerns. Over the first one to three sessions, I'll gather relevant clinical information, assess symptoms, and collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan.
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments must be cancelled at least 48 hours in advance either by phone, email, or through the Client Portal. A $50 fee applies for late cancellations and no-shows.