Question 1

Who is therapy a good fit for?

Accepted Answer

Therapy may be a good fit if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in unhelpful patterns, navigating anxiety or stress, or seeking support with relationships, boundaries, or personal growth. Online therapy can also be helpful if you want structured support, emotional clarity, or tools to better manage daily life.

Question 2

What issues do you help with?

Accepted Answer

Safe Space Counseling provides online therapy for individuals navigating a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges. Clinicians support clients with:
Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic
Depression and mood-related concerns
Chronic stress, burnout, and emotional overwhelm
Trauma and trauma-related symptoms
Relationship challenges, including communication and boundary-setting
Self-esteem and self-worth concerns
Cultural and family dynamics, including Caribbean family and cultural experiences
Therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique background, goals, and lived experiences. All services are provided through secure virtual therapy, offering flexible and confidential support.

Question 3

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

Safe Space Counseling does not offer in-person sessions. All therapy services are provided through online therapy using Doxy, a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform that allows clients to attend sessions from the comfort of their own space.

Question 4

What do I need for virtual sessions?

Accepted Answer

Virtual therapy sessions are designed to be simple and accessible. You’ll need a stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone (such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone), and a private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly.
Sessions take place through Doxy, a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, and joining your session is as easy as clicking a secure link—no apps or downloads required.

Question 5

What states do you provide therapy in?

Accepted Answer

Safe Space Counseling offers virtual therapy services to clients located in states where clinicians are licensed at the time of the session. Yourdeline Sertyl, LMHC, is licensed to provide therapy in Massachusetts, Georgia, and New Jersey. Additional clinicians at the practice are primarily licensed in Massachusetts.
Because licensure laws vary by state, clients must be physically located in a state where their clinician is licensed during each session. The administrative team can help confirm eligibility and ensure appropriate clinician matching based on your location.

Question 6

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Therapy sessions are confidential, and your privacy is taken seriously. Information shared in therapy is protected by law, with limited exceptions related to safety concerns or legal requirements. Your clinician will review confidentiality and its limits during the intake process, and questions are always welcome.

Question 7

What can I expect during my first session?

Accepted Answer

The first therapy session focuses on establishing rapport and understanding what led you to seek therapy. Your clinician will ask about your background, current concerns, and goals, and will also answer any questions you may have about the therapy process.
You are always in control of what you share, and there is no expectation to cover everything in one session. The goal is for you to leave feeling supported, understood, and clear about next steps.

Question 8

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

Therapy sessions typically last 50 minutes. While the full session time is reserved for you, how the time is used may vary based on your needs and the flow of the session that day.

Question 9

What insurance plans do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Safe Space Counseling accepts the following insurance plans for virtual therapy services:
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Harvard Pilgrim
Mass General Brigham
Optum
Tufts
United Healthcare
Insurance coverage varies by plan and individual policy. Eligibility, copays, deductibles, and telehealth coverage are determined by your insurance provider. The practice can assist with verifying benefits prior to your first appointment.
If your insurance plan is not listed, Safe Space Counseling can also help verify out-of-network benefits and discuss self-pay options.

Question 10

What are your self-pay rates?

Accepted Answer

Safe Space Counseling offers self-pay options for clients who prefer to pay out of pocket or who are using out-of-network insurance benefits.
Intake / Diagnostic Evaluation: $225
Individual Psychotherapy (45–60 minutes): $160–$175
Rates may vary depending on the clinician and type of service provided. Payment is due at the time of service.
Sliding scale options may be available on a limited basis. Clients are encouraged to ask about sliding scale availability during the initial consultation or intake process.
For clients using out-of-network benefits, the practice can assist with benefit verification and provide a superbill upon request to support potential reimbursement.

Question 11

How do I book a session?

Accepted Answer

To get started with online therapy at Safe Space Counseling, you can choose the option that feels most comfortable for you:
Complete the form on the Contact page
Schedule a call with the administrative coordinator, Danella:
https://calendly.com/safespaceboston-info/initial-call
Email info@safespaceboston.com
Call 978-955-9221
Inquiries are typically responded to within 24 business hours. The administrative team can help answer questions about services, insurance, and next steps, and assist with matching you to the appropriate clinician.

Question 12

What happens after I book a consultation?

Accepted Answer

After booking a consultation or submitting an inquiry, a member of the administrative team will reach out to confirm details, review insurance or self-pay options, and answer any initial questions.
The consultation is a brief, low-pressure conversation focused on understanding your needs and helping match you with the appropriate clinician. If you’re feeling nervous, that’s completely normal—there’s no expectation to know exactly what to say or to share anything personal right away. The goal is simply to help you feel informed, supported, and clear about next steps.

Question 13

Still have questions?

Accepted Answer

If you have additional questions or aren’t sure where to start, the administrative team is happy to help. You can schedule a consultation, reach out through the Contact page, or contact the practice directly to learn more about starting online therapy with Safe Space Counseling.

Frequently asked questions